Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1858-10-09
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From Intelligence Of late date, received via
Caliesrnia, VIC learn that revolution has been
proErsssing In Polynesia, and that two, at least
(Tsialsa and Tahsa) Of the Society Islands have
coneluded to eek admission into the American
Union. OF all that extensive group, comprised
within the limits Of Polynesia, the Society Islands
are unqdestionably the most interesting and de-
sirsble, whether considered in respect Unnatural
fertility and beauty in the civilization and re-
hnement Of their inhabitants. In this latter re-
gard, re woald be understood, ofcaursc a'speak-
ine in . comparative sense. for even the natives
Of thsss I.lsuds, though greatly superior to those
az MANY others, have yet much progress to make
before fhey will have attained TO that standard
which is recognised amongst the really refined ma
tions Of the earth. Although christianity has
male some progress in these Islands, especially
in that which is most celebrated and has derived
tho grsatest advantage from contact with supe-
rior rscs--Tahi.i; the native religion which may
be ranked amongst the darkest forms OF super'ti-
ton, still prevails to q considerable extent
Their form of government hitherto-if indeed
that can be called form Of government where
organic law is unknown--is not that which pre-
walls usually amidst the rude independence Of
savage life. but is sort Of petty despotism. in
which the principal chiefs govern in an absolute
manner. subject only to the combinations of infe-
rior chiefs who rule particular districts. and some
times unite to depose their superiors In this
vay the late revolution was brought about, and
Tamassa v, King OF the Society Islands was de-
throned. No strict police regulations have ever
been maintained, and the punishment Of crimes
has generally been left to the private resentment
of tho injured party
With these facts before US, notwithstanding our
thirst for territorial acquisition. and the further
fact that in a commercial point Of view these
Islands might be servccablc to us. We should
question the rropriety of Incorporating them into
the Union There is good reason to npprchcnd
tina. our capacity for absorption is already taxedto
its utmost, and that in the nongre character ofour
population we are fas, losing our homogeneous
moss, and with 1T, our prominent characteristics
20 that E Pluri1ns Tanm may not longer with
truth and propriety. emblazon our national es-
cutcheon.
History will have been written in vain, studied
to little purpose if we profit not by the examples
which Il Affords. From it We may learn that
Rome, seized by an insane thirs, Tor dominion,
extended 10y the sword it is true her authority
over thirty odd different nations and in tina, act
scattered the seed which sprang up and destroyed
her; for the unwicldy md incongruous mass soon
fell to pieces The terrible scenes that have re-
Gently been enacted in India attest the difficulty
that must ever attend the cemcnting and retaining
of various and discordant elements in one gov
ernment
1t canaot alter materially the fact to sny that
in the one case the sword was the in instrument en-
ployed in acquisition, whilst our eonquests are
peaceful and our expansion the result Of natural
causes and voluntary cession. So it was in the
beginning, and # ever any people had common
memories. and common paternity to cement
them together we arc tint people. Virginia
furnished tina. unparalleled man whose first effort
in tho war Of independence was at the head u
Massachusetts, men, on Massachusetts, soil; but
how do these two States stand related to-day
Happy for US will it be If we shall hold together
as are; aud there are causes cnough already
operating to produce a ruptare, without augment
ing them ty the accession Of nation Of semi
eavaees who are not to be ruled as n tributary
people, but co-equal with us in all the privilc
gcs and responsibilities Of n free people. Are
they prepared for it?