In this 150th anniversary of the creation of sa国际传媒, we are looking back at editorials published in our predecessor newspaper in 1867.
This week, the editors looked at the role of Arthur Birch, a former colonial secretary who was not in favour of British Columbia joining the Canadian confederation. He met in Ottawa with Charles Monck, the first Governor General of sa国际传媒.
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When we penned a brief article a few days ago in favour of having some competent person at Ottawa to represent the colony鈥檚 interests there, we little imagined that our government had been beforehand in the representative business, and had dispatched a person to look after its own interests at the seat of government of the dominion.
It would appear that the principal object of Arthur Birch鈥檚 visit to the East was to wait upon the Governor General of sa国际传媒 with a view, if possible, of retarding the consummation of the scheme of Confederation and insuring a continuance for an indefinite period of the present one-man system of government with which we are now so grievously afflicted.
We are therefore not surprised to learn that after an interview had taken place between the youthful secretary and Lord Monck, the latter 鈥渆xpressed himself as of opinion that Confederation is impracticable for some years, at least.鈥�
Indeed, our only surprise is that his lordship did not tell Birch almost in as many words that the dominion does not desire British Columbia on any terms. It is some comfort to know that; and it is equally comfortable to reflect that notwithstanding the noble lord鈥檚 opinion, his cabinet do not share it.
The ministry, not Lord Monck, shape the policy of the government, and a majority of the ministry, at least, are in favour of our immediate Confederation upon advantageous terms.
Were Lord Monck鈥檚 ministry composed of men possessed of little or no colonial experience and knowledge, we might well despair of being admitted to the family circle of the dominion during the lifetime of the youngest man among us; but, fortunately for us, they are men who have been raised in the eastern provinces, who have risen from the ranks of the people to their present high position, and who understand the importance of fostering, encouraging and supporting, if necessary, a young and struggling colony like ours.
With Lord Monck and Downing Street, Birch will be quite an oracle. He will be quoted as an authority on all points relating to the standing and condition of the Pacific colony; the best location for the capital; the form of government suited to the wants of the country; and the customs, manners and habits of the people. But with the Canadian ministers he will be lost.
His 鈥渃olonial experience鈥� will pass for no more than it is worth with a cabinet composed of such master minds as Macdonald, Cartier, Galt, Tilley and the other great men of the dominion.
鈥淗is measure will be taken鈥� and his 鈥渁dvice鈥� will be unheeded.
It is not, therefore, because we fear that Birch can or will damage the cause of Confederation at Ottawa (he might have saved himself the trouble and the colony the expense of going there for all the good he will do his 鈥渇riends鈥�) that we ask for an unpaid representative at Ottawa; but it is because we wish the ministry to understand that the people of British Columbia are in favour of the union that they are ready and willing to join upon certain terms and conditions, foremost among which will be a new governor, a new ministry, responsible government, and (although we would not have it urged as a sine qua non) reciprocity of trade with the United States.
Now that we know the government to be represented at Ottawa by a paid delegate 鈥� why should not the colony have its unpaid representative there 鈥� a man whose interests being all centred here would have the greatest possible incentive to look well after ours.
If there is no impropriety in the colonial secretary going there to represent the interests of his government, why should there be any impropriety in a private individual being present to represent the people?
We put forward those suggestions in the hope that steps will be taken to convene a public meeting, by which authority may be delegated to some person 鈥� we care not who 鈥� to act for us. In the last number of the Examiner the editor objects to Confederation because he is afraid Amor De Cosmos will be made lieutenant-governor.
Our contemporary may withdraw his objection 鈥� his fear is groundless. De Cosmos 鈥� though no favourite or friend of ours 鈥� we will do the justice to say would be head and shoulders above the present incumbent of the gubernatorial chair; but he stands about as much chance of being appointed lieutenant-governor as the editor of the Examiner does of being nominated to a vacant chair in one of the universities.
The Daily British Colonist and Victoria Chronicle,
Oct. 11, 1867
