Confidential

Referring to my Despatch No 97 of this date and in view of the
probability of the future form of Government of these Colonies either
separately or united being under your consideration, I deem it my
duty to bring to your notice a remarkable Debate in the Legislative
Assembly of Vancouver Island on the subject of an amended "Franchise
Act."

I enclose copies of the two daily papers, the "Colonist" and
"Chronicle" of this date, which are violently opposed to each other
in general politics. The latter is understood to be the exponent of
the Speaker's (Dr Helmcken) views and policy and the report of his
speech may therefore be accepted as correct.

If the anti-national views attributed to Dr Helmcken and to Tolmie
had been expressed by any characterless political adventurers (and
such there are) in the Assembly, I would have deemed them unworthy of
notice, but emanating from the two most influential men in that
Assembly they assume a grave complexion.

Dr Helmcken is Speaker of the House and son-in-law to Sir James
Douglas, and Dr Tolmie is the princpal officer of the Hudson Bay
Company resident here, both gentlemen exercising great influence over
the principal constituencies.

This is not I regret to say the first occasion on which these
Gentlemen have enunciated anti-national views, and I much fear that
an uninterrupted residence of 30 or 40 years in these Colonies has
obliterated any line of demarcation between English and American
nationality which may have at one time existed in their minds.

These Gentlemen have a considerable following in the House, and are
energetic and successful in returning Members holding their own
views.

A measure such as that proposed by Dr Helmcken could not at present
possibly pass the Legislative Council, but if the desire of the
Assembly to "make the official heads of Departments responsible to
the people" (i.e. the Assembly) were acceded to, the safeguard would
cease to exist and British rule become impossible.

I think it unnecessary to offer further comment upon this debate
beyond expressing my opinion that it is the natural fruit of the seed
that has been sown by a policy which has tended to make Vancouver
Island an American Settlement rather than a British Colony.

I would in conclusion refer you to my Despatches No 27, 4th May
1865 paragraphs 17, 18, and 19, and No 73 24th August 1865,
paragraphs 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18 which bear upon this subject.