New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-09-26
THE SANDWICH ISLANDS-TERHS OF
ANNEXATION.

Notwithstanding .the contradictory rumcrs in regard
10 the treaty for Vie annexation of the Sandwich
Islands to the United States there is no reasonable
doubt not only that treaty providing for annexation
has been agreed upon but that it is now Id this coun-
try for the sanction of the General Government. 1t
was matter OF notorety at the time that Mr. Gregg,
the u. .. Commissioner at the Islands, was sent out
with full powers to agree upon treaty. and undoubt
edly the present Administration il ambitious to
identify itself with the contamination OF an act SO
important and popular as would be the acquisition Of
these prolific isIands of the Pacific
Mr.. Gregg, as is well known at Washington, has
been interchangeable in prosecuting the duties of his
mission He met with obstacles at the outset from
the fact that he Catholicism almost unpardon-
able oDse in the estimation OF the present ruler OF
the Islands. But this obstacle was overcome, and
Mr.. G. found his propositions received with
marked favor by nearly ALL except the Heir Apparent,
and few of his immediate friends and partizsns. 1t
is believed that at least four-hths OF the natives, ana
nearly as large proportion Of the foreign residents,
are ia favor of the Indeed II Is well under
stood Washington hstthe only opponents of annex
alton, of any influence, are among the French, Ger
mans and English, who are apprehensive that their
business and influence would be materially injured by
a union with this Government.
We learn, from well-informed sources at Washing.
ton that the terms of the Treaty are substantially as
follows:
The Islands are to be at once admitted into the
Union not as T,7ritory but as a State-wlth full
state sovereign powers In consideration OF thus sur
render their national sovereignty the United States
tfSlute
titles c. are TO pay $500, 900 or sf00OO au-
pually as life annuities such persons the sover
eien authorities shall designate. IL Is believed that
the nun Der who will be declared entitled TO share IN
this annuity will not exceed thirty individuals, In
GLIDING the King, his two sons, and the members OF
the House of Mobiles, all of whom are now rich, aud
constitute the great andholders Of the kingdom.
Their ages will average about 40 years and the sum
TO be paid TO each Will to DO debt upon the
United States Government at their death.
Beside the sovereignty Of the Islands, all the Gov.
erpment property-including buildings, claims upon
foreign Governments &c, will, 1t is understood be
transferred TO the u. 5. Government by this treaty
The value Of these buildings alone are said to exceed
81 500 OOO and the claims upon the French and British
Governments 10 about S0Ou, OUO more making al az
gregate OF 50 100000.
These terms, although not extravaganza are sutii-
cienty liberal The Islands would prove important
acquisitions TO the United States, commercially and
politically. Our rapidly growing commerce Ill the
Pacific require them places of trade and shelter.
Their products exactly what ships require and
in the event of war with any commercial nation,
their possession would be Invaluable. Nor will all the
benefits Of this acquisition be upon our eide. The Is
lands themselves will at feel the impulse of
hfe and become, ultimately, as rich Is they are now
sslubrious. -
But. there is one additional fact which cannot fail
10 have an important influence in the decision of this
question These lslands-thanks 10 the spirit OF true
Christianity which has swayed the councils OF the
kipedom-haye never tolerated Slavery, and their
soil r not only free from the faint OF that vile system
but the sentiment of the people is emphatic In is con-
demna.ion of it, These Islands therefore, VIII come
in a. Free State and viii add one more 10 tue un-
onmed stars which make up our glorious gsisAy.
Alb Eve. JoarnaL