The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1840-11-07
In presence of
WILLIAM +. HUDSON
Commanding u. $. Ship Peacock
CADR. RINGGOLD,
Commanding L. S. Brig Porpois,
r. r. WALDRON, U. States Nav,
y. VANDERFORD, Pilot
In presence OIL

United States Exploring Expedition, both h,
the Samoa and Hi chiefs, as the basis .,
their intercourse with other nations. Tbcv
appear to be well calculated to euiorcc IL,
sovereignty of the respective parties, and #
faithfully executed, to preserve good orlo,
and secure the best interest, of the natives
In opening an intercourse with scm-La.
barons people, it is all important that the,
should be fully impressed with the determine.
ton of civilized countries, to recognise Their
rights, and to assist them in the executions,
the same, provided they do not infringe unoD
those ofothers. Most ofthc difficulties ar
ing between these governments, and the Cit.
zcns OF powerful countries, are mainly to be
attributed to ignorance on one side, and too
want of torbcarancc on the other. NOTHING
tends more powerfully u instruct and Gain
the confidence OF the former and to ensure
protection to the interests of the latter than
negotiations entered into upon the principles
OF reciprocity. Let weak nations see that |
the powerful, demand not more than they are
ready to grant, and their intercourse be |
regulated by the common desire of Justice
which obtains between man and man: and
better order of things would soon prevail and |
the superiority of civilization, by being seen
Invested of mere selfish views, would secure
a more beneficial, and extended influence
Such seems to be the spirit of the regulations
before us. They are without doubt fully adapt.
ed to the situation of the people for whom
they were drawn up, but would be inert, in
case of more frequent intercourse and COM
pllcated relations with other governments.
Art. VII, prohibits ardent spirits. While
this law can be enforced, it will be of the ut.
most advantage to the Islands To use
vulgar adagc, can ounce of prevention
worth pound of cure" There are few II
any OF the present age, who will advocate the
introduction of ardent spirits into country,
upon other grounds than that of sensual in.
diligence and pccunary interest. All al.
low that it is the forcrunncr of misery and
crime. The more savage the nation. the
greater the evils arising from it, as the pas.
sions are less under the control of reason and
moral suasion But laws to be respected,
need to be vigorously and impartialy cnfor.
ccd. When this is impracticablc, liccn.
cnsucs frequently far more dangerous, than
the evils which they were intended to COZ.
rect. When ardent spirits can be kept out
of country, it would be a species of nation
al suicide to admit them. Ofcourse suppo.
ing the usual results to follow. But thcr|
are but few cases when it can be done. la|
a young nation, unaccustomcd to their Use
and which from never being tempted ha'|
not acquired a taste for them, it may and
should be prevented. But when people
have gained the desire, no laws however SCI
we're can prevent its qualification; especial
~ if large profit is derived from the sale
China with all the force of concentrated
dcspotlsm, cannot prevent the smuggling 81
J opium, neither England with her small extern
I of territory, and great resources, stop 'O'|
introduction ofinhbitcd goods into her coa''
=, 1t is an axiom of one of her statesman tba|
smuggling cannot be prevented when lN'
profits exceed 33 l-3 per cent. No better
proof of the truth of this need be given, ina
the still increasing slave trade. Thousann|
- Il a, IN