Polynesian., 1855-05-19


dence. To carry into effect these desirable
objects, the undersigned are authorized by
HIS Majesty Kamehameha III, to euter into
negotiation with the authorities of the United
States, by convention, treaty, or Otherwise.
whenever the latter shall acknow ledge the
sovereignty of the former; and as evidence
that the undersigned are thus authorized.
they are prepared TO present official papers
whenever the way is open for them to be re-
ceived"
The Honorable Daniel Webster courte-
Ously replied in a despatch dated 10Th De-
cember, lS42, declaring in the name of his
government, among other things the following:
The United States have regarded the
existing authorities in the Sandwich Islands,
as government suited to the condition of
the people and resting on their own choice;
and the President is of opinion that the inter-
ests Of all the commercial nations require
that that government should not be interfered
with by foreign powers. OF the vessels which
visit the Islands, il is known that a great ma
jority belong to the United States; the United
States, therefore, are more interested in the
fate of the Islands and of their government
than any other nation can be, and this con-
sideration induces the President TO be quite
willing to declare, as the sense of the gov
ernment of the United States, that the gov
ernment of the Sandwich Islands ought to be
respected; that no power ought either to take
possession of the Islands as conquest, or
for the purpose Of cOlOnizatiOn; and that no
power ought to seek for any undue control
over the existing government, OF any excla-
sive privileges or preferences in matters OF
commerce"
Entertaining these sentiments, the Presi-
dent does not see any present necessity for
the negotiation of formal treaty, or the
appointment or reception Of diplomatic char
acters."
The correspondence between the Kings
Commissioners and Mr.. Webster, on the
Both December, IS42 was submitted by the
President, along with message, TO the House
of Representatives Of the United States. In
that message the President expressed himself
thus: "lt cannot but be in confor
nifty with the interests and the wishes of the
government and people of the United States,
that this community (speakng of the Hawaii
an government and people, thus existing in
the middle of vast expanse Of ocean, should
be respected and all its rights strictly and
conscientiousy regarded, and this must also
be the true interests Of all other commercial
states. Far remote from the dOminIons of
European powers, its growth and prosperity,
as an independent state, may yet be IN high
degree useful to all whose trade Is extended
to those regions, while its nearer approach TO
this continent, and the intercourse which
American vessels have with it-such vessels
constituting FIVE sixth of all which visit it
could not but create dissatisfaction on the
part of the United States, at any attempt by
another power, should such an attempt be
threatened or feared, to take possession of
the Islands, colonIze them and subvert the
native government. Considering, therefore,
that the United States possess so very large
share of the intercourse with those Islands,
that their government seeks, nevertheless, no
peculiar advantages, no exclusive control
over the Hawaiian government, but IS con-
tent with its independent existence, and anx-
iously wishes for its security and prosperity,
its forbearance IN this respect, under the cir
cumstances of the very large intercourse of
their citizens with the Islands, would justify
this government, should events hereafter
arise to require it, in making decided re-
monstrance against the adoption of an oPpo-
site policy by any other power"
The sentiments of that message were re-
tons, who reported upon il. They will be
found accordant with what ! stated to have
been the uniform policy of the United States
towards this government in my report Of
1851. (see page I27) and what believe still
to be their policy under the present admins
Itrarion, much as certain private citizens OF
the United States may wish that it were other
wise for their own selfish interests.
~ .oho, or.iyad in
London early in IS43 They Immediately
entered upon their negotiations there with
the able assistance Of Sir George Simpson.
Notwithstanding what Sir George modestly
states, in the quotation from his narrative al
ready given, he and Mr.. Richards found that
they could not be received at the Court OF
St. James in the character of Public MIN
isters; that the Earl Of Aberdeen at first
positively refused to acknowledge the King 3
independence, alleging that the King did not
govern, but was under the influence of Amer
lean missionaries, and that the United States
had not acknowledged his Independence
They found that upon the same grounds His
Lordship refused to enter into any negotiation
for treaty, adding that the treaty-making
power belonged only to sovereign states
/ All this passed at an official interview with
His Lordship on the 22d February, 1913, as
you will find by referring to extracts from a
despatch ADDRESSED by Sir George and Mr..
Richards to the late king under date of the
lst April, 1913, of which ! append copy
marked No.7.
Although much discouraged by this rebuff,
SIR George and Mr.. Richards did not lose
heart. Like good diPlomatists, they immedl-
ately set about bringing high influence with
their own to bear upon the British govern
: ment. In Brussels they sought and obtained
an itervieS with His Majesty, King Leopold,
who received them with great courtesy, and