96 



TRINIDAD : THEN AND NOW. 



To quote M'Callum again : " The violence of 

 Governor Picton has been very conspicuous on many 

 occasions, but never displayed itself more forcibly 

 than at the close of the late war. The inhabitants of 

 the unfortunate colony had long groaned under the 

 oppressions of their military chief, whose aggressions 

 were only equalled by the patience and moderation 



which supported them The mild spirit of 



conciliation, which calmed the agitations of Europe, 

 brought no peace to Trinidad. The cessation of hos- 

 tilities between our country and France was, in this 

 island, the declaration of war against every British 

 principle ; and the moment which annexed Trinidad 

 to the dominions of our sovereign, decided its un- 

 worthy representatve to prevent its enjoying what- 

 ever is valuable in British protection. ' 7 



It is difficult to understand what this vague 

 accusation meant ? If it meant the retention of 

 Spanish laws, Picton was not in any way responsible 

 for it ; this was done by order of the King in Council, 

 and so remained for many years after Picton was 

 dead. This untruthful statement must have been 

 made with but one object, that of discrediting him 

 with the British public, who were ignorant of 

 anything relating to Trinidad or its government, and 

 in the sole interest of Fullarton who had just been 

 appointed joint commissioner. As the King's pro- 

 clamation is not very long I will quote it. 



' 1 It is Our Will and Pleasure, that for the pre- 

 sent, and until our future pleasure shall be signified 

 therein, the same courts of judicature which subsisted 



