British Honduras 
and its Resources. 
By Wilfred Collet, C.M.G. 
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DRITISH HONDURAS is situated on the Atlantic side 
^ Central America. Its capital Belize, is about 300 
nautical miles due west of Jamaica, and about 850 
miles nearly due south of New Orleans. 
The history of the colony is peculiar. As far back 
as the year 1638 British enterprise started the 
mahogany and logwood industry, which has continued 
up to the present day, and, indeed, still forms the most 
important industry of the colony. Apparently none 
but the British ever did anything to develop a 
trade; but for a long while the territory was recog'- 
nised as being Spanish. Various agreements were 
entered into with Spain, the effect of which was that 
the British were to be allowed to continue the timber 
industry, but might not settle for any purpose not 
connected with that industry. The British Govern¬ 
ment seems to have done its best to Keep its subjects 
within the terms of the agreement, but the authorities 
of the neighbouring Spanish colonies tried to drive 
the British out. The last attempt was made in 1798, 
and was frustrated by the settlers at the battle of 
St. George’s Caye, on the 10th September of that 
year. Since then Spain has made no attempt to 
exercise authority over the territory, and the settlers 
have regarded it as being British by right of conquest. 
As a matter of fact, they have a higher right. It was 
the British, and only the British, who ever occupied 
