Colonial Despatches

I have received your despatch No. 39 of the 3rd May, transmitting a Resolution passed by the Legislative Council of British Columbia, in which Her Majesty's Government are requested, for the reasons therein stated, to bear one half of the expenses incurred in the recent expeditions against the Chilicoten Indians.

I am aware that theColony Colony has been subjected to a serious expenditure on account of the pursuit of the murderers of the road Makers at Bute Inlet. But, at whatever cost, the expedition was demanded as an act of retributive justice and as being needful for the safety of all persons who might be engaged hereafter in similar undertakings. It is gratifying to know that complete success attended the labors of the party which accompanied you, and that no accounts have reached you of further outrages on the part of the Indians in any quarter of your government.

The cost of the expedition must, however, fall upon the Colony. I cannot admit that Her Majesty's Government are, in any sense responsible for that expense, and it is not in my power to hold out a hope that any part of it can be defrayed out of funds to be voted for that purpose by the Imperial Parliament.