The Polynesian., 1841-11-13
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER ~, 1871.


was a Frenchman how happened the
French Mechanics to escape, and how did
the Brton become involved in his suffer-
ings. The chiefs tell us that they suffer-
cd because they were Catholic priests who
persisted in staying in the country contra
ry to their wishes, and all the facts and
circumstances go to establish the truth of
their testimony. If we would see why
Mr. Walsh enjoyed the privileges which it
is claimed that he enjoyed we have only
to look back to the 25th page of the Sup
plement to learn that he not only had no
permission to land and reside but that he
did so in direct opposition to the orders
of the government, for we are told that
MIR Walsh continued daily to be insult
ed by orders from The chiefs TO leare the is
land, JN under the protection OF The British
Consul he was secured from personal vio-
lencc." Our readers will not be at a loss
for the reason of Mr. Walsh's course, but
will be lkel y to enquire whence the au-
thority and right of the British consul as
an officer of the British government to
countenance protect and defend his fel-
low subject in setting at defiance and Vi
olating the mandates of the government
to which he came as representative.
If Mr. Walsh was permitted to reside
at the islands after the treaty with Lord
Russell it was only on condition of obcdi-
ence to the laws. Lord Russell wished to
know whether Mr. Walsh might have per-
mission to hold mass in his own house for
his own benefit and that of foreigners who
might wish to attend. The king replied
Let them worship in their hearts, or
keep their religion in their own breasts"
He could not give his consent for them to
hold public worship. The king asked the
question, If Mr. Walsh should not conform
to the laws, but contrary to his promise
should attempt to propagate his religion
what then would be proper for the gov
eminent to do. The answer was that
the king would have right to send him
away. Thus it will be seen that if Mr.
Walsh held public worship, (for it must
have been public to suppose, with reason
that ourselves and others were acquainted
with iD he was violating the conditions
upon which he was allowed to remain.
AS to the insinuatons of missionary pre-
JUDGE and illiberality towards the French
they are not founded in truth. The mis-
sionares have doubtless spoken upon the
subject of Catholicism when they have
thought best. They are not ignorant that
there are and always have been many
French Protestants, and that Protestant
countries contain many Catholics. A.
gainst Frenchmen they are not aware of
any prejudice or illiberal feelings, and
these charges against the government and
missionaries are 50 like the baselcss fabric
of vision," without even shadow of a
shadow for a foundation. The govern
ment has only denieda residence to prop
agators of the Roman faith, and to these
without respect of country or persons.
From other subjects of all countries pro-
lection has not been withheld.
We are sensible that the communlca-
tons which we have now presented to the
public through your journal bear marks OF
haste and are in many respects detective.
, but the very limited period of time which
we were enabled to devote to them, which
, was also nearly filled up with other avo-
4 I1. nj mr.