Mr. Broughamwished to take the opportunity of asking the right hon. Gentleman opposite a question relating to the admission of Slave evidence in the Courts of Justice in our Colonies. He begged to remind the right hon. Gentleman, that when some time since he was about to introduce a Bill for that purpose, he was told that it would be unnecessary 857 for him to do so, for that it was the intention of the Government to bring in a measure for the amendment of the present system of judicial administration, of which the admission of slave evidence formed a part. He now wished to ask whether the Government still entertained the same intentions, and at what time the right hon. Gentleman would introduce the measure?
§ Sir G. Murraysaid, in reply to the question put by the hon. and learned Gentleman, that he had a perfect recollection of what had occurred on the occasion to which allusion had been made. He still entertained an anxious wish to bring forward the measure he then spoke of, as he was fully aware of its importance, not only with respect to the amelioration of the slaves in the West Indies, but of the colonists generally. He begged to assure the hon. and learned Gentleman, that he was ready to do all in his power to promote the object of the admission of slave evidence in the courts, as he felt perfectly satisfied of the benefits that must result from it. The only obstacle that at present existed was, the expense that must be incurred in affording compensation to the judges, for losses that would be occasioned, in consequence of the alterations proposed to be made on that account, and with a view to save expense, he had abstained from making out the appointments of the Chief Justice of Tobago, and Chief Justice of St. Vincent's; and he hoped that that delay would have the effect of reducing the amount to be paid by way of compensation. He hoped this statement would be considered a sufficient pledge of the intention of the Government to pursue the measures previously promised, [hear, hear.]
§ Mr. Keith Douglashad understood from the right hon. Gentleman that the same reason existed last year for not then bringing forward this measure. The consequence of this had been that for two years the island of Tobago had been without a Chief Judge to administer the law. He thought that was an evil of no small magnitude, since there would then be no others to administer justice to the inhabitants but the resident proprietors. In his opinion the benefit of the saving by no means compensated for the evil of thus leaving the Colony without a proper judicial officer.
§ Sir G. Murrayfelt called upon to say a few words in consequence of what had just fallen from the hon. Member. The 858 hon. Member was mistaken in supposing that the situation of Chief Justice of Tobago had been vacant for two years. The fact was, that soon after the vacancy occurred, a legal gentleman had been appointed to the office; but just as he was about to take his departure for the Colony, another situation fell vacant, to which he was removed. He had already pointed out to the House the reason for the delay, and he was not aware that any practical inconvenience had resulted from it. If there had been any, he should have found means to remedy it by making a temporary appointment without filling up an office that would create a greater expense than usual to the country, in consequence of the intended alterations.
§ Lord Nugentthought the evil of having no other persons but the resident proprietors to administer justice was greater than the benefit obtained by the saving of the compensation referred to; and he trusted the delay would soon be terminated. He wished to ask whether the evidence to be given by the Commissioners, as to the state of the Colonies, had closed?
§ Sir G. Murraysaid, the Commission had ceased, and there was no other obstacle to carrying the Report of the Commissioners into effect but the expense.
§ Lord Nugentconceived the expense to be so necessary, that he for one would not oppose its being incurred.
§ The Petition was then received, and ordered to be on the Table.