JAMAICA.

Southland Times, Issue 1085, 6 January 1869, Page 3

JAMAICA.

The ' Guardian ' thinks the prospects for the islaud never were better than at present. It says there never was a period iv the history of this unhappy country more hopeful or promising thau the present ; and whatever a fe.V disappointed individuals may say to the coiiii-ary, there are unmisfcakeable _ signs of Jamaica rising in the estimation of capitalists and others well able to assist her. She is growing more prosperous and important every day ; her producing qualities are unquestionably on the increase, and capitalists from distant lands, attracted by the richness of our soil and great natural wealth, are manifesting a disposition to come and cast their lot among us. These are facts worthy of attention, and the period i.< one not to be overlooked, but improved by the manifestation of a spirit of earnestness, and activity in developing our resources, and in encouraging those who would aid us in the renovation of our country. The ' Guardian' deprecates the spirit of journalists and private individuals who are constantly slandering and hunting down Governors and Governments and public institutions, with a pertinacity so great, that observers abroad have despaired of our prosperity as a colony, and despised us an idle, mischevious, and discontented people. The country prospers, despite those who cry it down. A strong Government has brought it about ; and a Governor, influenced by personal observation alone, is our safeguard against mischief in Jamaica. Everything is now vested in the government of the colony ; and the colonists left to mind their own affairs, relieved of all political obligations, and possessing no patronage by which their pockets can be enriched, prosecute their daily callings with greater energy and singleness of purpose than before. The party spirit of former years has all but disappeared, and those great intrigues against the public funds for the enrichment of private individuals have been buried with the House of Assembly. The political demagogues who used, for political purposes, to harangue our poor ignorant negroes, setting servants against masters, and sowing the seeds of sedition and hatred, culminating in the rebellion of 1865, have settled down to other callings, and the land consequently enjoys rest.