Polynesian., 1845-04-12


and useful work, whether mental or manual
" AS a man and christian, his life is above
reproach." Such was our opinion of him
as u missionary. In another sphere, when
raised to the rank of a minister of the king,
we have ever seen in him the same u%ntiring
devotion, the same steadincss of purpose,
the same abandoning of self to duty. The
strong opposition made by the Am. mission
to his leaving their ranks, illustrates the
value they set upon him. And he did not
leave them, until by the departure of Mr..
Richards for Europe, the exigencics Of the
government rendered it indispensable. In
consenting to obey the earnest and unani-
nous wishes of the chiefs, he never lost sight
of his missionary character, but entered
upon his new duties with the hopeful spirit
of increased usefulness. That spirit has
been amply gratiiicd. A disordercd finance,
under his charge has been reduced to Il
simple and effective treasury department.
The national debts have been paid, and the
resources of the country greatly increased.
The same reform has been extended into
all departments ofgoyernnent. We believe,
that under God, the salvation of the nation
is due to him, during the Paulct administra-
tons. To his firmness, prudent councils,
and retaining his post under every species
of intrigue and insult to drive him from it, is
this nation indebted for being saved from the
fate of Tahiti. Without him, war would
have ensued; and had British blood been
split, the result could not have been other
wise than most disastrous. Whilst the dis
c%ussions which led to the Provisional Ccssion
were going on, Mr.. Judd stood as it were
entirely alone. The passions of the chiefs
and people were f~earfully excited, and the
disposition to resist by force the oppressive
demands of Capt. Paulet, was general in the
nation. On the other hand, a numerous
and influential party Of foreigners was as
strenuously urging upon him a joint c~ession
of the group to the United States and France.
Had he been induced to yield to either
of these measures, the liberties of the nation
would have been, in all probability, irretriev-
ably lost. He took the only course which
political sagacity, in the then comparatively
helpless state of the nation, could Justify;
that of a temporary compliance with the
acquisitions, under appeal to the Justice and
magnanimity of Great Britain. This pru-
dent decision, implying so thorough conf
dence in the good faith Of that powerful
monarchy, has been productive of i~ncalcu-
liable benefit. 1t led to decisions Of a lust
and liberal character, on the part Of the
Earl Of Aberdeen, tending to establish on a
fixed and permanent basis the rights Of this
kingdom, as an independent sovereignty.
England asked no more for herself than for
others; she required but inpartiality, and
left the councils of the nation free from her
W or other foreign influence; and by the
letter of the Earl of Aberdeen of july Ist.
1914, communicated through II. 3. MS
Pro-Consul to Fl. Ms Secretary of State.
it will be seen that Great Britain proposes
still further to carry her good Offices. and
IN concert with France modify the objection
able clauses of the English and French
treaties in such a manner as shall leave His
Majesty no cause of perp!exity in the free
and full administration Of his laws and oxcr-
else OF his prerogatives. When the result
has so happily justified the foresight, much
praise is due to the hand that guided the
helm through so stormy a season; and now
that the vessel has weathered the gales, and