The Colony of Surinam. 37 
and 1855. The introduction of the Home-laws in the 
colony, but modified in accordance with local exigiences 
and requirements was secured by Sect. 1 17 of the new 
fundamental law, and it was under such happy prospects 
that the Commission of i860 continued and ended its 
labours. 
With regard to the dealings of the Home Govern- 
ment with the codes drafted and submitted by the Com-? 
mission, I cannot abstain from the remark, that the 
powers at home, did not in many respects adopt the 
views of the Commission. They proved themselves 
rather too conservative and evidently too much ac- 
tuated by European impressions, ignoring the rerl state 
and social condition of the colony, with her floating 
and mixed, and only partly civilized population. Uni- 
formity of legislation was advised to a greater extent, 
than the Commission advocated and considered advisa- 
ble. More than was expedient was uprooted from old 
colonial institutions, which had stood the test of ex- 
perience. The Home Government failed to be con- 
vinced that there was more of a protective element 
and more interference of the law, in the interests o£ prU 
vate parties, required in the colony, than was wanted in 
the Mother Country. 
Surinam has at present the advantages of a 
code. The former confusion has ended, and the chaotic 
state of her local legislation is now a matter of history. 
The Royal order of the 4th September 1868, introducing 
the new legislation, enacts as follows :— 
The legal authority of the Roman Dutch (old law of Holland) and 
of the Roman Law is abrogated; all laws, reglements, publications, 
