Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
FitzGerald, James Edward to Hawes, Benjamin 9 June 1847, CO 305:1, no. 1148, 473.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (1), Other documents (1), Marginalia (1).
This document contains mentions of Indigenous Peoples. The authors of these documents
often perpetuate a negative perspective of Indigenous Peoples and it is important
to look critically at these mentions. They sometimes use terminology that is now considered
hurtful and offensive. To learn more about modern terminology pertaining to Indigenous
Peoples, Indigenous ways of knowing, and decolonization, please refer to the Glossary of terms.
Fitzgerald provides a detailed plan for the HBC's colonizing and business intentions for Vancouver Island. His systematic and sweeping
schemecalls upon a range of justifications, from the sociopolitical to the moral.
In compliance with your Suggestion I have the honor to submit for your perusal an outline of a scheme for the formation
of a
colony in Vancouvers Island, on the North West Coast of America, together with some remarks in explanation of
the objects and principles by which its authors have been guided.
But, although you are, doubtless, well acquainted with the
general features of the island, and with the political
importance of its position; I beg, in the first place to offer
one or two reasons which seem to justify the Expectation that
her Majesties govt. will do all in their power to promote the undertaking.
First, with respect to the political of the position,
Great Britain possesses no dependency of any description in the
Pacific Ocean, Eastward of Hong Kong, New Holland and New Zealand, whilst France is establishing her influence
in the South
Sea Islands and the United States are pushing their population
Westward to the shores of the Ocean.
The principal part of the settlements made by the servants of the Hudson's Bay Company, lying at Nisqually and along the Cowlitz and Willamette rivers, are, according to the provisions of the last treaty with the United States,
Allotted to that
power.
The Hudsons Bay Company possess only
one or two inconsiderable settlements on the coast, to the North of the 49th parallel of North latitude; so that, in fact, Great Britain has, at present, hardly
any thing to shew more than a nominal Sovereignty over her portion of the Oregon Territory.
one or two inconsiderable settlements on the coast, to the North of the 49th parallel of North latitude; so that, in fact, Great Britain has, at present, hardly
any thing to shew more than a nominal Sovereignty over her portion of the Oregon Territory.Her Majesties govt. cannot but be fully alive to the extreme importance of possessing some strong dependency
on the North West coast of America in order to counterbalance the influence of the United States and to watch the interests of Great Britain in the
Pacific Ocean.
Secondly. with respect to the Geographical position of the island as affecting the prospects
of its future inhabitants: it is to be remarked, that it occupies very nearly the
same position with respect to the Pacific which Great Britain does with respect to the Atlantic Ocean.
But there is this difference, that no portion of the globe is so
deficient in harbours as the West Coast of North America.
There is no shelter for craft, of even the smallest size between
San Francisco in California and the Harbours which lie within
the Straits of Juan de Fuca.
And although San Francisco is a noble Harbour yet as it is above Seven hundred miles to the South of the Straits these two can hardly be considered rivals in a
commerical point of view.
Hence it follows that the inhabitants of the country lying around the Straits of Juan de Fuca must, of necessity, retain,
for ever, a monopoly of all the trade which shall ever pass into
and out of the northern part of the West Coast of America.
The Pacific Ocean is studded with islands, teeming with tropical productions in all
directions. For these productions
, there is a present no natural Channel of Exchange. But the North West Coast of America is the
only Country within reach, which is capable of exchanging the productions of a colder for those of a tropical climate. It seems difficult to
over rate the rapidity with which trade might increase if an industrious and persevering race were to establish
themselves on the northern shores of the Pacific Ocean.
, there is a present no natural Channel of Exchange. But the North West Coast of America is the
only Country within reach, which is capable of exchanging the productions of a colder for those of a tropical climate. It seems difficult to
over rate the rapidity with which trade might increase if an industrious and persevering race were to establish
themselves on the northern shores of the Pacific Ocean.It is indeed true that the harbours on the south or American Side of the Straits,
Extending down to Pugets Sound, are as good as any on the British Territory. But it is extremely probable that the
people who retain take the initiative will retain at any rate for a very long time, the superiority
in the commerce which the increasing population of the country must create. Moreover,
believing that the prosperity of Colonies, as of all civil communities, depends on the principles upon which they are founded and by which they are governed,
we cannot doubt that a Colony might be established in the British Oregon Superior to any rivalry it might experience from its neighbours of the Columbia River; if the emigration to that country from the United States is to proceed in the manner
in which it has hitherto been conducted. Hence, the importance of This island which
commands the Straits bounding it for more that 60 miles on the north side, in a commercial,
as well as in a political point of view.
Thirdly, with respect to the natural capabilities of the country and its facilities for colonization. It would be too long a task to Enter into any detail as her Majesties
Govt have doubtless correct information on the subjects.
I may simply state my conviction after consulting every written authority on the
subject, and also after taking the opinions of men who speak from the personal experience
arising from long residence in the Country, that, in healthiness of climate, in fertility
of soil, in the abundance of game of all kinds, Flesh, fish and fowl, as well as in
rich Mineral productions coal, iron and copper. — this territory contains everything, as a home for a people,
from which necessities can be supplied or wealth obtained.
I may simply state my conviction after consulting every written authority on the
subject, and also after taking the opinions of men who speak from the personal experience
arising from long residence in the Country, that, in healthiness of climate, in fertility
of soil, in the abundance of game of all kinds, Flesh, fish and fowl, as well as in
rich Mineral productions coal, iron and copper. — this territory contains everything, as a home for a people,
from which necessities can be supplied or wealth obtained.Another circumstance should be mentioned which will facilitate the construction of a Colony in Vancouvers Island. There are, in its whole length above 250 miles, not above 5000
Natives according to the best authorities, and these are on the best possible terms with the English, owing to the wise and
generous
policy which has been pursued towards them by the Hudsons Bay
Company.
I believe he is totally mistaken as to the number of the Natives.5
With respect to the Hudsons Bay Company I beg to call your
attention to a clause in their Charter which reserves to Her
Majesty the right of revoking as much of that Charter as refers
to any country
at present included in its provisions in which Her Majesty may
at any time think fit to found a Colony.
But, at the same time, it is hardly necessary to do so because
it is clearly the interest of the Hudsons Bay Company That such
a Colony as that now projected should be established. Vancouvers Island produces very little fur. The settlements
founded by the Servants of the Hudsons Bay Company are in the
American Territory, and the holders of the farms &c. will be
obliged either to Emigrate farther Northward or to become
Citizens of the United States. A Colony in Vancouvers Island
would probably form an attractive new home for many of these
persons. It would also form a sort of barrier against the
Encroachments of the Americans upon the fur trade of the Hudsons
Bay Company upon the Continent and which they have already gone
to so much Expence and labour to secure against the Americans
and the Russians in the Oregon Territory.
Citizens of the United States. A Colony in Vancouvers Island
would probably form an attractive new home for many of these
persons. It would also form a sort of barrier against the
Encroachments of the Americans upon the fur trade of the Hudsons
Bay Company upon the Continent and which they have already gone
to so much Expence and labour to secure against the Americans
and the Russians in the Oregon Territory.One reason may be Suggested why the attempt to form a new Colony
from this country ought not to be regarded as unwise.
It is a fact that, although Great Britain possesses, beyond all comparison, the largest
dependencies of any Country in the world, and although a very large number of Emigrants
leave her shores Every year; a great proportion do not go to the British Colonies but to the United States of America. It is sufficient
in support of this fact to quote the reports of the Colonial land and emigration commissioners.
Hence it may be inferred, that, from some cause which is foreign
to our purpose at present to dwell on, the wants of British
Emigrants are not supplied by any system at present acted on in
any of the Colonies belonging to our own country; and hence too
it would seem that there is ample room for a new colony to meet
the demands of the Emigrants from our Shores.
Now, if there be the necessity above stated for a powerful and
prosperous Colony on the shores of the Pacific, in order to keep
up our influence in that portion of the globe, and to prevent
the vast trade, which must some day flow from the Islands of the
Pacific Ocean falling into the hands of rival powers; then it is
reasonable to anticipate that a scheme which proposes the
foundation of such a Colony in a Country the most favorable to
the attainment of these ends, will meet with the Sanction and
patronage of her Majesties Government.
It is in this Expectation, and believing that such a scheme may be formed as shall
offer greater inducements than are offered by
any other British Colony to men of Education intelligence and
capital to Embark in the Enterprise That the promoters of the
undertaking submit the following proposal.
I. That a joint stock company be formed called the Company of Colonists of Vancouvers Island
(a). It is not intended that all the shareholders should necessarily Emigrate to the Colony
but the greatest possible inducement to do so should be given
All the priviledges of a colonist in the government of the Colony and in the management of the company should be vested in residents alone.
All the priviledges of a colonist in the government of the Colony and in the management of the company should be vested in residents alone.
II. That Capital be subscribed in shares of £ 100 Each to be expended in the conveyance of labour to the Colony.
(a) The labourers carried out should
be selected, young married men, between 18 and 35 years of age.
be selected, young married men, between 18 and 35 years of age.(b) It should be a rule, that an equality should be
preserved in the numbers of the two sexes, conveyed to the
Colony, at least for several years.
III. That no interest be paid on the Capital but land be
alloted to the shareholders in proportion to the number of their shares.
(a). This scheme is in fact only another mode of selling the Land for so much per
acre but with this difference by adopting the form of a joint stock company, all the
civil priviledges of a colonist — the rights of voting &c. are given along with the
share; and, moreover, the expenditure of the money is entrusted to the company instead of to the government.
(b) The whole of the capital of the Company in other words
the price of land is to be expended in the manner most
beneficial to the colonist, viz, in the supply of labour which
is found practically to be the greatest want in a new colony.
(c). This it is conceived can be effected far more readily and more economically by
a company — that is to say by the directors who are responsible to the shareholders than, on the one hand by any private individuals or, on the other, by the government.
(d). The whole question of the economical prosperity of a colony is reduced to a single
proportion Such a proportion must exist between The Share. — The land allotted to it — and the labour that can be supplied by it […] that the greatest possible return may be made on the price of the share. In that
case two results will occur.
(1) The shareholder will have maximum profits
(2) The labourer will have maximum wages.
If this proposition does not exist the labourer will be making money at the expence of the shareholder or else the shareholder at the expence of the labourer.
(1) The shareholder will have maximum profits
(2) The labourer will have maximum wages.
If this proposition does not exist the labourer will be making money at the expence of the shareholder or else the shareholder at the expence of the labourer.
(e) The question to be determined is what extent ought to be allotted to one share
in order that there may be a maximum return. The basis of the calculation by which
the right quantity may be may be stated as follows.
According to the best Authorities 3 men are required to till 100 acres. But, in order
that a Civil Community may prosper more than one half the population ought not to be employed on the production of food from the Soil Half at least ought to be Engaged in other species of industry. I assume
one half
because in Ireland with the greatest distress three fourths are employed in agricultural occupations and in England in the midst of luxury only one third,
or less, are so employed I therefore take one half as the of the agricultural labour. Hence. six men ought to be conveyed to the colony for
every 100 acres of land allotted. Now Supposing, which is the most favorable case,
that all the labourers are young married men
without families and that a man and wife can be conveyed to Vancouvers Island for £50. Thus £300 will be the cost of
conveying labour to the Colony Sufficient for 100 acres of land
allotted. Hence. for the outlay of 100, ie, of a share. 100/3
= 33 1/3 acres ought to be the extent of the allotment. And if
the above theory be correct and the assumed numbers be right the
Shareholder with then obtain the Maximum profits which his £100 could be made to
yield and the labourer would obtain the maximum wages which
could be obtained without subtracting from the profits of the
shareholders.
There is another mode of viewing this question. The wages of a
labourer in a colony in a prosperous condition ought to be such
that, in a few years, he may be able to save enough to buy a
share. In this case his labour is not withdrawn from the market
for the price of his share is expended in the introduction of a
new labourer to take his place. The labourer ought not to have
such high wages as shall enable him to buy a share in a very
short time; first, because when wages are so high it is certain
to be Engrossing a part of the profits of Capital which it has
no right to, Secondly because the general result has been to
demoralize the labourer so that the more he has to save, the
less he saves.
Although it is not possible to frame on this basis, a
calculation as to magnitude of the allotment of land to each
share yet it is essential to establish the fact that there is a
direct relation between the rate of wages and the size of the
allotments.
For the rate of wages depends on the ratio between the Capital
in the Colony available for the Employment of labour that is the
Capital in private hands, and the supply of labour in the
market. Now the supply of labour depends on the Capital in the
hands of the Company and this latter for a given tract of
Country depends on the price of the land. Or in other words on
the extent of the allotment per share Hence the rate of wages
depends on the ratio between the amount of Private Capital and
the size of the allotment […] price of the land on which it is employed. In other words the rate of wages varies,
directly as the amount of Private Capital and inversely as the price of land.
According to this reasoning, the
greater the amount of Private Capital in the colony the higher ought to be the price
of land in order to prevent the wages of labour becoming exorbitant
greater the amount of Private Capital in the colony the higher ought to be the price
of land in order to prevent the wages of labour becoming exorbitantNow with regard to the direct variation […] since it will be manifestly impossible to discover the quantity of Capital that may find its way into the colony in private
hands, no calculation can be made in order to suggest the quantity of land to be allotted
to a share in order that there may be a fair rate of wages.
But with respect to the inverse variation. It is clear that experience will soon determine how much Capital there is afloat
in the Colony, and then should wages rise exorbitantly it will be necessary to diminish
the extent of the allotments so that there will be less work to be done and more hands
proportionally to do it, when wages must fall. And besides there being less demand
for Capital in wages the holders will be more inclined to invest it in the Company
which will introduce more labour and still more lend1 to depress wages : And on the other hand should wages fall too low it will be necessary
to increase the extent of the allotments where for similar reasons wages may be kept
up.
These operations however will be of very slow movement.
Two things then on the whole are absolutely necessary to the prosperity of the colony.
First that there a fixed size of the allotments per share. And that it should be guaranteed in the Company's
charter specifically.
Secondly. That a power should be vested somewhere of changing the size of the allotment per share, in case the circumstances of
the Colony require it.
This power should be so vested that it cannot be used suddenly
or inconsiderately.
It is proposed to place it in the hands of the Directors of the Company subject to the approval of the Governor in Council in the Colony and of the Queen in Council in England.
With respect to the mode of allotment it is not necessary to enter into detail at
present. The Island should be surveyed as fast as possible beginning from the site
chosen for the first settlement and divided into lots of the extent appropriated to one share numbered, and registered;
Two principles should be adopted The first claimant of a lot shall always have it. If two persons claim simultaneously, They should cast lots for the first
choice.
Every shareholder should then be registered as holding specified lots and no person
should have the rights of a shareholder until he had registered himself as the holder of a specific lot or lots.
IV. That the affairs of the company be managed by a board
of 13 directors one of whom they shall elect as chairman.
It is submitted that an association such as that now proposed, occupies two distinct
positions First that of a company. Secondly that of a colony. First as a merely
and agricultural association
whose object is to divide land amongst its members according to certain principles
previously agreed upon. And to expend their Capital upon a specified object, the introduction
of labour; it is proposed to Entrust the Management to a board of directors such as is found to be practically the most convenient in all companies of a similar
character.
whose object is to divide land amongst its members according to certain principles
previously agreed upon. And to expend their Capital upon a specified object, the introduction
of labour; it is proposed to Entrust the Management to a board of directors such as is found to be practically the most convenient in all companies of a similar
character.This board is not supposed to take any part in the civil and political government
of the community but simply to direct the financial operations of the Company. This is in short a land and emigration commission.
A set of directions should be issued defining their power and
their functions and these directions should be incorporated into
the companies charter. They should […] settle the mode of allotting
land — the quantity to be allotted per share (providing for the
alteration of the quantity in the manner before specified) — the
mode of expending the Capital — the granting of titles to
land — the surveying of the land — the treatment with the natives
for the possession of the Soil &c —
The directors should be elected at first by the shareholders. Four should retire first
by lot afterwards in rotation every year Their successors should be elected by the
shareholders.
They should be all holders of at least 10 shares and resident in the Colony.
Any charge of breaking the directions in the charter should be
preferred against them before the Governor in Council with an
appeal to the Queen in Council in England.
It is submitted that the administration, in matters purely of
business, of a body of men whose personal interest is involved
in the welfare of the Colony and who are responsible to their fellow
Shareholders, and who are controlled only by a number of
"directions" written in their charter, which will give uniformity
to their proceedings and therefore confidence to the public, is
far more likely to produce a prosperous state of affairs than
the arbitrary interference of any offices or officers in the
Colony or at home who have no personal interest in the matters
with which they have to deal.
It is submitted that in this proposition there is no prejudice to the rights of the
Crown as the dispenser of justice and the source of government in a colony
Nor to the authority of the Mother Country as exercising a control essential to the welfare of the Empire. These are provided for hereafter. But it is conceived that a Spirit of loyalty to the Crown and affection to the parent country will be most Successfully Cultivated, when the prosperity of the colonists is most amply provided for and that such a provision will be made by entrusting the Economical affairs of the country company to those who are most immediately interested in its success.
Nor to the authority of the Mother Country as exercising a control essential to the welfare of the Empire. These are provided for hereafter. But it is conceived that a Spirit of loyalty to the Crown and affection to the parent country will be most Successfully Cultivated, when the prosperity of the colonists is most amply provided for and that such a provision will be made by entrusting the Economical affairs of the country company to those who are most immediately interested in its success.
Nor is it intended supposed that the parent country has no interest in
the disposal of the waste lands in her Colonies. They[…] waste lands have come into the possession of Great Britain by
means of the power and character of the British nation. They
ought, then, to be considered the indefeasible inheritance of
the people of Great Britain and in the construction of a colony,
ought to be granted, so only
as to be held in trust for their benefit
But it is indisputable that this principle is more really and definitely acted on by ensuring the prosperity of the colonists than by any other method
Whilst, on the one hand, this prosperity is consulled by entrusting the management of the speculation to the company for its own benefits, on the other hand, the rights of the British people are provided for by a distinct definition of the limits within which its directors are to act. This should be specified in the original charter and the charter should be unalterable and irrevocable (Except on the grounds of a violation of its provisions by the company) unless by a joint act of the highest authorities in the colony and in the Mother Country.
as to be held in trust for their benefitBut it is indisputable that this principle is more really and definitely acted on by ensuring the prosperity of the colonists than by any other method
Whilst, on the one hand, this prosperity is consulled by entrusting the management of the speculation to the company for its own benefits, on the other hand, the rights of the British people are provided for by a distinct definition of the limits within which its directors are to act. This should be specified in the original charter and the charter should be unalterable and irrevocable (Except on the grounds of a violation of its provisions by the company) unless by a joint act of the highest authorities in the colony and in the Mother Country.
The distinction here drawn between the functions of the company and of the colony,
are not, it is submitted theoretical but real: and it is one which seems to be acted recognized in the lease or grant of the FAukland Islands, on the first of March in the present year to the Messrs Enderby.
According to the provisions of their Charter the Messrs Enderby or the Company formed
by them for carrying on the whale Fishery in the South Seas are entrusted with the
entire disposal of the land and of the immigration whilst the whole of the Civil government is vested in the Crown.
The Messrs Enderby being only required to provide for the necessary Expenditure of
Government.
It is thought that there should be a provision that as soon as
all the land granted to the company shall have been allotted the
directory shall cease to exist.
V. That Vancouvers Island be granted to the directors as Trustees for the Shareholders; to convey it to them
according to
the terms Specified in the Charter.
It is a question for her Majesties Govt to determine whether this should be done by Charter from the Crown, or by special
act of Parliament. But as some might arise from the course in other colonies where special acts have been obtained to settle the Sale of Waste
lands, and also from an act
1 and 2 G. 1V. "entitled an act for regulating the fur trade and establishing a criminal
and civil jurisdiction within certain parts of North America" the provisions of which
act would be
fatal to the existence of any Colonial government in any part of the British Territory lying West of the Canadas
it is probable an act of parliament will be necessary in order to the proposed Colony and to invest its government with the requisite authority.
IV That the Constitution and of Vancouvers Island be provided for as follows.
(1). A Governor.
Appointed by the Crown, for life, but removeable. (1) in case he should be intollerably obnoxious and in the colony, by an address to the Crown from the Colonial House of Assemby past two (or three) years. So that the desire for his removal should be a continued and decided feeling on the part of the Colony not a partial or temporary opinion of a faction
(2) in case he should neglect or oppose the interests of the Mother Country, by an
address to the Crown from both houses of Parliament.
Appointed by the Crown, for life, but removeable. (1) in case he should be intollerably obnoxious and in the colony, by an address to the Crown from the Colonial House of Assemby past two (or three) years. So that the desire for his removal should be a continued and decided feeling on the part of the Colony not a partial or temporary opinion of a faction
(2) in case he should neglect or oppose the interests of the Mother Country, by an
address to the Crown from both houses of Parliament.
2. An Executive Council.
Consisting of persons presiding over the departments of
a. Law.
b. Police
c. Finance
d. Public Works.
e. Public Instruction
f. The Board of Directors.
Consisting of persons presiding over the departments of
a. Law.
b. Police
c. Finance
d. Public Works.
e. Public Instruction
f. The Board of Directors.
All these officers should be appointed by the Governor. but with
a veto by, and removeable by an Address from, the House of
Assembly passed three times.
The chief justice may be sent from England.
All the others must be resident Shareholders and in the House of Assembly.
All the others must be resident Shareholders and in the House of Assembly.
No act of the Governor to be valid unless made in council.
All appointments to be made by the Governor but with the consent of the Council.
Directors are Eligible to sit on the council but in a trial about the conduct of the Directory the Directors may not vote.
All appointments to be made by the Governor but with the consent of the Council.
Directors are Eligible to sit on the council but in a trial about the conduct of the Directory the Directors may not vote.
3. A Legislative Assembly.
At first this assembly ought to be of all the shareholders in the Company. […] An arrangement should be made for a representative System
to come into operation at the End of two or three years.
At first this assembly ought to be of all the shareholders in the Company. […] An arrangement should be made for a representative System
to come into operation at the End of two or three years.It would be premature to Enter into details but the principal
features of the system should be
The House of Assembly should be elected by the "freemen."
Every shareholder should be free
Every person possessing bonâ fide property of the value of £100 should be a freeman.
Any man may be presented with the freedom of the Colony as for a reward for a great public service rendered the State.
The House of Assembly should be elected by the "freemen."
Every shareholder should be free
Every person possessing bonâ fide property of the value of £100 should be a freeman.
Any man may be presented with the freedom of the Colony as for a reward for a great public service rendered the State.
The Governor has the right of Calling together or proroguing or
dissolving the Assembly at pleasure.
The Assembly can not sit more than five years.
The Assembly must meet once a year at least.
The Assembly can not sit more than five years.
The Assembly must meet once a year at least.
All public acts must receive the assent of the Assembly — of the
Council and of the Governor severally.
And no laws are of force in the Colony unless passed by the legislature of the Colony.
And no laws are of force in the Colony unless passed by the legislature of the Colony.
An order in Council by the Governor has the force of law between the Sessions of the Assembly. If it be not sanctioned by the Assembly it cannot be re
enforced.
All English law shall be law in the Colony untill altered by an Act of the Colonial
legislature.
No act of the Imperial Parliament shall be of force in Vancouvers Island. unless an act providing for the welfare of the whole Empire. In this case the Assembly
are compelled to pass it under penalty of loosing the charter.
No act of the Colonial legislature is valid which violates a provision of the charter.
The mode of altering the size of allotments has been referred to above. but no other
alteration may be made in the Charter without joint acts of the Legislature of the
Colony and of the Mother Country
The Charter should contain a promise on the part of the Mother Country guaranteeing
that it shall never be altered or revoked unless on the plan that its provisions have
been violated by the colony and then only upon an address to the Crown by both Houses
of Parliament.
————————————————————
In this scheme no provision has been made for a second or upper
house of legislature
In the early settlement of the Colony no advantage can result from any Second elected house if indeed there is ever any thing gained by such an institution
When the Colony becomes older and larger and the character and tone of the government is fixed and apparent and legislation becomes a much more important matter than it will be found to be for many years at first Then the introduction of an upper house may effected if desirable and it is thought the institution of the board of Directors may form a sort of nucleus for such an assembly. But at first it seems difficult to make the constitution too simple
In the early settlement of the Colony no advantage can result from any Second elected house if indeed there is ever any thing gained by such an institution
When the Colony becomes older and larger and the character and tone of the government is fixed and apparent and legislation becomes a much more important matter than it will be found to be for many years at first Then the introduction of an upper house may effected if desirable and it is thought the institution of the board of Directors may form a sort of nucleus for such an assembly. But at first it seems difficult to make the constitution too simple
One question of great importance has been passed over in Silence. That of
Religion. With the various conflicting
opinions which are likely to be found in a Colony sent from this
Country and from Ireland at the present day there seems to be no
possibility of projecting any satisfactory means of providing for religious instruction by an act of State.
It is recommended
that this point should be left to the Colonial legislature when
the complexion of the Colony shall have been ascertained and a
fair judgement can be formed as to what it may be possible or
advisable to Effect.
Religion. With the various conflicting
opinions which are likely to be found in a Colony sent from this
Country and from Ireland at the present day there seems to be no
possibility of projecting any satisfactory means of providing for religious instruction by an act of State.
It is recommended
that this point should be left to the Colonial legislature when
the complexion of the Colony shall have been ascertained and a
fair judgement can be formed as to what it may be possible or
advisable to Effect.Another important question will arise — as to the relations between the Colony and
the natives. This should be settled in the instructions to the board of directors
which it is proposed to insert in the Charter. The chief object kept in view should
be maintaining the most friendly relations civilizing Christianizing and finally incorporating them into the colony.
In case her Majesties govert should think proper to accede to the scheme proposed It is in contemplation to form
a committee of influential gentlemen to manage the affairs of the
company and receive the shares until a certain number, say
200 Shares are paid. After this the directors may be elected by
the shareholders in the manner specified in the Charter. The
Governor may be appointed by the Crown and the Council by the
Governor and the whole machine of government thus set in motion
before the first Colonists quit the shores of this country.
In conclusion, Sir, I beg to remark that having in compliance with your suggestion
abstained from taking any public mode of ascertaining the numbers of those to
whom such a scheme as the present is likely to recommend itself I can only state
my own conviction from the results the of inquiries amongst my own friends that in case her Majesties government think proper
to Sanction the Enterprize, men will not be wanting.
whom such a scheme as the present is likely to recommend itself I can only state
my own conviction from the results the of inquiries amongst my own friends that in case her Majesties government think proper
to Sanction the Enterprize, men will not be wanting.There are a great number of young men in this Country who,
Either have no profession or who have no very sanguine
expectation of professional success — who are possessed of some
small capital, although not enough to enable them to live
independently, and who would probably be glad to find a definite
application at once for their capital and their Enterprize in an
undertaking which offered good prospects of success.
Besides which, at the present moment it is very likely that many
of the higher orders in Ireland will be unable to retain any
longer the position they have hitherto occupied. It seems unavoidable that many of the Smaller Landlords, whose estates are greatly encumbered will, under the pressure of existing
circumstances be compelled to Sell their properties.
Unquestionably in many instances it will be their policy to do
so — and if persuaded to Sell at once they will probably be able
to rescue for their families something more than if they cling
to their properties till a later period.
To such persons naturally unwilling to sink into a lower where
they have held a superior position in society a Colony if
undertaken on a scale of such magnitude and such a manner as to
ensure success would be not unlikely to offer an acceptable home. Where energies no longer fettered by circumstances beyond
their control might find a new and profitable application.
If Her Majesties Govt will signify
their willingness to confer
upon the Company such a charter as is here proposed, it is in
contemplation at once to appeal to the class of persons above
alluded to in Ireland, and if possible to organize an extensive
emigration of the higher orders from that Country.
their willingness to confer
upon the Company such a charter as is here proposed, it is in
contemplation at once to appeal to the class of persons above
alluded to in Ireland, and if possible to organize an extensive
emigration of the higher orders from that Country.But in speculating on the probability of a Sufficient number of
Gentlemen being found willing to join the Colony it must not be forgotten, that our
is not of the nature of an attractive speculation, offering prospects of rapid or exorbitant returns. It contemplates rather an ameliorated condition to many than a monopoly of wealth by a few. Whilst
appealing to that
self-interest which stimulates to exertion in the mass of those who engage in it, it will demand
some sacrifice on the part of
many of those at any rate who will stand in the position of
leaders in the colony — Sacrifice of hopes of success in this country. Sacrifice of home
and of social ties.
Our proposal whilst aiming at the removal of the poor from the misery which is contingent
on a large population crowded
into a small island would not banish them to a desolate
territory — without means — without orgaorganizationnization. It would remove them through the agency of the emigration of those who are their natural leaders and guides, the middle and higher orders of society Supplying them with these and with a definite and judicious system of government
it would secure their prosperity by organizing their exertions.
It is thus reasonable to hope that some more than ordinary
inducements may be offered to men of Education of Enterprise and
of loyalty to
Engage in Such an undertaking for by such alone can any great and prosperous colony
be founded. And how much
the more so, if there are very urgent political necessity for such a colony in the
proposed locality.
Engage in Such an undertaking for by such alone can any great and prosperous colony
be founded. And how much
the more so, if there are very urgent political necessity for such a colony in the
proposed locality.The inducements which can be supplied by Her Majesties Govt are a defined and liberal Constitution in the Colony — a local government which shall
attach the colonist to itself and to the authority whence it emanates by securing
him from arbitrary caprice in its administration and from minor interference with his interests
This scheme is submitted with the greater confidence because it is believed to embody
the principles which are Entertained by her Majesties government.
Earl Grey, in a dispatch dated Jan 27h 1847, writes to the Earl of Elgin " x x x2 I continue to be of opinion that a very great advantage would result from Enabling
Emigrants to proceed from the Country in bands, associated together for the purpose of settling in North America under the guidance of religious
teachers if the practical difficulties of so doing could be
surmounted. Much of the pain which must ever attend the
breaking up of the ties that bind men to their native country
would be spared to those who
could Emigrate in company with a considerable number of their friends and relations
for the purpose of finding on the other side of the Atlantic new Societies composed in a great Measure of the same elements as
those to which they had previously belonged. Both morally and
politically great benefits would I think result from the
formation of such Societies and from the substitution of some
mode of Settlement in villages for that usually adopted by which
the first occupiers of the wilderness are scattered over the
surface of the country removed from those civilizing influences
and deprived of those facilities for obtaining religious
instruction and the means of Education for their Children of
which men can only have the advantage when collected together in
somewhat considerable numbers. I will not abandon the hope that
hereafter the practical difficulties which stand in the way of
carrying these views into effect may be overcome and that means
may be discovered of accomplishing that more Systematic
colonization of the still unoccupied territory of British North
America by which I am persuaded that the welfare of the Emigrants
would be best ensured and the prosperity of these fine provinces
would be carried to a far higher point than it can otherwise
attain"
could Emigrate in company with a considerable number of their friends and relations
for the purpose of finding on the other side of the Atlantic new Societies composed in a great Measure of the same elements as
those to which they had previously belonged. Both morally and
politically great benefits would I think result from the
formation of such Societies and from the substitution of some
mode of Settlement in villages for that usually adopted by which
the first occupiers of the wilderness are scattered over the
surface of the country removed from those civilizing influences
and deprived of those facilities for obtaining religious
instruction and the means of Education for their Children of
which men can only have the advantage when collected together in
somewhat considerable numbers. I will not abandon the hope that
hereafter the practical difficulties which stand in the way of
carrying these views into effect may be overcome and that means
may be discovered of accomplishing that more Systematic
colonization of the still unoccupied territory of British North
America by which I am persuaded that the welfare of the Emigrants
would be best ensured and the prosperity of these fine provinces
would be carried to a far higher point than it can otherwise
attain"
The difficulties to which Earl Grey alludes seem to be incident
rather to an Established Country or province and might readily
be overcome in the construction ab initio3
of a new colony. And although the above remarks of his
Lordships refer to another system than the now proposed, yet, recognizing in them the principles upon which this scheme is founded
and which it aims at carrying into action, the promoters
join with me in requesting you to lay this letter before his
Lordship
Earnestly hoping that it may receive from his Lordship as well as from yourself as Speedy a consideration as possible.
4
Earnestly hoping that it may receive from his Lordship as well as from yourself as Speedy a consideration as possible.
Minutes by CO staff
July 7. The Writer of this Paper is I am told a very energetic & highly respectable person.
Mr Panizzi I think & others have introduced him to me. He is now in the British Museum. Without
going into details, — I think the answer must be similar to that given to other applications
of the same kind — eg: that upon being acquainted with the names of the parties —
& the means they possess of carrying out their views, Lord Grey will, upon being satisfied upon these points — proceed immly to consider the proposition now made.
G.
7/
Other documents included in the file
Draft, Colonial Office to Fitzgerald, 15 July 1847,
asking for further information on the proposed scheme.
Footnotes
- Could also be "tend."
- Here, the letter "x" is used in lieu of ellipses.
- ab initio is Latin for from the beginning.
- This script appears in the hand of the despatch author. Given the nature of the manuscript folds, it likely appears as title-page statement for the despatch.
- Author of marginal note is unknown at this time.