Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 26 January 1860, CO 305:14, no. 2761, 16.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (5), Other documents (1), Marginalia (2).
Douglas acknowledges Newcastle's despatch advising him with regards to
defraying the expense of the Civil Administration of Vancouvers Island,and asks questions about how to handle revenue from land sales in the colony. The minutes show the Colonial Office considering the same issue, with the goal of forcing the colony to become more financially independent.
No. 5
26 January 1860
I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of Your Grace's
Despatch No 14 of the 20th of October last, Conveying to me the instructions of Her Majesty's Government with respect to providing
means for
for defraying the expense of the Civil Administration of
Vancouvers Island.
for defraying the expense of the Civil Administration of
Vancouvers Island.
2. I beg to assure Your Grace in reply that I was not unprepared for
the instructions I have now received, and that the measures reported
in my Several Communications noted in the margin,
for Extending
Parliamentary franchise; creating new electoral Districts in order to
ensure a full representation of the people; dissolving the late House
of Assembly on account of its not imposing taxes for the Support of
Government, and Calling another House with larger views, are
preparatory Steps in the plan of providing for the service in
question; and I am of opinion that the Colony is now capable
capable, without
overtaxing its financial resources, of defraying the ordinary and
regular Expenses of her Government.
No 60. Novr 26th 1859
No 63. Decr 17th 1859
No 4. Jany 25th 1860
No 63. Decr 17th 1859
No 4. Jany 25th 1860
Circulated with another despatch from Gov Douglas 2760.
capable, without
overtaxing its financial resources, of defraying the ordinary and
regular Expenses of her Government.
3. In that case however the Legislature will no doubt make an urgent
appeal for the Control and entire disposal of all monies arising from
the Sale of Crown Land, and other Sources of revenue; and I shall
feel much obliged if Your Grace will inform me, as soon as may be
convenient whether Her Majesty's Government will sanction such
arrangement, providing the Colonial Legislature undertakes to defray
the expense of the Civil List, by which I mean payment for Services
of a permanent nature, such as the salary of the Governor, Chief
Justice, Colonial Secretary, Treasurer, Attorney
Attorney General, and other
officers engaged in the administration of the Civil Government of the
Colony; and providing that such payments, whatever their amount may
be, Shall be fixed by law, and not merely placed on the Estimates for
the Year.
Attorney General, and other
officers engaged in the administration of the Civil Government of the
Colony; and providing that such payments, whatever their amount may
be, Shall be fixed by law, and not merely placed on the Estimates for
the Year.
4. I have further to assure Your Grace that I will not fail to
prepare an estimate of the Salaries to be paid, and of the expense of
the Civil administration of the Colony, and to urge its acceptance by
the Legislature at an early period of the approaching session; and it
will then, I trust, be in my power to carry on the Government as you
have directed,
directed, without the aid of the Civil officers of British
Columbia.
directed, without the aid of the Civil officers of British
Columbia.
I have etc.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
The Govr asks for early instructions as to the control & disposal of the proceeds of land Sales. On this point see the Minutes on 10758.
The Govr asks for early instructions as to the control & disposal of the proceeds of land Sales. On this point see the Minutes on 10758.
VJ
13 M
Mr Fortescue
This crossed ours of 21 Feb. last which will have informed him that the right to dispose of these funds is in the Crown,
and not the
Assembly.
This crossed ours of 21 Feb. last which will have informed him that the right to dispose of these funds is in the Crown,
and not the
Assembly.
But now arises the very serious question, how to use those rights?
Whether to transfer them to the Assembly? & if so on what conditions?
You are aware that unless the HB Co. succeed in depriving us of
the site of the city of Victoria, this revenue promises to be a very
considerable one indeed, relatively speaking to the size of the
island.
My inclination on the whole would be to transfer the property on the
following conditions.
Defraying all the civil establishment.
And
certain military expenses, to be fairly settled beforehand.
Provision that HM's vessels & military departments should have at all
times ensured to them a supply
of coal free of cost (or under advantageous terms to be settled
by the Governor).
Perhaps reservation of any discovery which may be made of gold
deposits? Though I do not see much use in this.
The Duke may wish for a report from the Land & Em Comrs.
HM
Mh 14
It wd be well to refer it first to the L & E Commrs?
CF
15
This will be an important step in the future progress & fortunes of
this Colony, and it is desirable to collect all our examples and
warnings from other Colonies. I should wish therefore to have a
report from L & E. Commrs.
N
18
Other documents included in the file
Draft, Colonial Office to Emigration Commissioners, 28 March 1860,
forwarding copy of the despatch for report.
Minutes by CO staff
Mem. The Land Board should be supplied with the Governor's original
despatch on acct of the Minutes wh: are on it; & Mr Murdoch shd
be informed of the presence in England of the Surveyor General, Mr
Pemberton, who will be able to afford him local information, of some
value.