We have received a communication on the management of affairs
in Honduras, from a gentleman who gives his name and respectable references for his credibility. Being ourselves unacquainted with most of the facts mentioned, we of course state theta uutler correction.
The Queen's Superintendent at Honduras possesses extensive autho- rity, which be is charged with using indiscreetly. The judicial and financial affairs of the settlement are managed by Magistrates whom the Superintendent appoints; hut, in consequence of the abrupt dis- missal of a gentleman who held the Magisterial office, he cannot procure the services of the more respectable and wealthy inhabitants.
There is a strange sort of Legislative Assembly at Honduras. The number of members is unlimited; and any twenty-four persons who swear they are worth 1001. Jamaica currency, may elect for life any person who swears he is worth 1100/. The Superintendent has a veto on the subjects of discussion, and may reject the acts of the Assembly. His proclamation is a law.
There is a supreme Court for the trial of five crimes—murder, man- slaughter, rape, burglary, and robbery ; and an inferior Court for the trial of petty offences and civil actions where the amount in question does not exceed 10/. The Judges of the Supreme Court are the Magis- trates named by the Superintendent ; and a majority of them are lax in morals, ignorant of law, and not flourishing in circumstances. Our correspondent applies much stronger expressions thee those we have used, to describe the Honduras Judges. Colonel 'Macdonald himself is no Solon ; but then, he is brother of the Adjutant-General, and his wife has the Earl of Behester and the Marchioness of Lansdowne for cousins.
There is a fine specimen of a pluralist at Honduras, in the person of Mr. Patrick Walker ; who is Secretary to the Superintendent, Clerk 01 the Lesislative Assembly,
Captain of Fort tarerge, Judge of Supreme Court,
lama's Advocate, Clerk of ;.1tiorcino Court,
1; clier of Aitibia rnIA and Clothing,
:Magistrate of Grand Court, Clerk of Court and Keeper of Iheords.
This fortunate gentleman has only been two years in the settlement— but he has a rather in the Colonial (Mice. Ile has the power to prefer an indictment, to sit as judge at the trial which ensiles, and to fees for taking down the proceedings in the Court which may truly be called his own.
In March last, the Assembly voted 1001. for an Almannek to Mr. Whitney, editor of the only newspaper in the set t L.;lient. Mr. Seel.etary Walker, who controls the newspaper, had influence with the Superin- tendent to procure the approval of the grant and with the Magistracy to obtain their sanction of the Almanack ; which he was to write him- self, and share the 100/. with Mr. Whitney.
If these statements are correct, Honduras is a credit to the Colonial Office : Mr. Stephen must be proud of the settlement—Colonial Gazette.
Letters from Tampico, of July 30th, state that Mexico is perfectly tranquil. Bustamente has resumed the Presidential chair, and Santa Anna has retired to his farm of Mango da Clavo.
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