ABSTRACT
THE administration of President Rous is not distinguished by many events of interest. The Assembly passed two bills,-one for erecting six fire-companies, the funds for which were provided by an increased tax upon the importation of slaves; and the second for laying a duty of two shillings and sixpence a ton upon all vessels entering the harbour; the proceeds of which, after deducting fifteen hundred pounds for gunpowder for the use of the forts, were to be applicable to the deepening, cleansing and improving of the molehead. These two bills met with some resistance in the Council, and were disallowed by the King in their original state. They were remodelled under Mr. Hay's government, and it was enacted that all vessels owned by the inhabitants should be subject to the tonnage duty not nlore than three times a-year, how frequent soever their voyages might be.
