Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1854-10-04
THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.

TERMS OF NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
the contradictory rumors in regard to the 'rrea-
ty for the Annexation of the Sandwich Islands
TO the United States, there is no reasonable
doubt not only that Treaty providing for an
nexation has been agreed upon, but that 1t is
now in this country, for the sanction OF the
General Government. 1t was a matter OF noto-
riety at the time, that Mr.. Gregg, the U. 3. Com.
missioner at the Islands, was sent out with full
powers, to agree upon a Treaty; and undoubt-
edly the present Administration is ambitious to
indemnity itself with the contamination of an act
so important and popular as would be the ac-
QUESTION of these prolific Islands of the Pacific.
Mr.. Gregg, as is we'll known at Washington,
has been indefatigable in prosecuting the duties
of his mission. He met with obstacles at the
outset, from the fact that he was Catholicism
almost objectionable offence in the estimation
of the present Ruler of the Islands But this
obstacle was overcome; and Mr.. G. soon found
his propositions received with marked favor by
nearly all, except the Heir apparent, and few
of his immediate friends and partizans. II is be.
lieved that at least four-6fths of the natives, and
nearly as large a proportion of the foreign resi-
dents, are in favor of the measure Indeed 1t Is
we'll understood at Washington that the only
opponents of Annexation, of any influence, are
among the French, Germans and English, who
are apprehensive that their business and infiu-
ence would be materially injured by a Union
with this Government.
We learn, from we'll informed sources at
Washington, that the terms of the Treaty are
substantially as follows
The Islands are to be at once admitted into
the Union not as Territory, but as State-
with full State sovereign powers. In consider
alton of this surrender Of their National sove-
reignty, the United States, besides agreeing to
respect all existing charters, land titles, &C., are
to pay some 100000 or 100000 annually as
life annuities to such persons as the sovereign
authorities shall designate. 1t is believed that
the number who will be declared entitled to
share in this annuity, will not exceed thirty in.
dividuals, including the King, his two sons, and
the members of the House of Mobiles, all of
whom are now rich, and constitute the great
land.holders of the Kingdom. Their ages will
average about 40 years; and the sum to be paid
to each will cease to be debt upon the U. s.
Government, at their death.
Besides the sovereignty of the Islands, all the
Government property, including buildings,c laims
upon foreign Governments, &c.,-will, it is un-
derstood, be transferred to the U. S. Govern
ment by this Treaty The value of these build
lngS alone are Salu w eACeeu @l,OVO,OOU, anu
the Claims upon the French and British Gov
ernments to about 100000 more; making an
aggregate of $2,0Oo,0Oo.
These terms, although not extravagant, are
sufficiently liberal. The Islands would prove
important acquisitions to the U. States, CONNER
cally and politically. Our rapidly growing CON-
merce in the Pacific require them, as places of
trade and shelter. Their products are exactly
what our ships require, and in the event of a
war with any commercial nation. their possess
ion would be invaluable. Nor will all the bene-
fits of this acquisition be upon our side. The
Islands themselves will at once feel the impulse
of new life, and become, ultimately, as rich as
they are now salubrious.
But, there is one additional fact, which cannot
fail to have an important influence in the decis-
ion Of this question. These Islands-thanks to
the spirit of true Christianity which has swayed
the councils of the Kingdom-have never toler-
ated Slavery and their soil is not only free from
the faint of that vile system, but the sentiment
of the People is emphatic in its condemnation of
it. Their Islands, therefore, will come in as
Free State, and will add one more to the undim-
med stars which make up our glorious galaxy.
Albany Journal.
WING VIcToRIEs.-In every election which