British Columbia joins.

OTTAWA--7 July 1870

A month ago, delegates from the colony of British Columbia arrived in Ottawa. They came to discuss the terms under which the Pacific territory will join Canada. Among the delegation's demands was one to build a road link with the rest of Canada. Much to their surprise, the Canadians offered to build a railway instead. The British Columbians are going home very pleased with themselves. They are astounded at how well they have been received and have been given more than they expected. However, they should not overestimate their negotiating skills. Canada's generosity towards them is prompted more by a fear of what the United States might do than a love of Pacific coasters. The Americans bought Alaska from the Russians in 1867. Nothing would please them more than to have a land connection along the Pacific Coast. A lot of Americans in British Columbia, who came up to exploit the colony's gold rush, would like the U.S. to take the territory. Canada's offer to build a railway to the Pacific coast within ten years has been grasped eagerly. The Legislature has unanimously accepted the terms of union.

On 20 July 1871, British Columbia becomes Canada's sixth province. Indians, who make up two thirds of the colony's population of 39,000 are not consulted.