Colonial Despatches

I have the honor to forward Printed Copies of the Message with which I caused the Session of the Legislative Council to be opened on the 15th instant, and of the Address which has been presented to meby by that Honorable body in reply.

2. Your Lordship will observe that the most important subjects referred to in my Message are the proposed Union of this Colony with the Dominion of Canada, and the change in the local Constitution which, having reference to that measure, I stated it to be my intention to ask for authority to establishin in anticipation of it.

3. Upon these questions I shall address Your Lordship separately in other Despatches, and I trust I shall obtain Your approval of the course which I propose to pursue as stated in my Message. That declaration of the policy of the Government appears to give very general satisfaction in the Colony and I am informed has silenced some idle discussion upon"annexation" "annexation" to the United States which had arisen from the apprehension that Her Majesty's Government intended to force the Colony into Union with the Dominion at the instance of Canada and without reference to the true interests and wishes of the Colonists.