The Polynesian., 1841-01-09

NY idCt, WHICH was relutcu W us ny tnc
mastsr ofthc vessel, who has had much cx-
perience with the South Sea tribes. Not
long after the catastrophe above mentioned,
he sailed for the same group. Upon making
them, his vessel was surrounded with canoes
filled with warriors, who immediately com
mcnced an attack. A few balls were then
fired through several of their canoes, which
sunk them, and the crews of the remainder
made for the shore, in great trepidation.
The succeeding day they came alongside,
but in peaceful manner, and gave up all
their weapons which were at once destroyed.
They were then admitted on board the ship,
and presents distributed among them, and
every method attempted to conciliate and
at the same time to Impress upon their
minds the power of the strangers. This
treatment had the desired effect. and every
time that vessel appears, the natives flock to
her with gifts of fruits and vegetables, and
every demonstration of Joy. And this is
simply the result of making them dread the
power, and at the same time see it is for
their interest to receive their vsitcrs kindly.
1t Is lamcntable fact that unprovokcd az
gressons have been made upon natives OF
the South Seas, but they are of rare occur
renee. Some, it seems, have fired upon
them, out of mere abuse of superior power,
to amusc themselves at the surprise and ter
ror of the ignorant islanders Others in re-
vcns for some real or fancicd injury, have
lowered themselves to Tie level of the mos:
cruel of the savagcs themselves. These ca
SEES are to he dcpIored, and while they les
sen the amount of benefit received, they do
not disprove the general fact of the utility of
Il commercial intercourse to the aborirncs.
Indeed, we can view them only as cxccr-
tons to ii general rule. On many is!aul(s~f
is well known white men are held prisoners,
and the strictest caution used to prevent
their escape, so important are their services
to the inhabitants. Even those unfortunate
individuals who resided so long on Lord
North's Island, although suffering every
prlyation themselves, yet when they were
released, chcertully acknowledged their in
debtcdncss to the miserable beings they had
been among, as having treated them well,
according to Mtir ideas, and preserved their
lives. They rewarded them to the best of
their ability, and no doubt left most favor
able impression among them, of the honor
and justice of the palc-iaccd men, and any
person whom misfortune may hereafter drive
upon those shores, will have reason to be
thankful for the lesson. The inhabitants of
Rotuma and Ascension have become through
the civilizing influences Of commerce, trac-
table and hospitable. The former are fire.
qucntly employed as sailors by whaling and
other vessels. and bear high character for
industry and honesty AT the latter, prop
erty is safe, and trade with foreigners ca
gerly desired. They both offer great en-
as missionary stations, and will
probably before long be occupied The in
habitants of Pitcairns Island are a remarka-
BILE instance of purity and simplicity of man
ners, the result of the instructions of an 10
norant but supplemented foreigner.
When the Harlequin left Mazatlan, no