In general the laborers are peaceable orderly, and civil, not only to those who move in higher spheres of life than themselves, but also to each other.
The crimes they are generally guilty of, are petty thefts, and other minor offences against the local acts; but crimes of an heinous nature are very rare among them; and I may venture to say, that petty thefts, _breaking sugar-canes to eat_, and offences of the like description, _principally_ swell the calendars of our quarterly courts of sessions.

_Murder_ has been a stranger to this island for many years; no execution has occurred among the island population for a very long period; the only two instances were two _Irish_ soldiers.
The lower class having become more acquainted with their governing laws, have also become infinitely more obedient to them, and I have observed _that particular care is taken among most of them to explain to each other the nature of the laws_, and to point out in their usual style the ill consequences attending any violation of them.

==> _A due fear of, and a prompt obedience to, the authority of the magistrates, is a prominent feature of the lower orders_, and to this I mainly attribute the successful maintenance of rural tranquillity.
Since emancipation, the agricultural laborer has had to contend with two of the most obstinate droughts experienced for many years in the island, which has decreased the supply of his accustomed vegetables and ground provisions, and consequently subjected him and family to very great privations; but this even, I think, has been submitted to with becoming resignation.
To judge of the past and present state of society throughout the island, I presume that _the lives and properties of all classes are as secure in this, as in any other portion of his Majesty's dominions_; and I sincerely hope that the future behavior of all, will more clearly manifest the correctness of my views of this highly important subject.
I remain, dear sirs, yours faithfully, RICHARD S.WICKHAM, _Superintendent of police_." * * * * * This testimony is pointed and emphatic; and it comes from one whose _official business it is to know_ the things whereof he here affirms.

We have presented not merely the opinions of Mr.W., relative to the subordination of the emancipated negroes in Antigua, but likewise the _facts_ upon which be founded his opinion.
On a point of such paramount importance we cannot be too explicit.

We therefore add the testimony of planters as to the actual state of crime compared with that previous to emancipation.
Said J.Howell, Esq., of T.Jarvis's estate, "I do not think that aggressions on property, and crime in general, have increased since emancipation, but rather decreased.