| Transcript |
- 214 REMINISCENCES OF OLD VICTORIA
Pioneers' Society, and was secretary at the first meeting when organized in Smith's Hall, Victoria, in 1871. He is a veteran member of the Oddfellows, having joined the order in 18G8. He is a veteran member of the church committee of the Reformed Episcopal Church, and was active in the organization of this church about thirty-five years ago.
CHAPTER XXX.
SOME COLORED PIONEERS.
HERE is an interesting little story to early residents of over fifty years ago that may be recalled for their edification. It would be interesting to present residents to know that in 1858 Victoria had a larger colored population than she has to-day, although with now three times the population. This is how it happened, and thereon hangs the tale:
Before the rush to the Fraser River gold diggings and in California there was an act passed through the Legislature of that state making it compulsory for all colored men to wear a distinctive badge. This called forth indignation from all the colored residents of California, and resulted in a meeting being held in San Francisco, delegates from all parts coming. At this meeting, after the matter had been fully discussed, it was decided to send a delegation of three, representing the colored residents of California, to Victoria to interview Governor Douglas, to know how they would be received in this colony. The delegation, consisting of Mifflin W. Gibbs, Moses, a barber, and another, met Governor Douglas and received such encouragement that they returned and reported favorably. The result of this was that eight hundred colored persons?men, women and children?emigrated to Victoria during 1858 and 1859.
215
|
|---|
