Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-06-16
SANDWICH ISLANDS

On the night previous 10 the cesson Of the Sand.
wlch Islands, while The city Of Honolulu lay exposed
to the guns of The British rgate, and the authorities
OF The islands were celebrating what TO do in the
remity TO which they driven, the King request
ed the attendance of the American and French resi-
dents, and offered at day break 10 hoist the American
and French flags, declare his domnions uhde, the
joint protection Of those powers and risk the ire of
Lord Pauet and his Government, if the residents
would assure him of the support of their respective
countries or the American flag alone, if the American
citizens thought that Government would come to
his assistance. The French Consul and residents
were disposed 10 give him the the part of
their Government, but the Americans hesitated, and
finally declared that they were afraid 10 pledge the
United States, as it had never been the policy Of
our Government 10 acquire colonial POSSESSIONS
Captain Long, also, of the Boston, pursued cautious
policy, and declined to do any thing for the defence of
the town in the event of its attack by Lord Pauet.-
And so CoLony-for such, in fact, it may be con.
sdered, as it derived its civilization, its commercial
Importance, its schools, It's churches its religion, all
from our country, It's property Of greatest value be-
long to our citizens, as our whaling vessels 10 the
number of two hundred year, resort thither as 10
home ports, and as its people always looked to this
country as its friend and protector; and so those
islands, having such claims upon US, and upon them
appealing IN vain Tor our assistance, passed under The
dominion of Great Britain. Can any American be
aware, without the deepest modification, that, under
such circumstances as we have narrated, the citizens
of country residing in those islands did not feel
warranted in saying that their Government would in.
terfere? and that the Commander Of an American
man ofw was afraid, (not of his opposing power,
but Of the displeasure OF his own Government if he
took the responsibility which the occasion required:
If any thing were wanting, 10 show that the de.
mands for pretended injuries which Lord Paulet pre-
sen,ed, were any thing than pretences, designed
to hide, but really exposing and increasing the nquity
Of his real errand-which 10 rifle The islands Of
their independence-we might mention great many
circumstances which have not yet appeared print, all
going 10 show that far from having any injuries to
complain OF, Great Britain herself had long been
aggessor the islands, ard apparently bent upon pick
ing quarrel in the prosecution OF which she might do
what she has now done. For example, the British
Consul Simpson, who, il will be remembered, was
stated in The letter which published last week, to
have run away in debt and left individual of very
bad character act in his stead, previous to his de-
parture WINS in the habit Of using the most insolent
language the authorities of the islands, and otherwise
conducting himself in manner 10 show that he felt
sure of the protection of his Government in any out
rage he might commit Were drunken English sailor
take up in the night by the police, an English
sdent sued his property attached for debt, did
Enolislman in any respect violate the laws of the
islands, and redress sought in the usual way-the
Consul half drunk, would rush 10 the Governor with
complaint, and staggering about the rights of "her
Maics,ys subjects threaten md home for vessel
of war to chastse the islands, if Engshmen were not
treated with greater consideration. In this way, the
English Consul and residents, have been The pest oil
the islands, and with such agents, the British Govern
me nj has managed TO annoy the natives and keep them
in constant dread Of its power at the same time secu-
inn to its subjects almost entire immunity from the
penalties and responsibilities known 10 the laws OF the
local government.-.N. o. bulletin.