Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 1 December 1862, CO 60:13, no. 1014, 547.
Abstract
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.
No. 55
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.
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.
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.
obligation due the public, but also as an act of justice to the individual concerned.
Minutes by CO staff
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.
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 shd 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 Govt 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
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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.
