Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Lytton, Edward George Earle Bulwer 20 July 1859, CO 305:10, no. 8943, 224.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).
Douglas transmits copies of his
correspondence with the House of Assembly of Vancouvers Island, up to the 15 day of July inclusive. The minutes comment in the House's proceedings, with Newcastle's final minute stating that
Several private letters I have seen speak very slightingly of this Assembly—in fact they say that with one or two exceptions they are mere Creatures of the Governor. If there is truth in this the Assembly is much worse than useless.
No. 26
20 July 1859
I have the honor of transmitting herewith for the information of
Her Majesty's Government copies of my correspondence with the
House of Assembly of Vancouvers Island, up to the 15 day of July
inclusive, relative to
to the ordinary affairs of the Colony and
for that reason not requiring explanatory or special comment.
to the ordinary affairs of the Colony and
for that reason not requiring explanatory or special comment.
I have etc.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
Pages 1 to 32 of these enclosures relate to improvements proposed in the Harbour of Victoria. They might perhaps be sent to the Admiralty.
Pages 1 to 32 of these enclosures relate to improvements proposed in the Harbour of Victoria. They might perhaps be sent to the Admiralty.
Pages 32 to the end consist of a correspondence between the Ho:
of Assembly, & the Governor which, bearing upon the extent of
the powers of the Assembly to pass Acts for the imposition of
taxes, and upon the question we have lately had before us as to
the Conduct of the Governor in removing & making certain
purchases of buildings for Govt Offices in V.C. Isld, are not
undeserving [of] yr notice.
ABd
23d Sep
Mr Fortescue
The House, after a slight quarrel, which looked as if it had thought it necessary to make a display in indication of its constitutional opposition, comes to the most perfect agreement in sentiment with the Governor, to the effect that it is desirable that the expense of constructing further buildings should be borne by the HB Co "and ultimately by the Crown." So at least I should interpret the proceeding.
The House, after a slight quarrel, which looked as if it had thought it necessary to make a display in indication of its constitutional opposition, comes to the most perfect agreement in sentiment with the Governor, to the effect that it is desirable that the expense of constructing further buildings should be borne by the HB Co "and ultimately by the Crown." So at least I should interpret the proceeding.
HM
S 26
Duke of Newcastle
You will observe that Govr Douglas tells the Assembly (p. 64—enclosures) that he "has received no intimation that the rights of the Hudson's Bay Co. are resumed by the Crown."
You will observe that Govr Douglas tells the Assembly (p. 64—enclosures) that he "has received no intimation that the rights of the Hudson's Bay Co. are resumed by the Crown."
CF
28
Several private letters I have seen speak very slightingly of
this Assembly—in fact they say that with one or two exceptions
they are mere Creatures
of the Governor. If there is truth in this the Assembly is
much worse than useless.
N
30
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Correspondence between Douglas and the House of Assembly
from 16 May to 15 July 1859 (26 entries, 37 pages).
