Since 1783, the British possesssion of Gibraltar has been unmolested, and few events. have happened of any interest, apart from the general history of the empire. At pres ent, England guards this formidable rock with jealous care; every available point for defense bristles with artillery; the mountain is honey-combed with galleries and bomb proofs, steep escarps bar all approach, and batteries hewn in the solid stone, frown alike on friend and foe. Immense stores of provision, water, and munitions of war are constantly maintained; and the whole is garrisoned by a thoroughly efficient force of about 5,000 infantry, with 1000 artillery, and a smaller body of engineers. The jealousy for its safety would appear to rest rather on making its preservation to the crown of England a point of honor than a matter of national importance; for beyond being a standing menace to Spain, and a source of constant irritation, it is difficult to see its actual use to Great Britain. The harbor is not of great value, and the fortress by no means commands the strait.
With regard to the internal organization of Gibraltar, the law of England prevails; the governor's decision being final in civil cases not involving more than £300. In more important causes, an appeal lies to the British privy council. There is a good police force, under a police magistrate, and tolerable order usually prevails. All religions enjoy a perfect toleration: the Catholics are most numerous, having a bishop and a cathedral; next the Jews, who possess four synagogues; the Protestants, though less numerous, have also a bishop. There are three good public libraries; the best and
oldest being that started by the famous col. Drinkwater, the, historian of the great siege.
Gibraltar is a free port, and a resort, in consequence, of Spanish smugglers, who drive an amazing trade by introducing contraband goods into Spain. The British gov ernment is not altogether free from a charge of breach of faith, in the toleration it has given to these dishonest men: for it is bound by many engagements to use its best exer tions to prevent any fraud on the Spanish revenues, in consequence of its possession of this peninsula. The colony of Gibraltar was for years a most costly one, but of late, by judicious management, it has been made to defray the expenses of its civil government; the heavy charge for the military force being, of course, payable out of imperial funds. In 1872, the revenue amounted to £42,144, and was derived from cus toms, port and quarantine dues, land revenues, stamps, and licenses. The expenditure for the same year was £42,289. Improvements in the works and gunnery occasionally create heavy expenses.
The town of Gibraltar consists of three parallel streets, in which the curious inter- minglingof English architecture with the Spanish houses spoils the effect of the whole. English domestic building is eminently unsuited for a climate light and hot, like Gibral tar. There are, nevertheless, some handsome structures.