De Cosmos ministry
Cabinet of British Columbia, 1872–1874
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The De Cosmos ministry was the combined Cabinet that governed British Columbia from December 23, 1872, to February 9, 1874. It was led by Amor De Cosmos, the second premier of British Columbia. The ministry was established after the McCreight ministry lost a motion of no-confidence on December 19, 1872, regarding poor administration of public affairs.[1] De Cosmos's government was dissolved following his resignation, in order for him pursue a career in federal politics.
De Cosmos ministry | |
|---|---|
 2nd ministry of British Columbia | |
| Date formed | December 23, 1872 |
| Date dissolved | February 9, 1874 |
| People and organisations | |
| Victoria | |
| Joseph Trutch | |
| Amor De Cosmos | |
Member parties | Non-partisan |
| History | |
| Election | None |
| Legislature term | 1st Parliament of British Columbia |
| Predecessor | McCreight ministry |
| Successor | First Walkem ministry |
List of ministers
| Portfolio | Minister | Tenure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | End | ||
| Premier of British Columbia | Amor De Cosmos | December 23, 1872 | February 9, 1874 |
| President of the Council | December 23, 1872 | February 9, 1874 | |
| Attorney General | George Anthony Walkem | December 23, 1872 | February 9, 1874 |
| Minister of Finance and Agriculture | William James Armstrong | February 28, 1873 | February 9, 1874 |
| Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works | Robert Beaven | December 23, 1872 | February 9, 1874 |
| Provincial Secretary | John Ash | December 23, 1872 | February 9, 1874 |
| Member without Portfolio | William James Armstrong | December 23, 1872 | February 28, 1873 |
New ministries
On February 4, 1873, the government announced its intention to create a fourth portfolio to handle financial matters. This was deemed necessary for efficiency, as "upon going into office, they had found great difficulty in arriving at particulars respecting finance".[3] The minister would also have the duty of collecting information relevant to agriculture, in order to aid the development of the nascent sector. Prior to the establishment of this ministry, these duties had been the responsibility of provincial secretary. The government faced criticism over the new ministry, as they had come to office pledging to reduce spending, but emphasized that the new minister would replace several clerks and thus ultimately reduce costs.[4] William James Armstrong was appointed the inaugural minister on February 28.[5]
