Colonial Despatches

I yesterday received a Telegram from Your Lordship dated 10th February, as follows: Her Majesty's Government have learnt with much dissatisfaction of the unanimous passing of the Address by the Legislative Councilfor for Union with Canada.

2. This Telegram was accompanied by a Message from the San Francisco Office dated on the 17th instant stating that Cable (Message) of 10th was repeated from terminus of Western Union lines the same as original. If receiver desires another repetition Cable tolls will have to be collected thereon, notifying Cable Room, New Yorkif if you want it repeated from London.

3. At the same time I received a Note from the Agent of the Telegraph Company at Victoria as follows— I enclose foregoing instructions to this Office from San Francisco relative to Cable Telegram of the 10th instant. The Despatch was received here on the 10th but held till now for correction. There is scarcely a doubt the prefix "dis"is is unintentional, the Cable Company being in error. Should you wish it repeated from London, however, I will order it at once at a cost of Forty-five Dollars ($45.00).

4. As I had no doubt about the policy and instructions of Her Majesty's Government upon the subject of the Union, I had no hesitation in assuming that the prefix "dis" was accidental,and and I did not therefore regard it as necessary to have the Message repeated. My purpose had been served by ascertaining that Your Lordship had received my Message. But as this is a striking example of the manner in which the whole meaning of a Telegraphic Despatch may be changed by a very trifling error, I have thought it right toacquaint acquaint Your Lordship with these particulars, in order that it may be ascertained at least that there was no mistake in the original message.