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.