The Polynesian., 1840-09-26


agis which should reflect upon one side all
brightness, and upon the other nothing but
shade. The following extract from the print
ed instructions to its commercial agents will
rectity this error
The Consuls are particularly cautioned
not to enter into any contentious that can
be avoided. either with their countrymen.
or the authorities of the country in which
they reside; referring questions Of that
nature TO the Minister or to this depart
ment, and using every endeayor to settle.
in an amieable manner, all disputes in
which their countrymcn may be concern
ed; countenancing and protecting them
with the authorities of the country in all
cases in which they may be injured or OPP
pressed but firmly refusing them support
when they have been wlluIly guilty of any
lntraction of the laws particularly in. any
attempt to defraud the revenue and Civ
ing aid to the proper officers in preventing
any such practices, which. though they
may prove a pecuniary benefit to the in
dviduals concerned leave stain on the
national character"
The Pacific Squadron is doubtless too
small cilectualy and promptly to aid and pro-
,tect all American interests in this quarter of
the globe. The Coast of the Americas alone
presents line of territory Of eight thousand
miles in extent, to which few ships are as
signed, sufficient only to dis play the flag
yearly in few of the principal potts.
Whether a greater display Of force there,
would advance the true interests of the country
or not, it is presumed the department at home
from being the centre of information upon
these subjects, has sufficient data for forming
a correct judgment. The immense field of
Polynesia is left comparatively untouched,
few points only falling biennialy within the
homeward track of the East India Squadron.
With those groups where regular and recog-
Missed governments prevail, with whom treat
les have been formed, as at this place these
visits may be as frequent as the occasion at
present demands. But when we look at the
numbcrless islands, with which this ocean
is dotted, their extent and Importance, the
rapidty with which they are rising into po-
!itical existence, and their varied population,
no one can doubt but that they form the germs
OF many powerful states. Look at New Hol-
land and New Zealand silently and almost
unnoticcd'in their far off situation, growing
into the rank Of nations. Their name. pow
cr, and existence will almost at one and the
same time astonish the world. The growing
importance of the Samoa, Society and Sand
witch groups should be met by corresponds
ing increase Of diplomatic, intercourse. and
the interests of our citizens be established
upon some firm and friendly basis Then,
the important question Of tenure Of lands, or
whether the Indian gift, or the right of occu-
pancy by which lands are mostly held here
by foreigners, and great amount of proper
ty involved, constitute perpetual and law
FIJI right to the soil, still remains unsettled
This and other cases require the action of an
agent invested with sufficient powers from
his government to settle. 1t would be far
better If such questions could be settled at
the commencement of our intercourse with
another people, than to be left to become
grounds Of dispute, and difficulty. Nothing
cOul1 have more favorohlo ;nAuon,o ,no,