The verbosity of his reply was only equalled by its vehemence. “I would have Jamaica governed as England is governed. The people of this island have every moral right to govern themselves, to frame their own laws and to administer those laws. We are no longer barbarians; we are an educated people with ambitions, and the strength to attain our ambitions. We recognise that it is a fine thing to be a part of the great Empire of Britain, but we recognise, even more clearly, that it is a finer thing to be a free, unfettered nation. England will always have our heartiest support and affection. When we have become a nation and ceased to be a crown colony, Jamaica will always feel that really she is the child of Britain.” “So you anticipate that one day Jamaica will be entirely independent of England?” I asked. “It is inevitable,” he replied. “Already the more educated coloured people feel the bitterness of their semi-dependence. Already the smouldering embers of the fire of absolute freedom are in evidence throughout the land. We are not without our politicians. We are not without our leaders; perhaps we have not yet found one quite strong enough to lead us on to political victory. We have not found our Cromwell. But, some day, soon, a strong man will appear, and Jamaica will become an independent nation.” “And what about the white men?” “They will be unaffected. They will always be made welcome in our country; law and order will prevail under the new system just as it prevails to-day. You English have taught us how to become a great people; you have given us the immeasurable benefit of your religion; you have given us a framework for our laws and constitution. When the time comes for us to make full use of that knowledge, you will find that your wisdom was not thrown to waste.” “But the freedom you aspire to can only come by revolution.” “Political revolution--yes; armed revolution--no. We natives of Jamaica think we frequently see indications in your English Parliament that your Liberal party would not be averse to granting us that freedom which, one day, we shall be strong enough to demand. I believe that in the end justice must prevail. I know that our independence must come because I know that it is just that it should come.” “And,” I suggested, “if you cannot obtain it by peaceful methods you will take it by armed force?” “I do not think, when we are ready, that armed force will be necessary. Jamaica is no longer of great value to England.” [Illustration: ON THE BEACH, BARBADOES] “But England guards the interests of her children, and nearly all the land of Jamaica belongs to English planters.” “The land of Jamaica belongs by natural right to the people of Jamaica.” “You believe in the doctrine of land nationalisation?” “I believe in the doctrine of justice.” “Would you propose to compensate the planters when you despoil them of their land?”