164 NEWFOUNDLAND.

The commission delivered to Captain Osborne re- ‘voked so much of the commission to the governor of Nova Scotia as related to Newfoundland. It then goes on to appoint Captain Osborne governor of the island of Newfoundland, and gives him authority to administer oaths to justices of the peace, and other officers Whom he may appoint under him, for the better administration of justice, and keeping the peace of the island. He was empowered also to erect a. court-house and prison ; and all officers, civil and mili- tary, were directed to aid and assist him in executing his commission. I—leippointed the first Sheriff of the island. 7‘ I W

The petty jealousies and interests of the fishing admirals, merchants, and planters, prevented Osborne and his successors, for a period of twenty years, from carrying into execution the objects and regulations contained in their commissions and instructions. In- deed, the most disgraceful opposition to the civil government was made, particularly by the fishing admirals. Complaints were frequently produced on both sides, and it is probable, as is usual in such cases, that each of the contending parties was in fault. The aggressors, however, were assuredly those who opposed the civil authority, and whose conduct clearly showed that their object was to deprive the resident inhabitants of all protection from government. This contest continued, until it was found that his majes- ty’s ministers were resolved not to withdraw the civil government from the island.

In the commission of the peace for the island, the