<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> 16 September 1863, CO 305:20, no. 10905, 353. Douglas addressee Newcastle

Published by Jim Hendrickson and the University of Victoria.

Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 16 September 1863, CO 305:20, no. 10905, 353.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/V63039.html. CO 305:20 CO 305 20 10905 353 39 Legislative V.I. 1863 received 13 November co_305_20_00358r.jpg Transcribed from microfilm archives, marked up in Waterloo Script, then transformed into TEI P5 XML.

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Despatch to London. Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (3), Other documents (1).

 Douglas, James Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes Inserted revisionDesc.
No. 39, Legislative 10905, CO 305/20, p. 353; received 13 November 16 September 1863 My Lord Duke,

The Legislature of this Colony met according to Proclamation on the 2nd day of September, and I have now the honour of transmitting a copy of my Speech and of the Addresses of the Legislature in reply.

2. I am unwilling atthis this early stage of the Session to hazard an opinion on the course which the newly elected Assembly may adopt in reference to the measures recommended, in obedience to Your Grace's instructions, in furtherance of the Overland transit scheme and for the permanent support of the Government of this Colony.

3. There is evidently a feeling among the Members of both Houses that the Governor's salary is fixed at too high a rate, not as respects the inevitable expense or dignity of the position, but as respects the means of the Colony—and I think it is not improbable that the House may propose a reduction in the sum stated.

4. There appears also to be a misgiving among the Members about the Overland Transit Company. It is feared that the company will not carry out the Scheme in a satisfactory manner; and that therefore the Colony ought not to be pledged to continue the payments of the sums guaranteed, for any term, beyond the time the Telegraph is at work—or in short that the payments should cease together with the permanent operation of the Telegraph, as a security for the faithful performance of the Contract on the part of the Company.

5. I will continue to address Your Grace from time to time with respect to the important proceedings of the Legislature.

I have the honor to be, My Lord Duke, Your Grace's, Most obedient Servant James Douglas
Mr Elliot You will observe the Governor's remarks as to the feeling among the Members of the Legislature that the Govrs Salary is fixed at too high a rate (£3000) and also their Misgiving about the Overland Transit Compy. VJ 13 N
Still I should not believe that a tried and able GovrGovernor could have been procurable at a less Salary. Such Men must expect to find some advancement in going to a fresh appointment.

On the terms of the Contract with the Transit Company, [there appears a right?] in the remarks which the Governor cites.

All that is necessary at the present moment is to acke receipt of the Speech and Addresses. Prepare draft.

TFE 23 Novr
Newspaper clipping containing copy of speech given by Douglas at the opening of the Legislative Assembly, 3 September 1863, as per despatch.
Copy of Address from the Legislative Council to Douglas, 15 September 1863, signed by David Cameron, President, as per despatch.
Copy of Address from the Legislative Assembly to Douglas, 11 September 1863, signed by J.S. Helmcken, Speaker, as per despatch.
Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 44, 26 November 1863.