The Polynesian., 1841-11-13

revolution is we believe still far distant.
nothing but violent overturning among The
nations of the earth, the obliteration of old
landmarks, and the formation of new, The
march Of war and conquest; the ascendancv
of the law of might, will bring this to pass in
our generation. Their isolated position is
great safeguard. Were they on the borders
of powerful nation, exposed directly to the
rapacity and designs of interested states Or
individuals, their laws and customs clashinu
with an all-dominant public opinion, We
should fear that the fate of the Indian tribes
of North America would be theirs-they
must either recede or yield. Five thousand
miles of ocean protect them on all sides and
their salubrious climate, and diversified soil
Weld most of the necessaries of life. In their
intercourse with foreign powers, their policy
is yearly becoming more safe, and past les.
sons have taught them the necessity of eau
ton. That they will overstep the bounds Of
prudence. or irritate greater than them.
selves is not to be expected, and we find of
late that while their government has been
gaining in strength at home, it has also
shown increased wisdom in all its foreign d.
plomatic intercourse. The expressed opin.
ions of American, English and French naval
commanders who have visited here of late,
fully confirms this assertion.
We have now to look to their internal re.
sources and prospects. Should the number
and wealth Of the foreign population increase
in an excessive ratio compared with that oil
the native, the result would be nearly the
same as if another government held the rens
of state. Power is closely allied with wealth
and knowledge, and it would be but short
time before foreigners would secure voice
in the government. 1t could not be expect.
ed that the laws which would answer for
semi-barbarous race, would meet the exigen.
cies of a civilized. In justice to themselves,
and to preserve the country from anarchy,
they would be obliged to exercise an inAu.
ence in Legislation. That influence once Sc.
cured, it would not be difficult to foresee that
whatever nominal form the government might
assume, the real power would be united with
the superior talents and monied estates Of
the whites. That this is danger which
His Majesty's Council is fully alive to, the
late enactments show. Their policy is to
retain the undivided right to every inch Of
their soil, with claim upon all the improve
ments. Leases of lands are difficult to OBJ
tain, and only upon such terms as will efec'
tualy prevent any emigration, while every
encouragement is given to their own sub
jects to interest themselves in agriculture.
We believe it to be the desire of this gov.
eminent to admit only sufficient capital into
their country to be invested in permanent
improvements, as will when judiciously scat
cred through the group, serve to stimulate
and enlighten their people, and enable them
to compete with the whites. While they re-
main united on this point, they will be able
to effect this AS far as their own Interests
are concerned, their policy is wise one
and If one may Judge from its effects, admira'
ply adapted to answer its ends. The islands
have during the last few years greatly in
creased in wealth, yet VIC believe that upon
careful examination - ,.;u Lo con,d that