No. 41

I have the honor to forward a Memorial presented to me this
day for transmission. The Municipal Council request me to forward
their Memorial by the Mail Steamer leaving within a few hours. I
am consequently unable to comment on the several subjects brought
forward. Mr Seymour's presence in England will render this of
little importance.

2. Rumours are continually reaching this Colony of Secret
Sessions of the Assembly of Vancouver Island on the subject of
the Union of these Colonies and of Resolutions and representations
being constantly forwarded to Her Majesty's Government adverse to
the interests of British Columbia. The Municipal Council of this
 City consider the silence of British Columbia may be taken as
apathy—hence the origin of the Memorial.

3. I cannot agree with the Memorialists that the Union of
Vancouver Island with British Columbia will be "contrary to the
well understood wishes of the people." I have already stated
my conviction that the majority of the inhabitants in the Upper
Country care little whether there is Union of the Colonies or
continued separation.

*

All classes are however united in the
opinion that the present uncertainty as regards the future of
these Colonies is seriously interfering with the progress of both.