Polynesian., 1844-12-28

ton there may have boon for a public esno-
sition of those acts and policy on their own
part, it has now become unnecessary by the
candid, ample and irrefutablc manner in
which Mr.. Wyllic has handled the sub;ec.
Facts are made to tell their story of simplc.
honest truth. If doubt on these topics should
continue to exist, they must find their homes
only in minds whose natural food is dctrac-
ton and skepticism.
The remarks in regard to Lord George
Paulct will not, we presume, be received
with a unanimity of opinion. We are pleas
ed to see the defence Mr.. Wyllie has made
of his Lordship, but we see no reason for
e~xcusing him on the score Of being misled
by the representations of others. An exec
utive officer, not acting under direct COM
mands, in whatever light the case may be
made to appear to him, in action, as
sumes the responsibility. He becomes the
active agent, and to him his " govern
ment and others look. Peculiar circumstan-
ces may be urged in extenuation, as they
have been in this case. But will they ope-
rate as an effective excuse ? We think not.
If they were permitted so to do, a wide door
to abuse would be opened. Responsibility
would rest no where. The best motives are
often pleaded in palliation of the most unjust
and cruel deeds. Advice, inducements or
temptations preferred by others cannot be
considerations sufficient for exemption from
the responsibility Of official acts. They may
have some moral weight in estimating the
true amount ofturpitude, but the law must
look to the action itself. Men are required
to restrain their passions, not only in their
outward manifestations, but to avoid temp
tation. 1t has never been denied but that
Lrod George deliberately shut his ears to all
evide nee contrary TO his apparent %inclina-
tons or pre-conceived prejudices. 1t equal-
ly is admitted that he acted according to the
representations Of others. But on whom
rests the responsibility Of deliberately and
contemptuously rejecting to hear anything,
whatever, which might modify his views, or
pacify his anger? We agree with Mr..
Wyllie that in consideration of the circum-
stances attending the c%ession, /" it was but
natural that a certain degree of odium should
attach itself to the chief actor, the Right
Hon. Lord George Paulet," but we differ
materially from him as to the extent of its
durantion. We most sincerely believe, that
whatever was the amount at that time, the
same will clcavc to him so long as his name
is identified with the Hawaiian Islands. In
deed 80 far are we from considering the rep
reservations which led to his deeds as an ex-
tenuation of his offence, we view it as an ag-
gravation. 1t is no compliment to the edu-
cation or talents Of a British nobleman, one
who may yet sit in the House of Lords, ed
ucatcd with the highest advantages of his
native country, and at all times by rank and
wealth enabled to command the most refin-
ed society, to associate with men whose
learning and wisdom arc monuments of in
tellectual Triumph to England, the more cs-
pecially when holding an important com
mand which at all times calls for the excr-
else of good judgement and reflection, to
suppose him capable of being led away by
the Vaccinations of unprinciplcd advisers or
lawlcss partisans. Ii we yield to this con-
clusion we are led to the dilemma of either
surprising him totally unfit for his trust or
actuated by sympathies in common with those
who would lure him into evil actions. We
are apprehensive also that both this govern