The Polynesian., 1840-09-26

subject of one Of these governments, would
sooner submit to some abuses liable to flow
from this liberty than see it's freedom sus-
pended, and a partial censorship established
lie probabl, did not stop to reflect that such
was the tendency of his caution.
Public acts are public property, and prop
or subject of public discussion. Ifthev are
right and Just, it only makes these attributes
more prominent and glorious. Ifthey are I'M
Just, they should be cancelled, and no other
means are as likely to effect this object as u
free discussion of their merits. Truth and
righteousness never shun the light, and if any
truth has been presented in this discussion let
IT produce its legitimate effects. whether SO, :
ODO or more are lost or gained. Nothing,
however, can be lost in the end by the pre-
sentaton oltruh Iffaschood and not truth
has been presented, it is before the bar of
public opinion. They will do it justice, and
its only effect will he to inlure the Interests
of that cause which twas designed to serve.
Sir. am an American citizen. The Uni
ted States is the land of my birth, and where
the most of my life thus far has been spent
With my earliest breath | inhaled the pure
air Of freedom Liberty of speech is nv
birth-right. | have been accustomed to its
use upon all subjects upon which | have
chosen to express my opinions, subject only
and amcnablc to the.laws of the land for the
abuse of that right, and where there is no
law to prevent its exercise, shall feel it my
privilege still so to do, | expect, and the
United States expects all her citizens to
yield obedience to the laws Of the lands
where they may -solourn There is no law
here restraining the liberty of the press, 1
hope that day viii never come and whenever
| feel it IA duty to speak in what esteem the
defense Of the cause Of truth and Justice, !
trust that no motives of fear or favor will
deter me-
. | have never sat in cnnclave with His
Majesty, the King of these Islands or his
council What have said has been through
the English press to the public, and | have
10 fears that it will in.tigate Ills Majesty's
government to acts ofmoral delinquency
have only been a spectator, speaking
what | have seen and heard, drawing my
own mierences, and making my own com
ments, tor which no other person is respon-
sble. And | am responsible for the senti-
ments OF no other individual unless avow
myself to be so. If, because !, an Ameri-
can citizen, have thus spoken or shall speak
the $50, 1000 are withheld and the Sandwich
Islands government, with which ] have no
more connection than the Court of st. Jamcs,
punished be it SO. Such an act would bring
stain upon the honor of any government
but until am satisfied that such is th, fact
far be it from me to impute such conduct to
the French
] have spoken Of myself in this commune
cation, more than | could have wished or
have been wont to do, but my own vindica-
ton and explanations have required it, and
must be my excuse
Towards your correspondent have no i'll
will. If have deserved the language which
he has used, shall and ought to suffer in
public opinion. Ifnot, regret its use, as
it must result in his own injury.
Respectfully Yours, S. N. CASTLE.