Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Kennedy, Arthur to Cardwell, Edward 12 May 1866, CO 305:28, no. 6399, 371.
Abstract
Kennedy, Arthur to Cardwell, Edward 12 May 1866, CO 305:28, no. 6399, 371.
Despatch to London.
Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1), Marginalia (1).
No. 33, Legislative
12th May 1866
Sir,
Referring to your Despatch No 41 dated 3rd October 1864, I have the
honor to inform you that I caused a Bill to establish a Volunteer
Force in this Colony to be introduced by the proper officer in the
Legislative Council.
The Bill after undergoing certain amendments passed that Bodyin
in
the form I now enclose.
in
the form I now enclose.
It was transmitted in due course to the Legislative Assembly where it
was objected to on the allegation that it was "a money Bill," and
thrown out without discussion.
An honorable Member of the Legislative Assembly thereupon asked leave
to introduce a Bill having the same object. Leave was
refused, one Member alleging that "the Bill wasunnecessary
unnecessary,"
and another honorable Member "did not consider such a Bill advisable
in a small community like this."
unnecessary,"
and another honorable Member "did not consider such a Bill advisable
in a small community like this."
I have reason to think that the 9th Clause of the enclosed Bill
(which was introduced in conformity with your Despatch No 66, 7th
November 1865)
was the main obstacle to the passing of the Bill—indeed the language
used in debate by the principal objector confirms this view.
Enclosed
Enclosed are newspaper reports of the Debates—the only information
which has, or is likely to reach me on the subject.
Looking to the peculiar circumstances and surroundings of this
Colony, I cannot but regard the decision arrived at by the
Legislative Assembly as very unfortunate.
About 110 men have been enrolled, equipped and drilledunder
under
competent and loyal Officers, never doubting that a local Act to
legalize their organization would pass.
under
competent and loyal Officers, never doubting that a local Act to
legalize their organization would pass.
I do not propose for the present to interfere with their military
training in the hope that a better spirit may prevail in a future
Session.
You are aware that provision is made for an Inspector, Serjeant and
five policemen only for the whole Colony, and that I amwithout
without
troops of any kind. In this state of things a Volunteer Force
becomes all the more necessary.
without
troops of any kind. In this state of things a Volunteer Force
becomes all the more necessary.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
Copy to W.O. for information. See the annexed former papers. As Victoria is composed of a chiefly American population it wd seem more than hazardous to drill and equip a body of men who might use their knowledge & arms agt ourselves. So long as the force consists of British Subjects it may be as valuable to the community as volunteers are elsewhere.
Copy to W.O. for information. See the annexed former papers. As Victoria is composed of a chiefly American population it wd seem more than hazardous to drill and equip a body of men who might use their knowledge & arms agt ourselves. So long as the force consists of British Subjects it may be as valuable to the community as volunteers are elsewhere.
ABd
10 July
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Printed copy of "A Bill Entitled An Act to establish a Volunteer
Force," as per despatch.
Newspaper clippings,
British Colonist, 8 and 10 May 1866, and
Chronicle, 8 and 10 May 1866, reporting debate on the volunteer
bill.
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to Under-Secretary of State for War, 14 July 1866,
forwarding copy of the despatch and enclosures.
Minutes by CO staff
[Note on above:]
Lieutenant Sir E. Lugard presents his compliments to Mr Elliot and begs to return the enclosures of his letter of 14 Instant relative to a Bill to establish a Volunteer Force in Vancouver Island.
Lieutenant Sir E. Lugard presents his compliments to Mr Elliot and begs to return the enclosures of his letter of 14 Instant relative to a Bill to establish a Volunteer Force in Vancouver Island.