THE WEST INDIES: First Election

The British colonies in the Caribbean Sea—13 islands and numberless neighboring islets that together form the palmiest tropical haven short of Bali Ha'i—last week ran off their first election as a federation headed for nationhood and independence. The voters picked 45 members for a House of Representatives; Her Majesty's Governor General, Lord Hailes, will now name the 19-member Senate. Princess Margaret will inaugurate the legislature April 22 in the new capital, Trinidad's Port of Spain—and The West Indies will be in business.

In relaxing its ties with London, the new nation (see...