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Printed solely for the use of the Colonial Office. July 29, 1864.

CONFIDENTIAL.

N. 3.

Memorandum prepared for the Cabinet by Lord Stanley on the Question of Colonial Honours, dated January 21, 1814.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference -

TLC.O.

No. 1.

Memorandum by Lord Stanley.

SINCE the question of Colonial Honours, in connection with that of the extension of the Order of the Bath, was mooted in the Cabinet, I have referred to the records of my Office, from which it appears that these subjects have been frequently, under discussion.

Lord Bathurst, many years ago, contemplated the institution of a Canadian Order of Knighthood; but the project is believed to have been abandoned in consequence of the objections personally entertained to it by George IV.

I am far from thinking that such an institution, even now, would be without its use. It would, of course, have the disadvantage, as compared with the extension of a British -Order, of being, in a less degree, an object of ambition. Still it would be so to a consider. able extent, if we may judge from the eagerness with which the Order of St. Michael and St. George is sought, and that not only by colonists. It would have the advantage of being able to be more generally distributed; whereas any conceivable extension of the Bath would admit only one or two, at most not half-a-dozen, individuals, even in the most extensive Colonies.

But if a separate Order be instituted for Canada (in which I would, of course, include the whole group of the North American Colonies), a similar step must probably be taken with respect to the two other groups, the West Indian and the Australian. It would not do to institute a Colonial Order generally, which would seem to place them below their British fellow-subjects; but independently of any extension of the Bath, with which it need not interfere, but the extent of which it might materially aid in limiting, I should be glad to have the authority of the Cabinet for consulting the Governors of the respective Colonies or groups, confidentially, as to the probable effect of such local honours, on the footing of St. Michael, and St. George, combining British officers, civil and military, who have served in those Colonies respectively, with residents of station and influence, or who have distinguished themselves in promoting local improvements.

At present there is no mode whatever of conferring marks of honour on these latter. except by baronetcies, or simple knighthood; and instances of either of these are very rare. Of baronetcies, I remember of late years but two instances: one to the Chief Justice of Canada, another to a displaced Lieutenant-Governor, Captain Stockenstrom, at the Cape: both by Lord John Russell.

These are strong reasons against multiplying these titles in the Colonies. First, being hereditary, they would in most cases devolve on persons who would cease to reside in the Colonies, and probably return to England; next, the baronetage of England is already very numerous, and applications for it are constantly refused; lastly, the expense of conferring it by Patent is much heavier than could in most cases be borne.

This last argument applies, though in a less degree, to knighthood also; and it is also a subject on which a remedy is required.

The expense of a baronetcy, by Patent, is about 3801, including a stamp of 1267.. and a fee of 50. to the Home Office, which is carried to the Fee Fund. By remitting all the fees carried to the public account, and having only those payable to the Attorney.

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