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OTTAWA : PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & COMPANY. 186S. \ ' RETURN To an Address of the House of Commons, dated 17th March, 1868 ; for Copy of all Correspondence had with the Govern- ment respecting the North-West Territory, including British Columbia, since the 5th December, 1867. By Command. HECTOR L. LANGEVm, Secretary/ of State. Department op the Secretary of State, Ottawa, 24th March, 1868. CORRESPONDENCE. The Governor General to the Duhi of BucJcingham and Chandoa. (Copy, No. 107.) ^ ^"^ Government House, Ottawa, 21st Dec, 1867. My Lord Duke, — I have the honor to transmit a joint Address to Her Majesty the Queen, from tbo Senate and House of Com- mons of the Dominion of Canada, praying that Her Majesty will be 'graciously pleased to direct that an Order in Council may be passed, in conformity with the provisions of the 146th Section of the British North America Act, 1867, for annexingto the Dominion of Canada the territory of Prince Rupert's Land and the Red River Settlement. I have the honor to request that your Grace will lay this Ad- dress at the foot of the Throne. I have, &c., (Signed,) MONCK. His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, &c., &c., &c. Lord MoncJc to the DuJce of BucJcingham. (Copy, No. 1.) ^ Government House, Ottawa, Canada, January 1, 1868. 28th December. My Lord Duke,— Referring to my Despatch No. Commons pro- 107, of 2 1st December, 1867, I have the honor to ceedings, 5th, transmit to Your Grace an approved Minute of the 6th, 9tli, nth, pri^y Council of Canada, together with the Resolu- 18th Deo. ^.^^^ ^^ ^^^^ Houses, and the proceedings upon Senate proceed- them respecting the proposed annexation of Prince ioga, nth Dec. Rupert's Land and the North-West Territory to the Dominion of Canada. ! 6 Resolutions. I desire especially to call Your Grace's attention to the Kighth Resolution adopted by both Houses, and which was not incorporated in the Address to Her Majesty. Jf Her Majesty's Government should approve of the proposed incorporation with Canada of this Territory, on the terms con- tained in the Address to the Queen and these Resolutions, it would be of great advantage to my Government if I could bo informed of the decision by telegraph, in order that all necessa/y steps may be taken for carrying the arrangement into effect. I have, &c., (Signed,) Monck. His Grace The Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, &c., &c., kc, Copi/ of a Report of a Committee of the Honorable the Privy Council, approved hy His Excellency the Governor Ge'i\cral in Council, on the 2Sth December, 18G7. The Committee have had under consideration the annexed Memorandum from the Honorable the Minister of Public Works, submitting, for the approval of Your P^xcellency in Council, cer- tain recommendations on the subject of the negotiation with the Imperial Government for the transfer of Rupert's Land and the North- West Territory to Canada, and they respectfully advise that a copy of the same, when approved by Your Excellency, be for- warded to His Grace the Secretary of State for the Colonies, as embodying the views of the Canadian Government on that im- portant question. Certified, Wm. H. Lee, Clerk P. C. The undersigned has the honor to submit, for the consideration of Your Excellency in Council, the following recommendations on the subject of the negotiation with the Imperinl Government for the transfer of Rupert's Land and the North-West Territory, to Canada. I. That in addition to the joint Address of both Houses on the subject. Your Exoellency will be pleased to transmit to the Secre- tary of State for the Colonies, the Resolutions as they were finally adopted by the House of Commons and the Senate, with the votes and proceeding of both Houses thereon. ■" II. That the attention o'f His Grape the Duke of Buckingham be speoially called to the Eighth Resolution, which was not cm- bodied la the Address, and was not iDtended by the Canadian Parliaraent to express a term or condition of the Order in Council j authorized by the 146th Section of the liritifch North America Act. III. That Your Excellency will be pleased to express to His Grace, as the opinion of the Canadian Government, that it is highly expedient that the transfer which the Ji nerlal Parliament has authorized, and the Canadian Parliament approved, should not be delayed by negotiations or correspondence ,?ith private or third parties, whose position, opinions and clai-'. havo heretofore em- ba'-ra-. 3d both Governments in dealing with th\ question. iV. That in the opinion of the Canadiau 'iovernment, the terms of the Address cannot be materially altered or extended without causing injurious delay, and greatly embarrassing the people and Government of Canada in their efforts to O'^en com- munications with the Territory, to encourage emigration aud set- tlement, to establish law and order, and to provide for the speedy organization of Municipal and Local Governments therein. V. That recent proposals in the Congress of the United States in reference to British America, the rapid advance of mining and agricultural settlements westward, and the avowed policy of the Washington Government to acquire territory from other powers by purchase or otherwise, admonish us that not a day is to be lost in dotermining and publishing to the world our policy in regard to these territories. VI. That Your Excellency will be pleased to request His Grace to inform Your Excellency by Atlantic Cable (if the information can be so commuQicated), whether the Imperial Cabinet will at once advise Her Majesty to approve of the transfer on the terms of the Address, in order that the Canadian Government may be prepared to submit appropriate measures on the subject on the re- assembling of Parliament in March next. Respectfully submitted, (Signed,) Wm. McDougall. December 28th, 1867. Ihe Duhe 0/ BucJcin(^ham to Lord Monde. (Canada, No. 16.) Downing Street, 18th January, 1868. My Lord, — I have received your despatch, No. 107, of the 2ist of December, accompanied by an Address to Her Majesty from both Houses of the Canadian Parliament, proposing the an- 8 nexation of Prince Rupert's Land and the North-West Territory to the Dominion of Canada. I have also received your Lordship's subsequent despatch, No. 1, of the 1st January, enclosing Resolu- tions adopted by the two Houses on the same subject, and an ap- proved Minute of the Privy Council. These proceedings will receive the early and serious attention of Her Majesty's confidential advisers. The decision ot Her Majesty's Government will be communi- cated to you as early as possible ; but the consideration by them ot so important a subject will necessarily occupy some short time. I have &c., (Signed,) Buckingham and Chandos. Governor the Right Honorable Viscount Monck, &c., &c., &c. Requisition to his Worship the Mayor of Victoria : We, the undersigned citizens of Victoria, would respectfully re- quest your Worship to call a public meeting in the Theatre, on an early day, for the pnrpose of enquiring of His Excellency the Governor, what progress has been made in the negotiations respect- ing the admission of this Colony into the Dominion of Canada, and to consider the advisability of taking further steps to accom- plish that object. George J. Findlay, J. W. Powell, Lowe, Bros., Robert Wallace, Lumley Franklin, J. R. Stewart, J. H. Turner & Co., and fifty-five others. EepJy : Victoria, January 27, 1868. Gentlemen, — In reply to your numerously signed Requisition, asking me to call a public meeting for the purpose named therein, I have great pleasure in acceding to your request, and therefore appoint Wednesday evening next, at 7^ o'clock, for said meeting. I have the honor to be, yours, &c., James Trimble, Mayor of Victoria. To Messrs. Geo. J. Findlay, J. W. Powell, Lowe, Bros., Robert Wallace, Lumley Franklin, J. R. Stewart & Co., and others. » > 9 t Mr. De Cosmos then offered tlie following Preamble and Reso- lution: Whereas, we recognize in the successful consolidation of Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, into one great Grovernment, constituting a new Nationality, the hand of destiny pointing un- erringly to the speedy consolidation of all British North America; And whereas, the recent action of the Canadian Parliament in asking the Imperial Government to transfer the North-West Ter- ritory to the Dominion, making British Columbia its western boundary, removes all obstacles of a territorial character to our admission into the Confederacy j " Y' And whereas, the Legislative Council, at its last session, unani- mously passed an Address to the Governor, asking him to apply to the Government of Canada to admit this Colony into the Dominion ; and whereas, information respecting such admission has not, as yet, been communicated to the pujjlic through the Legislative Councillors as was expected; Resolved, That we deem it expedient that steps should be taken to conclude negotiations with the Government of Canada, for the ^ immediate admission of this Colony into the Dominion, on fair and equitable terms ; and that an essential condition to such \ admission should be the construction by the Dominional Govern- 4 ment, within two years, of a trans-continental wagon road, con- [ necting Lake Superior and the head of navigation on the Lower Fraser. When put to vote, the resolution in favor of Confederation, with the Overland Wagon Road as an essential condition, was successful amidst the wildest enthusiasm. Only about twenty hands were raised in opposition. A resolution appointing a Committee to wait upon the Governor to ascertain what progress had been made in the matter, and to take steps to further negotiations for the Union of this Colony with the Dominion was unanimously adopted, v, and the meeting broke up with three cheers for the Mayor.— ' > Colonist. Mr. Seelye offered the following resolution, which was seconded ' and carried unanimously : — 3 '^ Resolved, That a Committee of six, including the Mayor, be appointed by the Chair to wait on His Excellency the Governor, and urge the adoption and carrying out of the views of this meet- ing, and that such Committee be authorized to transact any other fc'siness that they may deem expedient to further the cause of Confederation. * t The Mayor appointed Messrs. Lumley, Franklin, A. De Cosmos, Dr. Powell, H. E Seelye, Robert Wallace and G. J. Findlay, who, with His Worship added, completes the nuiuher called for in the resolution. 10 Three cheers were given for the Mayor and three for Con- federation, after which the vast assemhiage separated, and thus ended the most enthusiastic meeting in favor of Confederation ever held here. Copy of a Report of a Committee of tlie Eonorahle the Privy Council, approved hy His Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the Qth March, 1868. The Committee have had under consideration a Memorandum dated 5th March, 1868, from the Honorable the Minister of Public Works, stating that certain Resolutions on the subject of Union with Canada, adopted at a public meeting of the inhabitants of Victoria, British Columbia, on the 29th of January last, trans- mitted through the Honorable S. L. Tilley to the Secretary of State for Canada, were on the third instant referred to a Committee of the Honorable the Privy Council, and by the Council referred to him the Minister of Public Works for immediate Report.—- That he has read and duly considered the purport of these Reso- lutions, the circumstances under which they were passed, and the action which ought to be taken by the Government of Canada thereupon. That it appears from these Resolutions and the Memorial of the Committee appointed at the public meeting, which accompanies them, that the Legislative Council of British Columbia, on the 18th of March, 1867, unanimously adopted a Resolution request- ing His Excellency, Governor Seymour, " to take measures " without delay to secure the admission of British Columbia into " the Canadian Confederacy on fair and equitable terms." That it appears further that neither the people of British Columbia, nor the Government of Canada, have been apprised of any measures that may have been taken by the Government of British Columbia^ in pursuance of the Resolution of the Legisla- tive Council. That the Resolutions adopted at the public meeting of the 29th January, which was called and presided over by the Mayor of Victoria, the chief city of the Colony, and the statement of the memorial signed by the Mayor and by Members of the Legislature and others, leave little room to doubt that the people of that Colony are willing and anxious that it should be admitted into union with Canada, if the terms of admission can be agreed upon. The Minister of Public* Works calls attention to the 146th section of the British North America Act, which applies to the case of British Columbia in express terms. — That it will be seen the Resolu- tion of the Legislative Council was passed before the British North \ ■' .f -4 ' \ ^ 11 America Act came into force, and that it did not specify the terms of admission which the Council asked the Government to secure. That it is evident therefore that further action is necessary by the Legislature of British Columbia, before admission can take place under the provisions of the Imperial Act. That it is suggested in the Memorial of the Mayor and other Citizens of Victoria, that the Legislature of the Colony, being largely composed of officials, is not so zealous for Confederation as the people whose opinions and wishes it ought to represent. The Minister submits that considering the peculiar Constitution of the Legislature and Government of British Columbia, and that, notwithstanding the Resolution of the Legislative Council in March of last year, and the Resolutions of Public Meetings, and the expression of opinion through the Press of the Colony, before and since the Act of Confederation, in favor of union with Canada, no official communication on the subject from British Columbia has reached this Government, ho would recommend that Your Excellency communicate to His Grace the Duke of Buckingham a Copy of the Memorial and Resolutions referred to, and request His Grace to instruct Governor Seymour to take such steps as may be deemed proper to move the Legislative Council of British Columbia to further action in terms oi' the Imperial Act. He further recom- mends that His Grace be informed that the Government ot Canada will be prepared to submit to Parliament a proposal for the ad- mission of British Columbia into the Union, in the expectation that the Imperial Government will lose no time in transferring the intervening North-Western Territory to the jurisdiction of the Canadian Government. The Committee concur in the above recommendations, and sub- mit the Same for Your Excellency's approval. Certified. Wm. H. Lee, C.P.C. To the Honorable the Secretary of State, Canada, &c., &c., &c. The Governor General to the Duke of BucJdngham and Chandos. /'Conv— No. Zb.) Government House, ^ ^\ ^ Ottawa, 7th March, 1868. My Lord Duke,— I have the honor to transmit, for your Grace's information and favorable consideration, an approved Minute of the Privy Council of Canada, on the subject of certain Resolutions adopted at public, meeting of the inhabitants of Viotoyia, Britisji \ 12 Columbia, with reference to the desire of that Colony to be incor- porated with the Canadian Union. I have, &c., His Grace (Signed.) MoNCK. The Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, &c., &c. &c. Victoria, V.I., B.C., 1st February, 18C7. Sir, — I am instruct:]d by the Committee to inform you that the reason for senc^og this Memorial, •;»revious to calling upon Governor Seymour, is, that the Governor resides at New Westminster, 90 miles frotn Victoria, and there being no steamboat communication to that place for one week; and, in consequence of the sailing of the Mail steamer to-day, it was necessary to send them now, or suffer a delay of one month. I have, &.O., (Signed,) H. E. Seelye, Hon. S. L. Tilley, C.B., Secretary to Committee. Minister of Customs, &c. To His Excellency the Governor General, and the Honorable the. Queen's Privy Council of Canada. The Memorial of the undersigned, a Committee appointed at a public meeting of the Citizens of Victoria, B.C., held on the 29th January, 18G8 :— Respectfully Siieweth : 1. That on the 18th of March last a Resolution was unanimously passed by the Legislative Council of this Colony, asking His Ex- cellency Governor Seymour to take measures, without delay, to secure the admission of British Columbia into the Canadian Con- federacy, on fair and equitable terms. 2. That a public meetiug was held at the same time, in Victoria, expressing concurrence with the action of the Legislative Council. 3. That the people of Cariboo, the next most populous and in- fluential portion of the Colony, held, in December, a highly en- thusiastic meeting, and unanimously passsed resolutions iniavor ot immediately joining the Dominion of Canada. 4. That the Daily British Colonist, the loading newspaper of the colony, has and does, strenuously support Confederation. The Cariboo Sentinel, a paper of local Influeuce, pursues a similar course. i i > .'I ■ 1 r ^-nr the f 13 The British Columbian, a semi-weekly, published at New "West- minster regarded as somewhat subject to Government influence, has expressed itself in favor of Confederation, but not very earnestly. The Columbian has only a local influence. The Examiner, a semi- weekly, published also at Westminster, advocates Confederation. The Morning News, a weekly, published in Victoria, the only other paper in the colony, is in favor of annexation to the United States, failing that, supports Confederation. The only paper that cir- culates through the whole Colony is the Colonist, and represents the general feeling of the country on Confederation. 5. That public opinion throughout the Colony, so far as we can learn, is overwhelmingly in favor of Confederation. 6. That there is a small party in favor of annexation to the United States, and if it were practicable or possible their number would be largely increased. 7. There is a small party, other than annexationists, who are opposed to Confederation. 8. Nearly all the office-holders of the colony are allied to the latter party. 9. The total number of those opposed to Confederation, on fair and equitable terms, is numerically small, but supported by the office-holders, they may exert a good deal of resistance to the popular will. 10. That from information in a telegram from Ottawa, dated January 22nd, 1868, wo learn, that Governor Seymour has not made any propositions to the Dominion Government respecting our admission, as was expected. 11. That the Legislative Council, the only Legislative body in the Colony, is made up of a majority consisting of Heads of De- pa"** ^^ints. Gold Commissioners, Magistrates, and others, subject to Government influence, and cannot be relied upon to urge on Con- federation, as it ought to be at the presont juncture. 12. That the only popular institutions in the Colony are the City Councils of Victoria and New Westminster. 13. That, therefore, the people of this Colony are really without the means of expressing and carrying out their wishes through the Legislature. 14. We, therefore, representing, as we do, the views of the people of this the most populous and influential section of the Colony, and acting in unison with the general and expressed wishes of the people throughout the Colony, would respectfully ask the Government of the Dominion to take immediate steps to bring this Colony into the Dominion, by telegraphing or communicating with Her Majesty's Government, to issue instructions, with as little delay as possible, to Governor Seymour, or otherwise to conclude negotiations as to the terms of our admission. 14 15. We feel that without the help and support of the Govern- ment of the Dominion, the time will be remote when this Colony will be admitted into the Dominion, but with the aid which we solicit, we believe that there is no obstacle to prevent our admission by the first of July next. 16. We would further represent for the information of tho Gov- ernment of the Dominion, that the terms of admission which would be acceptable to the people of this Colony, would be : — (1.) Canada to become liable for the entire Public Debt of this Colony, estimated at $1,500,000. (2.) Canada to provide for Federal Officers and Services. (3.) To grant a sufficient fixed subsidy, and per capita subsidy, to insure the support of the local Government, in addition to the powers of taxation reserved to Provincial Governments in "British North America Act." (4.) Representation in the Senate and Commons of Canada. (5.) The construction of a Trans-Continental Wagon Road, from Lake Superior to the head of navigation on the Lower Frascr, within two years after the time of admission. This is regarded as an essential condition. (6.) Popular representative institutions, insuring responsible control over the Government. 17. Hereafter we hope to communicate further information. In the meantime, we confidently trust, the Government of the Dominion will cheerfully aid the people of this Colony in further- ing their wishes, for immediate admission into the Confederation. 18. Enclosed we send you a Copy of Requisition to the Mayor, to call a public meeting, and also Resolutions passed at said meet- ing, held on the 29th January, 1868. We have the honor to bo, Most respectfully and obediently yours, (Signed,) James Trimble, Mayor of the City of Victoria and Chairman of Committee. (Signed,) A. EeCosmos, Member of Legislative Council. (Signed,) J. H. Powell, M.D., Member for the City of Victoria, in the late Legislative Assembly of Vancouver Island. (Signed,) R. Wallace, Merchant. (Signed,) H. E. Seelte, One of the Editors of the British Colonist, and Secretary to the Committee. ViciORiA, B.C., February 1st, 1868. I r \