THE PROMINENCE OF COLORED PEOPLE. 23 



some branch of their families, are likely to be very offen- 

 sive. I was only protected from frequent contretemps of 

 this kind, by the timely caution of a lady, who, in explain- 

 ing its propriety, said that unless one knows the whole col- 

 lateral kindred of a family in Jamaica, he is not safe in 

 assuming that they have not some colored connections. 



One of the most distinguished barristers on the island is 

 a colored man, who was educated at an English university, 

 and ate his terms at Lincoln's inn, as must all barristers 

 who wish to practice here.; the judicial authorities of the 

 island having no power to admit any one to practice the 

 law in any of its departments. This is a circumstance, by 

 the way, which has given to Jamaica a bar of no incon- 

 siderable culture and talent. 



It so happened that the Surry Assize was sitting in 

 Kingston when I arrived, Sir Joshua Rowe presiding. I 

 availed myself of the courtesy of a professional friend, and 

 accompanied him one day to the court, while in session. 

 Though the room contained a crowd of people, there did 

 not appear to be twenty white persons among them, the 

 court and bar inclusive. Two colored lawyers were sitting 

 at the barrister's table, and the jury box was occupied by 

 twelve men, all but three of whom were colored, and all 

 but two who were negroes, were Jews. Two witnesses 

 were examined before I left the room, both of whom were 

 colored and both police officers. All the officers of the 



