Polynesian., 1845-01-25

I"'" $3.50 "'i' w IitNc oUf nlCS Ot
American papers, but all the political news
has been previously received by the over
land mails.
The U. $. Whaling feet now consists Of
upwards of 600 vessels, of 100000 tons,
costing ready for sea $50, DOC, 900, and man
ned by 1900 half of whom are
green hands every voyage. Annual con-
sumption OF tins ileet, of American articles
is S3,4i5, 3o0-of foreign S l3O, 900. Value
oflmports IN crude state 81 900, OOO,-when
manufactured $4,000, 900, of which arc ey-
ported So,OOO,O 600. We derive these facts
from a speech in Congress, of Mr.. GrinncIl
of New Bedford. In regard to the method of
levying duties, he says -
" list. | am of opinion, and | believe all
business men will agree with me. that spc-
cltic duties arc better, in all cases where
they can be collected with convenience, than
ad valorem particularly when assessed on
the value of goods whence imported. NV
experience Oftwcnty years i'm mercantile life
in the city of New York, has taught me that
there will always be a set of men ready at
all times to defraud the government of the
duties wherever there is the least opening
at the same time they wrong the honest I'M
porter. To such an extent was this carried
at one period in that city that nearly if not
every american importer of wooden goods
from England, and of French manufactures
from France, were driven from the business;
it went into the hands of foreign agents. ma
ny of whom were detected in their frauds. as
the public documents and records of the
courts abundantly show. 1t must be plain
to all, that there is very little, if any chance
to deiraud the revenue when the duty is so
much per pound, gallon, or bushel."
TAHITI AFFAIRS.-Our dates are month
later. We learn that great activity prevails
rmong the public works, and many private
cdiiices are being erected. The editor of
the TahiGan Journal remarks upon the gen.
eral activity, that it proves that Tahiti will
not wait a detinitive conclusion of political
affairs to become an important point in the
Pacific.
Admiral Hamelin arrived Dec. 2lst. in
the frigats Virginie. Nothing definite had
TRANSFERRED in regard to his mission, up to
the departure of the Incz. We learn how
ever, that he was surprised not to find the
Protectoratc flag waving. He left France
July 81, before the news of the battles of Ma
hahena and Hapape had been received, and
finding upon his arrival such an unexpected
state of affairs, it is presumed that he will
wait for further orders from France. The
conduct of Pomare renders this course ne
cessary. She appears firmly bent upon com
ing to no terms with Gov. Bruat, unless he
restores to her in full, her land and property
and rc-hoists her flag. To this effect she
addressed IL letter to him in October last
Her people remain perfectly tranquil within
their entertainments, awaiting the move
ments of the French but every day adds
to the difficulty of Withdrawing their cstab-
iishmcnt, and it appears to be the general
impression that it would be permanent; the
queen being induced to accept of terms,
either entirely to yield the sovereignty, or
to reside pcaceably under the Protecto-
rate.
There were lying in Papcitc harbor, frig-
a'es Virginie and Uranie corvettcs Rim,
Arianc, Goclctte Sultane, and steamer
illeton. At Narravao, corvette Embus-
cade, In addition to this large force, two
other vessels were looked for.
"ov. Bruat by a public ordinance, an
n'unces that seamcn of all nations will be
into the government hospital.