, 1854-08-05

legal opposition TO lawfully constituted au'
thorities, it expresses its firm determine
ton to take all lawful and constitutional
measures for repelling attacks upon the
rights and liberties Of the people, and Of
obtaining redress for their grievances, this
being the birthright of Englishmen, which
they will never surrender.
I'd. That it is the imperative duty Of the
colonists of Vancouver's Island at this
commencement of its political life, to take
into most serious consideration the subject
of the constitution Of the Supreme Court
of civil justice lately created, as well as
all the proceedings had with reference
thereto
3. That this meeting declares its just
conviction that, whatever may be the fact
of the legality or illegality of the cOnstitu-
ton of the court in the abstract, upon
which it does not at present wish to ex-
press any opinion the appointment of Mr..
David Cameron as Judge of the court, is
illegal, improper, and most injudicious. IL
legal, inasmuch as the said Mr.. David Ca
meron has never been called to the bar.
Improper and injudicious, inasmuch as
he only arrived six months since from De
marara. The community know nothing
whatever, Of his previous career, he is bro
therinlaw of Gov. Douglass who appointed
him: he holds another office as clerk of the
H. b. Cos coal mines on the Island, at the
salary of 9l5O per annum, being in that
capacity subject to the orders Of Governor
ne.ulo, n, (vh;oc Roo.or oe tbo II II M
who, we believe, obtained the appointment
for him, and his salary constitutes the lar
gest portion of his known income. In
the fuce of that fundamental maxim Of
civil polity that the Judicial authority
should be separate from, independent of,
and not exposed to, the influence of the
Executive.
And finally Inasmuch as the meeting
considers that, in the capacity Of justice Of
the peace, in which he had acted about
four months, he had already proved him
self incompetent to discharge even the du-
ties of that Office and inasmuch as the
meeting further considers that he had open
ly and notoriously displayed gross ignor-
ance, Partially, acrimony and indecorum.
Ignorance of magistrates duties-par-
tiality to one persen--acrimony to others
-indecorum both generally and particu-
larly 10 making most unwarrantable re6ec-
tions upon brother magistrate; all which
considerations jointly and severally prove
the averment which this meeting makes,
that this appointment is no less than a
glariDg indignity to the profession, q deg
radiation Of the judicial Office, and calcula-
ted to bring 1t into utter contempt.
4. That this meeting considers that since
Governor Douglass persists in maintaining
the appointment after having been made
aware Of these deficiencies in Mr.. Cam
eron for the high Office which he has CON
ferred upon him, and after having also been
made acquainted with the sentiments Of
the public in regard thereto, expressing
their dissatisfaction with it on account Of
its fundamental illegality, their want Of
confidence in, and respect for Mr. Came
ron, and the evil consequences to be appre.
hended therefrom He, Gov. Douglass,
has come to a determination which will not
be for the benefit Of the community over
which he presides, nor for the honor Of the
gracious sovereign whom he represents.
I s. That this meeting feels It absolutely
necessary, since the local authorities re-
fuse to listen to their prayers, to refer the
consideration of their grievances to the
highest authorities in England, and there.
fore, that committee Of five be appointed
TO prepare the necessary documents, and
take such steps as may otherwise be requi.
red, and that
Jas. CooPER, ESQ. ". c.,
' EDw. E. LANGFoRD, ESQ. J. P.
THos. SKINNER, ESQ.,, J.P.
Mr.. JAMES YATES,
Mr.. W. E. BERNTIEID,
constitute the committee. @
6. That this meeting having in view the
perilous condition of the colony, and the
apparent infatuation Of its government,
deems it highly expedient for the obtaining
Of effectual and speedy relief, to appoint
delegate whose business it shall be to
lay the statement of their grievances and
their anxious prayers for relief at the foot
Of the throne and that q subscription list
be Immediately opened for this purpose.
I. That this meeting earnestly requests
that the Rev. Il. j. Staines, as the most
proper person, will consent for the welfare
Of the colony, whose most vital interests
are now at stake, to take upon himself this
important office, and trusting that he will
accept the charge, does hereby constitute,
and appoint the REV. X. j. SrAlNRs its
representative according to the purport of
the foregoing resolution.
s. That memorial to the Merchants of
the British interest in San Francisco be
praying for their assistance to
carry out the objects of the previous reso-
luton, and that the committee already no
minated prepare the memorial.
A vote Of thanks to the Chairman was
carried, and thus ended our first political