“.—

1ms [ ROYAL GAZETTE (coma) Government House, Ottawa, 18th October, 1869. SIR,—

I have the honor to enclose copies of two Des- patches which I have received from Earl Gran- ville. You will, I think, concur with me in thinking that your Government should he put in possession of the purport of these Communica- tions, inasmuch as they convey, in earnest terms, the matured opinion of Her Majesty’s Govern-

ment, with reference to the great scheme of

Confederation. I have, 850., (Signed) ‘ The Lt. Governor of Prince Edward Island,

JOHN YOUNG.

&c., 850., «ice. ~—No. 6.—

Cirr of a Despatch from the Earl Granville,K. G-., Io Governor Musgrave. (No. 84.) Downing Street, Aug. 14, 1869. Sm,—

IN my Despatch of the 17th June, in which I mgunmnnicnted to you your appointment to the government of British Columbia, I informed you that I should probably have occasion to address you on the question, then in agitation, of the in- corporation of the Colony with the Dominion of Canada. . ~

You are aware that Her Majesty’s Government have hitherto declined to entertain this question, mainly because it could not arise practically till the territory of the Hudson’s Bay Company was annexed to the Dominion, but also, perhaps, in the expectation that the public Opinion of British Columbia might have opportunity to form and de- clare itself.

I have now to inform you that the terms on which fltupert’s.iLand and the North West Terri- tory are to be united to Canada, have been agreed to by the parties concerned, and the Queen will probably be advised before long to issue an order in Council which will incorporate, in the Domi- nion of Canada. the whole of the British Posses- sions on the North American Continent, except the then conterminousColony of British Columbia.

The question, therefore, prescntsitself whether this single Colony should be excluded from the great body, politic which is thus forming itself. Un this question the Colony itselfdoes not ap- pear to be unanimous. But as far as I can judge from the Dcspatches which have reached me,—I should conjecture that the prevailing opinion was in favor of union. I have no hesitation in statin that such is also the opinion of Her Majesty’s Government. ' .

They believe that a Legislature selected from an extended area, and representing a diversity of interests, is likely to deal more comprehensively with large questions, more impartiall y with small questions, and more conclusively with both, than is possible when controversies are carried on and decided upon in the comparatively narrow Cirle

in which they ariscwqiiestions of purely local in- terest will be more careiully and dispassionately considered when disengaged lrom the larger poli— tics of the country, and at the same time will be more sagaciously considered by persons who have. had this larger political education. Finally, they anticipate that the interest of every Province of British North America will be more advanced bv enabling the wealth, credit, and intelligence (if the whole to be bronoht to bear on every part, than by encouraging each in the contracted policv of taking care of itself, possibly at the expense of its neighbor. Most especially is this true in the. case ot'internal transit. It is evident the estab- lishment of a British line of communication be— tween the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans far more feasible by the operations ofa single Government responsible for the progress of both shores of the. Continent, than by a bargain negotiated between separate-perhaps in some respects rival—Gov- ernmcnts and Legislatures. The San FranciSCo of British North America would, under these cir- cumstances, hold a greater commercial and poli~ tical position than would be attainable by the capital of the isolated Colony of British Columbia. Her Majesty’s Government are aware that the dis- tance between Ottawa and Victoria presents a real difiiculty in the way of immediate union

But that very difficulty will not be without its adantagc if it renders easy communication indis- pcnsable, and forces onwards the operations which are. to complete it. In any case it is an under- tood inconvenience, and a diminishing one

and it appears far better to accept it as aktcmpo: rary drawback on the advantages of union, than to wait for these obstacles, often more intractable

which are sure to spring up after a neglected 0p: portunity. ‘

The constitutional connexion of Her Majesty ’s Government with the Colony of British Columbia is, as yet, closer than with any other part of North America; and they are bound, on an occa- sion like the present, to give, for the considerab 1ion ot'tho community and the guidance of Her Majesty’s servants,a more unreserved expression of their wishes and judgment than might be else— where fitting.

You will, therefore, give publicity to this Des- patch. a copy of which I have communicated to the Governor-General of Canada: and you will hold yourself authorised, either in communication with Sir John Young, or otherwise, to take such steps as you properly and constitutionally can for promoting the favorable consideration of this ques- tron.

It will not escape you, that in acquainting vou with the general views of the Government, 1 huaw avoided all matters of detail, on which the wishes of the people and the Legislature will of course be declared in due. time. I’think it necessary howeyer, topbserve that the constitution of Bri: tish Columbia wdl oblige the Governor to enter personally upon many questions—as the condi- tion of Indian tribes and the future position of Governmept servants, with which, in the case of a negotiation between two Responsible Govern~ ments, he would not be bound to concern himself.

I have. &c.,

(Signed :; G RANVILLH.