Confidential
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a local newspaper of
yesterday's date containing a report of a debate in the House of
Assembly on the subject of a Bill to incorporate the City of
Victoria.
You will observe that it has been proposed and carried
that that
foreigners holding "real estate" in this Colony should be empowered
to vote for municipal officers, without being naturalized or taking
the oath of allegiance.
The practical effect of this would be to establish at no very distant
time an American municipal government in a British Colony.
In the event of the Bill passing the Legislative Council in its
present form, I will
deem deem it my duty to reserve it for the
signification of Her Majesty's pleasure.
I entertain little doubt that the principle if admitted in the
present case would on a future occasion be extended to the election
of Members of the Legislative Assembly.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant
A.E. Kennedy
Governor
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Note on microfilm as follows:
C.O. 305/Vol 28.
Folios 319-320 are unsuitable for filming on camera.