The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1841-09-25

vernment to show upon what state of facts
and what rules Of national law the destruc-
tlon OF the "Caroline" is to be defended. II
VIII be Tor that Government TO show q me-
cess'iy ct selideience, instant, overwhelm-
ing, leaving no choice of means and no mo-
hent tor elaboration. 1t will be for it To
show, also, that the local authorities of Ca
NADIA, even supposing the necessity of the
moment authorized them to enter the terri
tories of the United States at all did nothing
unreasonable or excessive; since the act,
justified by the necessity of self-defence.
must be limited by that necessity, and kept
clearly within it.
1t must be shown that admonition or re-
monstrance to the persons on board the
"Caroine" was impracticable, or would have
been unavaling, it must be shown that that
daylight could not be waited for; that there
could be no attempt at discrimination be-
tween the innocent and the guilty; that it
would not have been enough to deceive and
dctan the vessel; but that there was a neces-
sity, present and inevitable, for attacking
her, in the darkness Of the night, while
moored to the shore, and while unarmed
men were asleep on board, killing some and
woundng others, and then drawing her into
the current, above the cataract. setting her
on fire, and careless to know whether there
might not be in her the innocent with the
guilty, or the living with the dead, commit
ting her to fate which fills the Imagination
with horror. A necessity for all this the
Government Of the United States cannot be-
lleve to have existed
All will see that if such things be allow
ed to occur, they might lead to bloody and
eXasperated war; and when an individual
comes into the United States from Canada,
and to the very place on which this drama
was performed, and there chooses to make
public and vain glorious boast of the part he
acted in it, it is hardly wonderful that great
excitement should be created, aud some de-
gree of commotion arise.
This Republic does not wish to disturb
the tranquility of the world. Its objec, is
peace, its policy peace. 1t seeks no ag-
grandizement by foreign conquest, because
it knows that no foreign acquisition could
augment its power and importance so rapid
ly as they are already advancing by its own
natural growth under the propitious circun-
stances Of its situation. But it cannot admit
that its Government has not both the will
and the power to preserve its own neutrality,
and to enforce the observance Of its own
laws upon its own citizens.
1t is jealous of its rights, and among 9TH
ers, and most especially, of the right of the
absolute immunity of its territory against ag-
gression from abroad; and these rights it is
the duty and the determination Of this Gov
eminent fully and at all times to maintain;
while it will, at the same time, as scrupu-
lousy refrain from infringing on the rights
of others.
The President instructs the undersigned
to say, in conclusion, that he confidently
trusts that this and all other questions of diff
ference between the two Governments will
be treated by both in the full exercise of
such spirit Of candor, justice, and mutual
respects as shall give assurance Of the long
continuance ofpeace between the two coun-
tries.
The undersigned avails himself Of this
opportunity to assure MIR. Fox. Of his high
consideration.
DANIEL WEBSTER.
HENRY S. Fox, Esq. &c. &c. SC.