<persName ref="prs:douglas_j"><surname>Douglas</surname>, <forename>James</forename></persName> to <persName ref="prs:labouchere_h"><surname>Labouchere</surname>, <forename>Henry</forename></persName> 31 October 1856, CO 305:7, no. 349, 126. Douglas addressee Labouchere

Published by Jim Hendrickson and the University of Victoria.

Douglas, James to Labouchere, Henry 31 October 1856, CO 305:7, no. 349, 126.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/V56030.html. CO 305:07 CO 305 7 349 126 30 V.I. 1856 received 14 January 1857 co_305_07_00127r.jpg Transcribed from microfilm archives, marked up in Waterloo Script, then transformed into TEI P5 XML.

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Despatch to London. Minutes (1), Other documents (1), Marginalia (1).

Douglas updates the Colonial Office on the activities of the public assembly. He notes that certain members objected to the property qualifications but the speaker of the house was able to reconcile party differences and proceeded with an inquiry into the qualifications of the Members elect. Edward Langford was declared ineligible and Joseph William McKay was made the member representing Victoria District in his place. Douglas affirms that a measure will be adopted to extend the suffrage that follows the Colonial Office’s advice once larger franchise is desirable.

The minutes acknowledge Douglas’s account.

Enclosed is a draft reply from Labouchere acknowledging Douglas’s report.

 Douglas, James
Victoria Vancouver's Island
Labouchere, Henry Inserted revisionDesc with @status="unproofed". Changed idno @type="received" into a date element. Gave existing date an @type="sent" and reordered bibl contents.
No. 30 349, CO 305/7, p. 126; received 14 January 1857
Victoria Vancouver's Island
31th October 1856 Sir

1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No 16 of the 23rd of August in reply to my commmunications No 12 and 14 of the 22nd May, and the 7th of June last, reporting my proceedings in respect to carrying out the instructions contained in your Despatch of the 28th of February 1856, for convoking aa Legislative Assembly in this Colony, and requesting advice and instructions, from you on various subjects connected with that measure.

2. I have since in my several Despatches of the numbers and dates mentioned in the margin, * reported to you the several steps taken towards carrying those instructions into effect, and the formal opening of the House of Assembly on the 12th day of August last, together with the objections raised to the property qualification of certain members, who took their seats on that occasion and the consequent difficulty experienced in organizing the House.

3. After repeated adjournments the speaker with much tact and address, finally succeeded, without my interference, in adjusting party differences, and formingforming a committee, which immediately proceeded with an inquiry into the qualifications of the Members elect, and declared the return of Edward E Langford null and void, in consequence of his not having sufficient property to constitute a legal qualification, and then adjourned to the 24th day of October (present).

4. A fresh writ was in consequence issued, and Joseph William McKay was returned without opposition as Member for the District of Victoria in the place of Edward E Langford.

5. The House met on the 24th day of the present month (October) and after some necessary arrangements adjourned to the 13th day of November next, when they will be prepared for serious work.

6. Those

6. Those delays have not been without their use, as the Members have had time to prepare for the proper discharge of the public duties they have to perform, and their minds have been dis-abused of many false notions, which were commonly entertained here, concerning the powers and jurisdiction of the House of Assembly, so that on the whole I do not regret the time spent in constituting the House.

7. I observe with satisfaction that in abiding by the terms of my Commission, in respect to the franchise I have acted in conformity with the instructions, on that point, contained in your Despatch, and we shall further carry out your instructions by bringing a measure before the Assembly, when it is found desirable to extend the suffrage.

I I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient humble Servant James Douglas Governor The Right HonbleHonourable Henry Labouchere Esqre Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State For the Colonial Department.
Mr Merivale Acknowledge? VJ 14 Jan HM Jan 15 JB 16 Jy HL 18
Draft reply, Labouchere to Douglas, No. 4, 24 January 1857.
No. 15, 22 July, and No. 19, 20 August 1856.