The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1854-10-27
sANDwIoH IsLAYDs-ANNExATIoN.

We infer from the tone of the subjoined ar
ticle from the Washington Sentinel of the
I4th, which is understood to be sort of out
side organ of the administration, that the
speedy annexation Of the Sandwich Islands j.
an event contemplated as at least probable,
by President Pierce, and his advisers, and
that its consummation will be pressed upon
Congress at the approaching session. This
and few more Greytown exploits, may bring
us into hostile collision with the mari
time powers of Europe.
We have already adverted to the probable
annexation Of the Sandwich Islands 20 the
United States, and the benefits that would re-
suit therefrom to our commerce in the Pacific.
Ii is now becoming question of great inter
est and of practical Importance, and it is well
that the public mind should be prepared to
meet the issue when it arises.
The soil of this little group of islands is fer
tile, and its climate salubrious and delightful.
The range of the thermometer is between 65
degrees and So degrees Fahrenheit. Every va
rety of tropical fruits are abundant, and the
great staples of sugar and coffee are easily
raised. The extent of the Hawaiian group is
6, 100 square miles. The laboring class con-
sists of Chinese Coolies, who are employed at
the rate of three dollars per month--the
cheapest agricultural labor with which we
are acquainted Such is brief description
of this group of islands, which within a centu-
nv past have emerged from the most savage
condition to a high state of civilization.
But the fertility Of their soil, and the de-
lightful character of their climate and pro
ductions, are not the chief elements which
make their acquisition of such Importance to
the United States. The small extent of ter
ritory will preclude very large emigration
from this country. 1t is to the commercial
aspect of the question that we chiefly look
for the benefits which will flow from their ac-
cession. The success and prosperity of the
Union depend upon our commerce in peace
far more than upon our success in war. The
facilities of late afforded to Asatic trade
open the way to our speedy growth as one of
the great maritime powers of the world
Situated about SO degrees west of Washing
ton, and about sixteen hundred miles from
our ports upon the Pacific, the Sandwich Is
lands promise to be an important and indis-
pensable point to facilitate the great Pacific
trade. Steam is beginning to supersede sail
vessels in commerce as well as in internal
navigation. The only objection that has ever
been offered to this force for transportation
is the difficulty which arises from CARRYING
fuel for long voyage-the great weight and
bulk of the coal which is necessary for the
purpose, and the consequent exclusion of
large amount of freight which might other
wise be carried. 1t is estimated that steamer
designated for freight, cannot carry fuel more
than sufficient to last through voyage of
thirty days. This would forever preclude the
navigation of the Pacific by steam, from our
California ports to Canton or Japan, if there
were not some intermediate point where the
supply of coal might be renewed. BY making
then the Sandwich Islands great coal depot
for the United States, the important object
could be secured, and the only objection to
admitting steam, the great element of navi-
cation, as a means to advance our commerce
in the Pacific would be effectually overcome
This, in itself, is a sufficient inducement, even
at a great sacrifice, to justify the annexation
of the Sandwich Islands.