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Inclosure 5 in No. 131.
To His Excellency Sir John H. Glover, G.C.M.G., Governor and Commander-in-Chiet
in and over the Island of Newfoundland and its dependencies.
May it please your Excellency,
THE Chamber of Commerce of St. John's, having lately had under consideration the defenceless state of the capital in the event of an outbreak of hostilities between Great Britain and any foreign nation, begs respectfully to bring this condition of affairs under the notice of your Excellency in Council.
The fact that some of the great Powers after the Crimean war refused to sign the Treaty of Paris, binding them, in the event of war, not to fit out privateers or issue letters, of marque, and, moreover, the immense amount of damage done to commerce by filibusters during the American civil war, lead the Chamber to seriously consider how helpless the Colony is, and how liable it would be to attacks of like character were the friendly relations between Great Britain and such nations as Russia or the United States to be disturbed.
Up to the year 1870 a sufficient garrison of Imperial troops was stationed here, but since their withdrawal nothing has been done to supply their place; and it is the feeling of insecurity caused by the present European complications that has again made the Chamber sensible of the possible ruin that might overtake St. John's under such a state of affairs as indicated.
It is true that during the summer months the coasts of Newfoundland are protected by some ships belonging to the North American fleet, but it is more than likely that in the event of hostilities their services would be required elsewhere.
Under these circumstances the Chamber of Commerce would respectfully beg your Excellency in Council to take into your favourable consideration this condition of insecurity, and adopt such measures as will relieve the present feeling of anxiety.
(Signed)
W. B. GRIEVE, President.
Inclosure 6 in No. 131.
To His Excellency Sir John Hawley Glover, K.C.M.G., Governor of Newfoundland.
The Memorial of the undersigned citizens of St. John's,
Humbly showeth,
IN the month of August last a meeting of persons favourable to the organization of a volunteer force was held at the drill shed in St. John's, and was largely attended, at which meeting resolutions were passed expressive of the unanimous desire of those present, and a requisition accordingly subscribed.
Memorialists believe that for defensive purposes, as well as for the discharge of military duty, and such an organization as that contemplated at the meeting above referred to, would be expedient.
Memorialists feeling assured of your Excellency's hearty co-operation and support, therefore humbly request that your Excellency will be pleased to bring the foregoing representations before the honourable Executive Council, with a view of giving etfect to the same.
And as in duty bound your memorialists will ever pray.
(Signed)
CHARLES BOWRING. W. L. MARE.
ROBT. LANGRISH MARE.
E. L. JARVIS.
THOS. R. SMITH.
(and 58 others.)
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