Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-06-02

&c RECENT 5uiSuCuAtlcs tuot udvO aIisen
between the French and Hawaiian Gov
ernments, have created some interests in
the speculations Of political circles. touch
ing the probable result Of the controversy.
Our readers remember that the Sand
wich Islands an composed fan interest
ing group of eight Uses, Of which Hawai-
is the largest and Honolulu the chief CON-
mercial town, situated in the North Pacific
Ocean. about Z, 800 miles from California,
and afording convenient stopping place
for vessels between San Francisco and
China. Modern travellers represent the
climate of these Islands as most delightful.
and their trade is daily becoming more i'm
portant. The tropical fruits are grown
there in abundance, and at some futureday
will doubtless become an important item
oftrafiic, with California and Oregon
All the Islands are under one government,
called the Hawaiian Kingdom; and though
the people were lately heather, the mis-
sionarics have succeeded in leading them
very rapidly towards civilization and reli-
eion. The natives have made such pro.
gress in these rehnements that they have
already learned to copy many polished
woes, particularly the art Of rum-drinking.
But, tits very respectable government,
nevertheless, at which England, France
and the United Strtes. all have representa-
tives. There is large number of for
eigncrs in these Islands, Of whom about
three-fourths are Americans, assembled
there for the purposes Of trade; and the
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. say these Islands
would be convenient appendage to the
Western Coast of the United States, and
when the Anglo Saxon falls in love with
land he is very apt to possess himself of it.
Set it down then that the Sandwich Is.
lands may be regarded as the prospective
property o. Uncle Sam.
Our purpose, however, isnotto speculate
on their future annexation to this Country,
but to call attention to the suboined letter
to Saa Francisco paper detailing the par
ticulars Of the difficulty to which we have
referred at the commencement Of this arti-
Gle. Previous accounts from California
representa- the original demands ofthe French
to be:
~. The reduction of duties on French wines and
brandics To FIVE per cent, and the reunding Of the
excess Of duties collected;
.. The appointment Of Frcnchman in the cabi-
Of the King, on the ground that of the Min
listers is Scotchman, and another is from the Uni
ted States;
3. That the diplomatic correspondence shall be
conducted in French;
4. That the French missionaries shall divide with
the Americans the funds allowed by the Govern
ment to the support of religion
1t appears from letter Of the American
Consul at Lahaina that all the difficulties oe-
tween the two governments could be spcedi-
ly settled but for the obstinate insistancc of
the French thata portion of the funds appli-
ed to education by the Hawaiian government
should be appropriated TO the Roman
Catholics residing there, and that Catho-
lie Minister of Public Instruction should
be associated with the present incumbent
of the office. According tothe California
letter below, however, the refusal of the
government to reduce the tariff on French
Wines and Brandies and to admit French
representative in the Cabinet, are the chief
obstacles in the way ola settlement.
But whatever may be the cause Of dis
putc, France manifests no particular ankle
~ for an amcable adjustment of it. She
probably covcts the Islands more than I'm
Gle Sam, and she is doubtless framing her
quarrel so as ojustify their seizure as ain
IDENTITY for the past and security for the
future" Indeed tits highly probable that
the French fleet has already blockaded the
port, and if SO that the Hawaiian King had
hoistcd the American flag and claimed its
protection. In that case qui,e an interest
ing question would be presented to our
commander there, but we do not see how he
could well do otherwise than afford the
protection sought, and if his act be ratified
by our government, the dispute would be
transferred from Honolulu to Washington.
AT all events itwould be against the policy
ofthe United States to allow France to take
possession Of the Island five do not take
them ourselves, as we shall probable do
We have disintercstedness enough to steal
them ourselves, to prevent France from
committing the larceny!
Correspondence If he Alta California;
HoNoLuLA, March Ia 1851.
If ever there was a storm in puddle it
is now to be seen in this kingdom of Llli-
put. The palace is garrisoned with a
snowy body Of Kanaka troops, lest his ma
jesty King Kamehameha lII-Anglicc.
-'the lonely one"-should be kidnapped by
night, and loaded with chains on board the
French corvette. The troops are being re-
viewed. and every possible demonstration
of a vigorous defence is being made The
books were carried away from the govern
ment Offices the other day, and the public
moneys to be deposited in place of safety,
and the natives say Il have no better au-
thomty1 that the market-place is to be clear
cd of every eatable during the forenoon of
each day. lest the French sailors and ma
rines should be tempted to lunch upon the
calabeshes of POI. Bad policy that, to INV
mind; for, should the invaders be guilty Of
such piece Of rashness, every man of,hum
would become inefficient for eight and for
~ hours at least, or, at all events, In state
which fasnt-hcartedness is said sometimes
to produce. But no stone is left unturned
IN the endeasor1o create an excitement,and
to foster the expectation of an immediate
attack. And all this, be it observed, in
the face of the French ultimatum not ex