The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1853-05-27
TIE SANDWICH ISLANDS.

Late arrivals from the Pacific bring US the
news that difficulties of a serious character
are again arising between the French Gov
ernment and the King of the Sandwich l..
lands. We are not informed upon what par.
ticuar points this difference exists, but it is
said the French are pressing matters to such
an extent as to alarm the King for the safety
of his government, and that he has made a
strong appeal 10 the United States for protec-
tion.
1t is not to be denied that the possession
of the Sandwich Islands would be desirable
acquisition on the part of France. But ii is
still more evident that it is of far more con-
sequence to the commercial interests of the
United States. We take it that our govern
ment cannot, and will not consent to have
those Islands pass into ehe possession Of eth
er Of the great powers Of Europe. They are
of too much commercial importance to US to
allow any act of that sort to be consummat-
ed. Our extended acquisitions on the Pacific
give us, prospectvely, the control Of the
commerce and trade of that vast region.
With China, japan, and the Indies, we shall
soon have an enormous intercourse. Oar
shipping now there exceeds that of any 9TH
er nation.
The port Of San Francisco has more con-
merce than any other on the Western coast
OF the continent, and it is now only in its in
fancy. Our whaling ships are more numerous
than those of any other nation, and no one
point is so convenient for them to land and
take in fresh supplies after long voyage, as
tho Snp1,Iipb Islands Tn thn
direct trade that is now but just bcninning be-
tween our Pacific ports and Asia, the course
Of vessels will bring them in the range OF
these Islands, and their position, about mid
way, makes them very desirable, almost ne
cessary, as stopping place. AS a matter OF
convenience, and of commercial necessity,
we must use them to a very great extent. and
it therefore becomes important that they be-
long to some power that will, at least, be
friendly, and which has no commercial rivalry
to look after and uphold, against us.
The present King is on friendly terms with
our Government. In fact. the American mis-
sionaries have the credit of redeeming the
Inhabitants from the grossest idolatry and
barbarism, and elevating them to their pre-
sent position among the recognized nations
of the earth. Our trade with them is more
important and valuable than that of any 9TH
er, or all other nations. Our treatment of
them has been humane and respectful. Hence
they naturally feel warm regard for us, and
are solicitous of our good will. In their times
of tribulution they look to the United States
for assistance against the aggressive demands
of other nations. Most clearly it is our duty
to grant il, and our Government will be
dereict in its duty if this protection is not
granted. We stand in very similar relation
to the Sandwich Islands to that in which we
stand to Cuba. Both are essential 20 our
commercial interests. Both are directly in
the line Of our trade. We must have access
to them. We cannot for moment consent
to their passing into the hands Of either
Great Britain or France. In the present
position of affairs at home, we would greatly
prefer they should remain where they are.
Spain is no rival OF the United States in tsade,
and has no naval force that is formidable, or
that can be made SO. The King of the Sand
wich Islands gives US the advantage of his
ports and his trade, and, for all our purposes,
it is lust as convenient for us as it would be
if the whole group belonged to the United