240 TlMEHRl. 
this and more reacted most detrimentally on the colony, 
increased the existing confusion and reduced her, during 
that period and later, to inertness and inactivity, and, 
politically, socially and materially to non-existence. 
The restoration had come. Holland had regained her 
independence. The treaty of Vienna was concluded and 
Surinam was rendered to the Dutch 
One of the first Legislative Acts of the Home Govern- 
ment was a new system of colonial administration, and 
by Royal Order and Rescript of the 14th September, 
18 1 5, No. 58, a new constitution for the colony was 
introduced. The right of representation, that ancient 
privilege sanctioned and guaranteed by the fundamental 
law of 1852, was however not reintroduced. The in- 
habitants were deprived of their right to share in the 
administration of the government by their chosen repre- 
sentatives. The Court of Policy and Criminal Justice was 
re-constituted. The election of all its members lay, for 
the first time, with the Governor, who held his Commis- 
sion from the King. The Court consisted of nine mem- 
bers chosen from the principal, the most intelligent, the 
wealthiest inhabitants ; " being owners and proprietors 
" of estates ; as the most interested in the welfare of 
t( the colony" (section 26). The Governor presided: 
the Fiscal and the Comptroller of Finances were advising 
members. The term of office expired after a year, and 
this Court itself was called then to nominate three 
persons, from among whom the Governor elected a 
member to fill the vacant seat. The decisions of the 
Court went by majority of votes. The Governor had a 
casting vote. The Court had, pro. tern, and until further 
