Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch from London
Cardwell, Edward to Kennedy, Arthur 1 June 1864, NAC RG7:G8C/04, 141.
Abstract
Despatch from London.
Enclosures (untranscribed) (1).
Regarding an ordinance for a telegraph line to be be built between San Francisco and Vancouver Island, that grants a
monopoly of Telegraphic communicationto an American company, Cardwell informs Kennedy that the
Imperial Government is directly opposedto such a monopoly and assent to any bill with that agreement should be withdrawn.
No. 8
1st June 1864
Sir,
It has been brought to my notice that a Bill is now passing through
the House of Assembly of Vancouver Island by which certain exclusive
rights are granted to an American Telegraph Company who are about to
construct a line from San Francisco.
I
I enclose for your information a copy of a Parliamentary Paper from
which you will learn that the policy of the Imperial Government is
directly opposed to the grant of any monoply of Telegraphic
communication, and I have therefore to instruct you to withhold your
assent from any Billgranting
granting such a monoply unless it contains a clause
suspending it's operation until Her Majesty's Pleasure be made known.
granting such a monoply unless it contains a clause
suspending it's operation until Her Majesty's Pleasure be made known.
I am of opinion that it is most improbable that such law would
receive Her Majesty's approval, or, if passed without a suspending
clause, beallowed
allowed to remain in operation.
allowed to remain in operation.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Copies or extracts of correspondence between the Secretary of State and North American
colonies on the subject of telegraphic communication, 18 June 1858, (38 pages).