Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-09-17

her annexation as proud and happy day for
the Republic. Yet there are many difficulties
which are in the way of the attainment of this
object. The chart of our principles, TO which,
like cautions mariners we always recur, and
which we publish in our daily paper admon-
ishes US to advocate bold and earnest for
eign policy, under the flag Of the country"
and under that alone. 1t has ever been our
object to rebuke any attempt at an invasion Of
foreign territory by private individuals any
attempt on the part of the citizens Of the
Union to stir up strife or to interfere with the
relations of other countries. But while such
is the case, and while we would deeply regret
any .Jfllibustering invasion Of Cuba, we see, at
no distant day, certain prospect OF fairly,
honorably, and consistently numbering this
bright star Of the Atlantic in the constellation
of our Union.
There is another question which is assuming
more practical import, and which is not
fraught with the same difficulties and dangers.
The rapid advances Of the nineteenth century,
amongst its other physical and political revolu-
tons has converted rude race of savage Cant
balls, into an organized and conservative ma
tion--a nation worthy the consideration and
recognition of the older States polite Of the
world--a nation independent in itself and COM
petent to control its own destiny in its future
relations with other countries. There is now
but little doubt that the authorities Of the Sand
wich Islands are anxious for an annexation to
the United States, and that King Kamahama
has actually taken steps to ensure the attain
ment of that object. 1t is difficult to estimate
beforehand the immense advantages which will
result to the commercial interests of the Uni
ted States by such an accession. The recent
acquisition Of California, with her noble har-
bors on the Pacific coast have induced us to
look with the deepest interest to our Pacific
trade. Nearly at the same time China has re-
laxed in her rigid policy, and has opened her
trade to the world. Japan, too, SO long the
anchorite Of nations, has at length yielded to
the more liberal policy, and has formed COM
mercial treaty with the United States. Thus
the Pacific ocean, which has held subordinate
place to the Atlantic in the commercial rela-
lions of the world, win become the great high
way ftrade. s
The great distance from San Francisco to
Canton probably the two most important points
Of Asia American trade) renders it neces-
sary that there should be some midway point
whittier vessels may repair for supplies. Steam
ers, particularly, which are fast snperseding the
use Of sail vessels win find it necessary to have
some breaking point in the distance TO which
they may go for an increased supply Of fuel.
(. The Sandwich Islands offer just such place.
About one-third the distance from San Fran
:isco to Canton, it would afford every facility
or navigation, as naval depot, in furnishing
victuals, fuel, and repairs not, only to our own
sessels but TO those Of the rest of the world.
The expenses of keeping up naval establish
nent there would be amply repaid by the ad,
yantages resulting from it ), ~ ef..
It would seem strange for time to hear the
member from Tahiti recognized in his seat IN
he hall Of representatives-and the mileage
rom Honolulu would be a consideration, Of
come importance TO the Treasury. But the
requent and familiar intercourse with the
people of the islands would render these names
amiliar to our ears as household words-aud
he wealth which would pour into our treasury
would fully compensate us for any additional
expense which the acquisition of the territory
would require.