The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1840-09-19

give all the facts and arguments connected
with 1t, and thus form proper basis for the
expression and action Of public opinion.
Our journal has now been open to both par
ties, as long as we can. consistently with
other claims upon it allow, as we have much
on the docket to present to our readers. fully
as interesting, and quite as useful. Neither
DO we see that any new arguments arc adj
vanced, or that its further discussion will
produce a change Of public opinion The
case now lies between the two governments,
and probably long before these articles could
have any influence elsewhere, the treaty will
be ratified or not, according to the views of
The French government We have been as
surod that no requirements will be enforced
OF lhis nation, injurious to its interests, and
II such have been made, upon a proper rep
resentation TO Louis Philippe, every need
Aul concession will be allowed. Such we are
tod has been done long since, and no,hng
now remains bet to await patiently the result.
LOUIS Philippe is king eminent for his be-
ncyolcnt spirit, and domestic virtues, aud
having known what adversely is himself will
be naturally led to relieve it in others. No
sovereign ofthis aye would be more inclined
by character aud education to grant all tina,
justice and bcncvolence may require, and we
cannot entertain a doubt but that such will
be his conduct in this instance, should not
the interests of these islands be.cnculphcd in
the momentous- changes which are nov low
erlng upon the poliiical horizon of the globe
q Those who are so anxious that the sover-
eign of Hawaii should be considered and
treated as upon footing with civilized and
powerful governments, should remember that
powcrless as he is, and inexperienced in their
polty, a more dangerous situation could not
be found. Errors ofjudgment or even faults
would be overlooked in the semi-barbarous
or ignorant, which in civilized community
would be considered and treated as intcn-
timal. He cannot assume the rank and
privileges without mourning the correspond
ing responsibilities. See what De Toquc-
vile says upon the sad experience Of 'right
against might"
''lt profits a people but little to be af-
fluent and free, if it is perpctually ex-
posed to be plllaged or subjugated; ihe
number of its manufactures and the extent
of It's commerce are of small advantage,
if another nation has the empire of the
seas and gives the law in all the markets
of the globe. Small nations are often
Impoverished, not because they are small,
but because they are weak and great en-
pircs less because they are great than be-
cause they are strong. Physical strength
is therefore one of the first conditions of
the happiness and even of the existence
of nations. Hence it occurs. that unless
very peculiar circumstances intervene.
small nations are always united to large
empires in the end, either by force or by
their own consent: yet | am unacquain-
ted with more deplorable spectacle than
that of people unable either to defend
or to maintain its independence 4
Some individuals are inclined to throw the
'choie responsibility ofthis food of intcmpcr-
ance, which is now deluging the land, upon
the trainers of the Treaty. This is unjust.
Since it became the law of the land, spirits
are freely introduced and openly sold, and