Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1840-05-21

circumstance believing the MISSIONARIES TO
Il be persccutcd set OF men, authorized the
publication of a pamphlet, containing such
testimony OF their Innocence ms cannot iaii
ia convince any lnprejudced mind. IL en-
braces succinct narrative OF the whole
transaction, together with the official docn-
mcnts in relation TO II, and among them
letter from the King cXculpaing the mission
II from any interference in National AFFAIRS
Il To this appended few lines over the Off
GERS proper signatures, declaring their con.
vction of the Justice of the Missionaries
cause Of their purity OF motive, and their
\ claims to protection OF our common govern.
ment. Under ordinary circumstances, this
might have appeared as gratul'ous inter
meddling with affairs in which they were IN
no wise concerned but here the situation
of our Missionaries seemed to call from those
who condemned the course pursued by their
opponents in traducing their character and
\ npugnng their motives, something more
than tacit approval Of the one, and disap
provnl Of the other. The Missionaries
peaccable, inoffensive, and unresisting, were
II exposed 10 the continual assaults of a sour
|, rilous paper, termed the Sandwich Island
Il Mirror, published for the express purpose Of
poisoning the minds Of strangers with tho
outrageous scandal against them. Besides
this, all other means which malice could
suggest, were usod to insult them, and iniuro
their cause. Facts were perverted, trIllss
Exaggerated and falsehoods invented, to ac
complsh these ends and there is no doubt
but that their hostile perseverance contribu-
ted in no small degree to the results attend
ing the visit Of the Atemise.
4 That the effect of the Missionary enter
I terprlsc has been to promote the commerce
Of the United States, cannot be doubted. al
though such was not the object, or perhaps
intention Of those engaged in it. by impro-
|, wing the character and habits Of the people,
| the Islands have become more desirable as
! residences 10 those disposed to push their
/ fortunes in foreign land. Its rcsonrscs are
1 developed by the increased attention of the
inhabitants TO agriculture and the arts and
at the same time demand for our produce
il made, by the creation Of those wants grow
ing ont Of civilization. a number Of indi-
vidual., all Americans, are engaged in Oahu,
ard tho neighboring islands OF Atui, IN the
growth Of the sugar cane, and mulberry treo,
and in the manufacture Of silk and sugar
from them. Enterprises which promise the
richest rewards, and that never would have
been prosecuted but for the success of the
| missionary scheme.
4 From all that we have learned from others,
and from our own observation during the
past month. am disposed to think tha; # the
! Missionaries err on any side, it is on that of
their taking too little concern in the political
| aliIirs of the Island. Possessing as they
indispu,ably do, the confidence Of the chiefs,
| their suggestions would doubtless carry CON
| siderable weight, but instead of their taking
! adj, vantage Of their favorable situation in this
respect, it is susceptible Of the clcarost proof
that they have literally complied with the
Instructions of tho Board of Commissioners.
who, believing that ChriSi's kingdom Is not
of this world, inculcate the necessity Of their
inclusive adherence to the one grand object
of cvangclizing the hcaihen.
\ This is II remarkable contrast with the Eng
lsh Missionary Societies. These are great
y cherished, as well by those not interested
IN religious matters, as by those that are,
because they are considered as an eiicciual
means of promoting the commercial inter-
esis Of the nation. That this has an impor-
\ tant bearing upon their views, is learned by
the large subscription from the Corporation
of London, from the Government of Ceylon,
and from other public bodies. II is likewise
!, seen in appointment Of Missionaries to the
| office Of Consul, as is the case in the Socle-
llty Islands.
Il Are not these considerations Of sufficient
I moment to arouse the attention Of our Gov
crnment to the necessity Of adopting meas
ures to shield the character of a virtuous,
| unoffendng. and useful class of their coun.
| trymen from gross contumely and insult, and
| to protect their persons aud property from
prospective injury?