Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-11-12

forbid the desired union any good reason for foreign
interference to preyentit.
French and English subjects might still be entitled to
the privileges Of the most favored nation ana on the
Of commercial advantages cannot well complain OF
being subjected in these islands to the revenue laws OF
country which consumes and pays for French manufac
and other products to the amount Of forty millions
Of dollars annually and Of British goods to the amount OF
one hundred millions annually-the revenue laws of
country rapidly growing and whose trade is now OF more
value to Great Britain and France than that of any Of
their colonies if indeed Of all Of them added together
vast as English colonies are.
In view of these great interests which would be sacr
feed by disturbance of pacific relations, Ito say
thing Of several hundred millions of American stocks held
in Europe whose value might for the time be seriously
affected is not to be supposed that France will insist
the little advantage of importing into these islands
silks, wines &C., to the amount of few thousands OF dol
lars at per cent Duty she now does by her consra
ton Of the treaty of the Goth March, 1885, treaty which,
instead of being valid reason why the king should not
transfer his sovereignty standing and powerful aTgu-
ment to justify him in doing since that treaty denies
to him of the most important attributes ofsoyerenty
one in the highest degree essential to all independent
nations.
Still less is it to be supposed that Great Britain viii
claim the privileges Of the most favored natio under
the French treaty since she has generously Grown up
her treaty Of the date and tenure and subst
tuted that of the 10th july 1851 M accordance with the
American treaty of Washington Of 10th Deceber 1919
The right to cede acquire territory, TO unite two
independent nations by compact IS regarded as inherent
in all independent soveregntes 1t has certainly beer
1
ccde part ocde all the parts Modern history
abounds in examples, and more than English aad
French history. Annexation Is neither new thing zor
in day, the Turks and Arabs of Algeria, the
Catfrcs of South america, and tEsn one hundred
and thirty millions Of people IN India tesy-pespe,
it hoped who may be benefited by che change; but,
whether so not cannot admit that annexation by
voluntary consent is any illegal reprehensibe
than annexation by conquest But whether it be done
by process the other the Government of the United
States have colonies Whatever territory rs added
tp hut Of md
same national constitution and laws.
The expectancy of union with the United States do
not propose to consider at present for have aothory
to say that the United States will consent to terms
that may be eered yet have doubt if they shall be
offered they will be frankly received and duly consider
ed but no sinister of pishing the object
however desirable will receive from the United
States.
am most happy to have your testimony that the
Commissioner and CoRsuls of the United States have
acted fully and faithfully up the principles declared by
Mr.. Webster and Mr. Clayton in the communications
ferred to by you and am not permitted to doubt that
you will have little hereafter you have not
10 disturb the friendly intentions Of the Government AID
people of the United States
My regard for the King and his Government andifor
the highly respectable representatives of Enganpand
France In these islands, who have deemed it theirdu
to nterpose official remonstrance, alike demard the
utmost frankness IN TIE expression of the sentiments
entertain, which am sure they will appreciate.
The agreement Joint declaration of the 28th of No
vember, 1852, that neither Great Britain France
would take possession of these islands protectorate
or otherwise, credtable those Powers. The Gov
eminent of the United States not party to the
gagement, neither Kamehama Ill., far appears
The parties to it by their naval forces had both made
hostile demonstrations upon the Kings sovereignty
The United States has not but both before ana SINCE
though their interests far greater here than those
of any or all foreign Powers they have constantly respect
ed the Government of the King They have sought
TO limit the right of his Government frame its own
system of finance enact its laws regulate
its system of public education, establish its u
dical policy, or demanded any special avors and they
were the first to recognise the complete and unqualified
national independence of the kingdom by the treaty of
the Goth Of December, ls49
The treaty having been faithfully observed, there is
nothing in the policy of the United States towards these
islands which requires concealment demands explana-
hon-nothing to disturb the harmony which happily ex
lists between the United States and the great commercial
Powers Of Europe.
Lest silence my part after the publication OF the
joint remonstrance, should make different impression
here or elsewhere and considering the distance from the
seats of Government of Europe and America it may be
advisable to depart from the usual in such mat
ters and to publish this letter also to 60 with the
monstrance Of the British and French Representatives
have the honor to be, with great respect your ODE
dent servant, LUTHER SEVERANCE.
His excelency ROBERT CREIGHTON WYLLIE, Minister of
Foreign Relations, sc.