<persName ref="prs:douglas_j"><surname>Douglas</surname>, <forename>James</forename></persName> to <persName ref="prs:newcastle"><surname>Pelham-Clinton</surname>, <forename>Henry</forename> <forename>Pelham</forename> <forename>Fiennes</forename></persName> 1 December 1862, CO 60:13, no. 1014, 547. Douglas addressee Newcastle

Published by Jim Hendrickson and the University of Victoria.

Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 1 December 1862, CO 60:13, no. 1014, 547.The Colonial Despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871, Edition 2.6, ed. James Hendrickson and the Colonial Despatches project. Victoria, B.C.: University of Victoria. https://bcgenesis.uvic.ca/B62055.html. CO 60:13 CO 60 13 1014 547 55 B.C. 1862 received 31 January 1863 co_60_13_00542r.jpg Transcribed from microfilm archives, marked up in Waterloo Script, then transformed into TEI P5 XML.

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Despatch to London. Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).

Douglas forwards Newcastle a statement from Begbie denying any involvement in mining speculation and complaining that he is not obligated to answer questions concerning his own private property. Douglas writes that he informed Begbie that public officials must avoid conflicts of interest. Elliot minutes that Begbie's denial appears to me to be as complete a one as could be expected, although he has conveyed it in rather lawyerlike language.

Douglas, James Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes Inserted revisionDesc. Added abstract.
No. 55 1014, CO 60/13, p. 547; received 31 January 1863 1 December 1862

Adverting to my Despatch No 45 of the 4th Ultimo, wherein I submitted to Your Grace copy of two Circulars which I had caused to be issued in connection with the subject of Gold Commissioners holding an interest in Miningclaims claims, I have the honor to acquaint Your Grace that in consequence of a report being generally circulated that Mr Begbie, the Judge of British Columbia, had, during his recent absence on Circuit in Carribou, purchased an interest in a Mining claim, I deemed it right to call upon him to state whether there existed any foundation for such report.

2. The reply of Mr Begbie, which I here enclose, contains, I am happy to say, the mostunqualified unqualified contradiction of the report in question.

3. Your Grace will observe Mr Begbie's remarks upon the right which may exist to inquire into matters in connection with private property. I have informed Mr Begbie very distinctly that in all cases in which it may be considered that the private interests of public servants conflict with the due discharge of their public duties, it is the undoubted right of the Executive to institute the fullest inquiry not only as anobligation obligation due the public, but also as an act of justice to the individual concerned.

I have the honor to be My Lord Duke Your Graces most obedient and humble Servant James Douglas
Mr Elliot It seems to me that the Governor has acted quite rightly in this matter. In a Colony especially the Chief Judge should keep himself disengaged from speculative transactions.

I shdshould rather suspect from what Mr Begbie says abt his having advanced money to a certain Mr Walker to enable him to buy a mining claim that the Judge has not been able to resist employing his spare cash to advantage. The rate at whh money is lent in B.C. is from 10 to 20, & 30 pr cent.

ABd 31 Jany
Mr Begbie's denial appears to me to be as complete a one as could be expected, although he has conveyed it in rather lawyerlike language. I should ackge the despatch and should state that Mr Begbie's letter is satisfactory, and at the same time should express entire approval of the Governor's declaration of the right of the Executive GovtGovernment to inquire at any time into a question of property which might cause the private interests of public servants to conflict with the due discharge of their public duties. TFE 13 Feby
I entirely agree. FR 13/2 CF 14 N 16
M.B. Begbie to W.A.G. Young, Colonial Secretary, 19 November 1862, denying the charge that he had purchased interest in a mining claim, and disputing that it was anyone's right to question his private holdings.
Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 12, 18 February 1863, advising that Begbie's denial is satisfactory and confirming Douglas's position regarding public officials and potential conflicts of interest.