Narrative, of a five years' expedition against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam, in Guiana on the Wild Coast of South America; from the year 1772 to 1777 ... Volume 2 (of 2)Stedman, John Gabriel
History
Narrative, of a five years' expedition against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam, in Guiana on the Wild Coast of South America; from the year 1772 to 1777 ... Volume 2 (of 2)
Stedman, John Gabriel
Indians of South America -- Guiana; Slavery -- Suriname -- History -- 18th century; Stedman, John Gabriel, 1744-1797 -- Travel -- Suriname; Suriname -- Description and travel; Suriname -- History -- To 1814
From the above observations, I take the liberty to say, that allowing
Mad. Merian due praise for her beautiful and valuable performance upon
the whole, she has still fallen into very notable mistakes. To correct
them is a duty incumbent on future observers; nor does it by any means
imply a general censure on the elegant work in question, nor can it
appear extraordinary that it should contain some errors, when we
consider that it is above an hundred years ago since she presented her
discoveries to the world. In the course of so many years therefore
mankind, by long experience and continued investigation, have become
more enlightened, and are more accurately informed.
Being now once more at Paramaribo, it may not be improper to divert our
attention for a while from the animal and vegetable productions to the
government of this fine colony; a topic which, I am persuaded, some of
my readers have long since expected; but not having had a previous
opportunity of gratifying their curiosity, I will no longer delay the
necessary information, though to some the detail may appear dry and
unentertaining.
I have already mentioned the nature of the charter, and stated, that at
present two-thirds of Surinam belong to the town of Amsterdam, and
one-third to the West India Company: also, that the judicial power is
exercised by several different courts of judicature.—I shall now
proceed to describe them in their proper order, as delivered to me by
the governor Mr. Nepveu. The court of policy and criminal justice
claims the first rank in the order of precedence—this consists of
thirteen members, chosen by the votes of the inhabitants, and each
member continues for life. Of this court the governor is president, and
the commandant or deputy governor first counsellor. The acting officers
are therefore
The governor.
The commandant.
The fiscal.
The town clerk; and
Nine counsellors.
To this court belongs the decision of all criminal matters, the
governor exercising the power of reprieve from death, and even
pardoning any convict by his own authority.
The court of civil justice consists also of thirteen members, but these
are chosen by the above court only, and are renewed every four years.
The governor is also president here, and the officers of this court are
The governor.
The fiscal.
The town-clerk; and
Ten counsellors.
By this court are decided not only the most important law-suits, but
also petty offences.
The next is the subaltern college, consisting of eleven members, chosen
also by the governor and court of policy; and, like the other, renewed
every four years, the town-clerk excepted, who sits for life. The
members are selected from the late counsellors of justice, and are
The deputy president.
The town-clerk; and
Nine counsellors.
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