San Andreas independent., 1858-09-04

INSTRUCTIONS TO Gov. DoUGLAs FROM THE
COLONIAL OFFIcE.-The following is copy of
dispatch forwarded by Sir E. Bulwer Lytton,
Colonial Secretary, to Governor Douglas:
DOWNING STREET July /, 1858.
SIR: have to acknowledge your despatch
OF the 0th ultimo, in continuation of former
dispatches, informing the Secretary of State
from time to time of the progress of the gold
discoveries on Frazer River, and the measures
which you had taken in consequence | am
ANXIOUS not to let the opportunity OF the pres
ent mail pass without informing you that her
MaJestys government have under their con-
slderation the pressing necessity of taking
some steps to establish public order ano gov
eminent in that locality, and that hope very
soon TO be able 10 communicate to you the re-
suit. In the meantime her Majestys govern
ment approve the course which you have
adopted in asserting both the dominion of the
Crown over this region and the right of the
Crown over the precious metals. They think.
however, that you acted judiciously in waiting
for further instructions before you endeavored
to compel the taking out of licenses by caus-
ing any force to be despatched for that pur-
pose from Vancouver's Island
They wish you to continue your vigilance
and to apply for Instructions on any point on
which you may require them. They are, how
ever, in addition, parti. uarly anxious to i'm
press on you that, while her Maesty's govern
ment are determined on preserving the rights.
both of government end commerce. which be-
long to this country, and while they have it in
contemplation to furnish you with such force
as they may be able to detach for your assis-
lance and support in the preservation of law
and order, 1t is no part Of their policy to ex-
clude Americans and other foreigners from the
gold helds. On the contrary, you are distinct
ly instructed to oppose obstacle whatever
to their resort thither for the purpose of dig
ging gold in those fields, so long as they sub
nit themselves, in common with the subjects
of her Majesty, to the recognition of her au-
thorty, and conform to such rules of police as
you may have thought proper~to establish
The national right to navigate Frazer River is,
of course, separate question, and one which
her MaJestyS government must reserve. I'm
der the circumstances of so large an immigra-
ton of Americans into English territory, need
hardly impress upon you the Importance of
caution and delicacy in dealing with those
manifold causes Of international relationship
ana feeling which are certain to arise. and
which. but for the exercise of temper and dis
cretion, might easily lead to serious complica-
ton between two neighboring and powerful
States.
1t is impossible by this mail to furnish you
with any instructions of a more definite char
acter. Her Majestys government must leave
much to your discretion on this most impor
tant subject, and they rely on your exelc ising
whatever influence and powers you may pos
Sess in the manner which, from local knowl-
edge and experience, you conceive to be best
calculated to give development to the new
country, and to advance imperial interests
| have, etc. E. BuLwER LYTToN.
Governor Douglas. etc.