The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-06-12
ONE OF THE PEOPLE.
From the Boston Post.
THE UNITED STATES AND THE SAND
WICH ISLANDS.

No nation is so much interested in the wanton
seizure Of these islands by Great Britain as the Un-
ted States, Most Of The foreign residents there are
Americans most Of the large trade carried on be-
tween these islands and China the Northwest coast
Japan, and other paces-and the whale fishery
which cent es there's carried on by Ameri ans.
The American property engaged in this trade is set
down at from to seven million dollars; to which
IT be truly said that the recent astonishing adj
vances made among the natives IN the arts of peace
the works of Americans. A cd idea of the
relative number and character OF vessels touching
at these islands is in table OF those entering
Woahoo lone of them for the space Of eight years,
from 1924 to 1881. OF the average number annu-
ally entering this port (l5,) there were 81 Ameri-
can, % British, and Of other flags The whole
number Of American vessels annually visiting these
islaLds is stated by Stewart to have been, in 1881
1875 the tonnage 10000. They constitute the great
relreshment place for the whale fishery Of most Of
the world at some seasons, at one time, there have
been at the different ports of these islands three
four millions of dollars worth of American proper.
ty, and fourteen hundred American citizens-this
property lying in some 80 or % whale ships and
their cargoes.
The cautious policy Of our country, as to entering
into entanging alliances with foreign powers, has
left this large interest at somewhat loose ends. Hith
erto our relations with these islands, so long as they
have enjoyed any established Government, have
been left TO an informal agreement concluded by T.
A. &. Jones, then commander Of the United States
soop Peacock, and the Government Of the islands,
in 1926. Ii has never been ratified, nor APP
proved by our Government. This half treaty, even
then, was regarded with jealousy by the English
1t admitted our enterprise to equal footing with
that af all other nations and this did not suit them
But this agreeme has been most faithfully adhered
TO for sixteen years. and under it trade has reach
ed its present magnitude. During the latter part OF
the last year, two authorized agents from these
islands, HaalIlio and Mr.. Richards applied to our
Government for a ratification of this agreement, and
formal acknow edgment of the independence OF
their country Their letter to the Secretary OF state
is dated December "a, 1912 In II they say
His Msjes,y considers that this acknowledgment
has aleady Yecn tacitly bu virtually made, both in
TIE United States and Europe, by the appointment of
consuis and commercial agents to reside In his domn-
ions and by the formal manner IN which the com
mapders of national vessels have transacted business
with him. many of whom have acted under the ex
press instructions Of their several Governments. But
ne is nevertheless of opinion, that the time has now
arrived when both the interests and honor of bis
kingdom demand Gore formal acknowledgment
than has hitherto been made 10y any foreign Govern
meat"
On the 10Th of December, lsi3, Mr. Webster re-
piled to this letter in the following important Ian
uage;