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GOVERNOR SIR W. COLEBROOKE.
suited the purposes of its members. In contested elections, freeholders, it is said, were frequently left to unconstitutional resolutions of the assembly, who, paying no attention to former precedents, adopted such measures as would best secure the interests of their own party.* There are, however, laws for the protective privileges of freeholders for other distinctive purposes, such as exemptions from arrest, &c. In 1836, Henry Light, Esq., arrived at Antigua to play his part upon the stage of colonial life as lieutenant-governor. His lofty pretensions to liberal principles, and his condescending greatness to the mixed blood in admitting a few members of that class to "his table," evinces much insincerity, for in his private despatches to Lord Glenelg, he reprobates, with but one or two exceptions, that body of persons, in terms as ill-founded as they are illiberal. Nothing of importance occurred during Mr. Light's sojourn at Antigua ; he has subsequently been appointed to the government of British Guiana, where he has had an opportunity of shewing forth his philanthropy, as well as of acquiring fame. The year 1837 marked the appointment of Sir William MacBean George Colebrooke to the office of governor-inchief of the Leeward Islands. Of the same liberal principles as Sir Evan McGregor—firm, dignified, and polished—of courteous demeanour and pleasing address, Sir William was formed to command respect, and conciliate the affections of all classes. In his official proceedings, he was ever actuated by prudence ; and with the welfare of the colonies, over which he presided, at heart, he pursued his way in that open, straightforward manner, which, to an honourable mind, is of such inestimable value. In the first year of Sir William Colebrooke's administration, a bank was established in Antigua by royal charter ; * It must be remarked, that the house passed these resolutions after a member had been duly returned upon former precedents, so that if the returned member was obnoxious from his liberal principles, fresh regulations were determined upon in order to dispossess him of his seat. These are the evils incident upon having to govern elections.