Confidential
30th December 1865
Sir,
Referring to my Confidential Despatch dated 16th December 1865 I have the honor to transmit a copy of the "Daily Chronicle," 19th December 1865, containing a debate upon a "Franchise Act" now before the Legislative Assembly of the Colony, a portion of which I have marked in red ink.
TheManuscript image
The propositions and expressions attributed to Helmcken and Dr Tolmie have not been disavowed and are I have no doubt in the main correct. One of these Gentlemen, as you are aware, is Speaker of the House of Assembly, and the other represents the Hudson's Bay Company in this Colony and they are certainly the two most influential Members of the representative Body.
At another time, and inotherManuscript image other localities any disparagement of sound and proper nationality might be left unnoticed, but in a community such as that of Vancouver Island, where there is at present a large American element, the language attributed to Dr Helmcken is not only to be lamented but mischievous.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant
A.E. Kennedy
Governor
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Elliot
Ack. rect of this & the previous desph of 16 Decr.
ABd 10-3
TFE 10/3
Dr Helmcken's propn is that aliens should vote without nationalizing themselves as British Subjects. I do not think this ought to be allowed.
WEF 12/3
EC 13
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
Newspaper clipping, The Daily Chronicle, 19 December 1865, reporting the debate in the Legislative Assembly over a bill to amend the Franchise Act.
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft reply, Cardwell to Kennedy, Confidential, 16 March 1866.
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Elliot
As this is the V.C.I. Mail day I pass a F.C. on for sigre.