Page:The Annual Register 1899.djvu/406

 398] FOEEIGN HISTOEY. [1899.

Sam in favour of M. Fouchard, ex-Minister of Finance, was discovered early in August, and a large number of arrests were made.

Jamaica. — Sir David Barbour went to Jamaica in January and remained for a month, prosecuting inquiries with which he had been charged by the Imperial Government. His report, issued July 26, suggested sundry measures for the increase of the revenue, including an income tax, and an increased land tax. Many economies had already been effected by the Government. Jamaica had been living in the past at a rate which the finances of the colony did not justify; but the colonial officials were not to blame for the depression which was due to the low prices prevailing for all products of the island, and the cessation of labour on the large works now completed. The revenue, however, was improving and the colony more prosperous than for the past three years.

Mr. Chamberlain, the Colonial Secretary, in September informed the Canadian Minister of Trade, Sir E. Cartwright, that her Majesty would disallow any treaty between the United States and Jamaica discriminating against Canada.

Hon. Eobert P. Porter, the United States Special Com- missioner, reported to his Government that Jamaica was a well-governed country and the revenue honestly collected and expended for the public good.

Porto Rico. — The Spanish troops evacuated San Juan in October, 1898, and the island came under the military rule of the United States. General Henry asked to be relieved from duty as Governor, April 29, and he was succeeded by Brigadier General George B. Davis. The Eadicals in the island chafed under the military authority and petitioned the President for civil rule, absolute free trade, reduction of the United States forces in the island, and even for American citizenship! An Insular Commission reported that the people were not ready for the elective franchise, as not over 10 per cent of the inhabi- tants could read and write. They recommended a revision of the tariff rates on articles imported from the United States.

San Domingo. — President Heureaux was assassinated at Moca, on July 26, by Eamon Caceres. Vice-President Figuerio suc- ceeded him on August 1. An armed insurrection under Caceres and Yasquez speedily followed, and considerable fighting took place. On August 31 Figuerio resigned and the Eevolutionists the next day formed a provisional government with Horacio Vasquez as President. Don Juan Jiminez arrived on the scene from Havana in September and issued a manifesto proposing all kinds of reform. Virtue had its reward, for Sefior Jiminez was proclaimed President on November 11.

Trinidad. — Sir H. Jerningham the Governor was obliged to disband with ignominy the Volunteer Artillery Corps in August for mutinous behaviour.

At a meeting of the Legislative Council on November 24, the