Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-11-30
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 80. 1853
The Sandwich Islands.
-STaUXTON:--

Tho news has been received in this country
within a few weeks past that an overture OF an
nsxation to the United States is about to be made
bv the authorities of the Sandwich Islands. ms
is startling intelligence, especially as 1t is not
probable that, in the present temper OF our people,
the nroposition will be rejected. The notion seems
10 be current that it is the destiny Of the Cni'ed
States to annex every accessible region o' Tue
earth, and there is no telling where we WIN s''P
short. Whether the constitution OF the Cnlec
Staiss will bear stretching some three thousand
miles into the Pacific Ocean, is problem which
remains to be solved,
This scheme oil anncxing the Sandwich Islands
is not very new one Ever since the acquis'-
tina of California some OF our politicians have de-
sired and sourht to bring it about. More than-a
wear ago, Senator WELLER in the course OF a
stump speech in this pace. charged 1t as grave
fault against the FILLMORE administration, that
,boy had declined an offer Of annexation. Inc
same statement was made elsewhere by other per-
sons. and generally believed until the 'NaF'oaos
InteIliysncer published positive denial tla' any
such proposition was ever made But 'here IS
said to be no doubt now that the question VIII
shortlv be submitted to us for decision. The
Kinr Of the Sandwich Islands has finally consent
ed to relinquish his sovereignty and transfer MS
dominions to the United States. What is TO De-
eone of his Majesty in the event of annexation Ia
question of some interest. 1t will doubtless
bo rather difficult for him to dof his royal robes
and step at once into the ranks of private citizens
bat possibly President PIERCE will ease his de-
scent from the throne by constituting HIM Cover
s,r of the New Territory. Here, however, an
ether question arises-Shall the Islands come II
as Territory. or State. or be held as Colony
The last is alt gether Inconsistent with the spirit
of our institutions, and between the other two
n,sns the wisdom of our rulers must decide.
It cannot be denied that the Sandwich Islands
have strong claims upon the sympathies oil tht
people Of this country. We gave them their CIV
;li,ation and chris,ian;ty-they are weak anc
asfspceess and in constant danger of falling into
the hands of some other power. They have al
ready been the victims of French tyranny, and
the fear of further violence is probably the ruling
motive with the King for proposing annexation To
the United States 1t may be of some Importance
TO this country moreover, that these Islands shouic
not be held by formidable or hostile power
They are the head quarters of American whaler'
during the winter season, and are in the d'reo
route from California to the East Indies. ou
Interests, therefore, might possibly justify us II
affordiug them such protection as would secure
their independence, but nothing more. Should
the project of annexation be consumma'ed' all I'M
petus will be given to the spirit of filibusersm--
Cnba must be added on the other side TO restore thS
eauilibrium-the slavery agitation will be revived
with all its troubles, and PaudOra's box OF e.
wills will DO opened in our midst.