A hundred years ago
From the 'Spectator', 27 November 1869— British Columbia is, it appears, to be included in the Canadian Dominion, which will then stretch across the continent from ocean to ocean. The colonists are not disinclined to the change, but are anxious, according to Governor Seymour's despatches, for local self-govern- ment, sharp retrenchment, and some help, or at least sympathy, from the mother country, which, says Mr Seymour, so entirely forgets the colony that British immigrants have ceased to go there. The colonists want a road, however, as a condition of union with the Dominion, being at this moment, writes the Governor, "as near to Japan as to Ottawa." The tone of bitter- ness and despondency created by the laissez- faire policy of the Colonial Office is apparent in every line of these despatches.
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