Polynesian., 1845-02-22

othsr,cise." This covers the ground in its
most ample sense. Even admitting. for the
sake Of argument, what is just the reverse Of
fact, that the courts of this nation have de-
cided cases not altogether in accordance
with the enlightened views of more learned
tribunals.
Chapter w., S49.-"E Every nation as well
as every man, has a right not to suffer any
other 20 obstruct its preservation, its per-
fiction, and happiness"
If a nation has this right in regard to
another, it must assurcdly possess it in az full
degree in regard to an individual, especialIv
when his actions and influence are entirely
discountsnanced by his own nation.
Lest there should be any doubt of the right
of a nation to regulate its own concerns
to form and interpret for itself its own con-
s%titutlon, to create its own judiciary and all
other offices, rules, and forms, which it
deems necessary for the proper administra-
ton of its affairs, independent Of foreign
control, we quote again, (S54,D-" It is a
manifest consequence Of the liberty and in
dependence of nations, that all hare a RIGHT
to be governed as they think proper, and that
none have the least authority to interfere in
the government of another state" Other
writer's of equal cminence can be brought to
sustain these positions. Hence it follows
that if the changes, which it is minated are
to be effected here, are to be effected at all.
they are to result from force or compnlsion
of some kind, and consequently must be lille
gal, and highly dangerous to those who
engage in the attempt or in any way coun-
tenance designs destructive to the liberties
of this country.
But perhaps some individuals entertain
the idea that however plain international law
may be, their wishes will be of more weight
and decide their governments to interfere
and by force compel decisions in compliance
with their acquisitions. We admit that his
tory records numberless instances of agrees
sion both by fraud and violence, from the
strong towards the weak, and that this ma
ton has not altogether escaped n'that par
ticular. But the mistaken actions of indi-
vidual officers form no rule of precedent.
Indeed the only truth to be deduced from
their history is that if any others should be
led to initiate their example, a similar fate
would be awarded them by their govern
ments. That the policy of the great civil
zed nations is that Of justice, we have
ample assurance, and on the highest legal
and official authority. So late as July,
1914, Sir Robert Peel, in the House Of Com
mons, in a speech on the slave trade, de-
clared in regard to interfering in the affairs
Of Spain, which had attempted to evade the
execution of her solemn compact with Great
Britain in regard to the suppression Of the
slave-trade, that, 81 think no country should
resort to that kind of intermeddling." eve
have always held the opinion that the people
ofSpain are the proper Judges of the domes-
tic government they will have, but that we
will support the government so long as we
can by advice when called for, and they
manifest a friendly disposition towards us"
Lord B%rougham on the 18th March, same
year, in the House Of Lords, spoke as fol-
lows:-
".Nothing could be more painful than any
interference whatsrer Of either House of Par
lament with any matter or thing that pas con-
nscted Nth the domestic policy Of any foreign
country, or belonging 10 the administration of
the municipal Ian Of that country. He thought
1t was no reason for breaking that rule, that Il