Offences have not increased, but rather lessened.

The Solicitor-General remarked, that the comparative state of crime could not be ascertained by a mere reference to statistical records, since previous to emancipation all offences were summarily punished by the planter.

Each estate was a little despotism, and the manager took cognizance of all the misdemeanors committed among his slaves -- inflicting such punishment as he thought proper.

The public knew nothing about the offences of the slaves, unless something very atrocious was committed.

But since emancipation has taken place, all offences, however trivial, come to the light and are recorded.