Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1868-09-25
Pa CxFIC.
French Settlements In the Pa
ciEiC Ocean.

From the New York Tribune.l
In some instances, the substitution of
French for native rule has undoubtedly
been gain for civilization. But history,
even If il may represent the annexation
OF bSrbsrOus lands to Christian countries
as certain mot the right kind Of pro-
gress, will not fail to brand as infamous
the means by which the beneficial end
was sought to be brought about. The
French rule in the Pacific, aud especially
in the Society Islands, furnishes a heavy
contingent to the charges which every
truth loving historian will present against
the foreign policy of France. The Soci-
ETY. Islands were among the first in
which Chris iSnity gained firm foot
ing. In 1897, the first mission ship fitted
out by the newly formed London Mis-
sionary Society arrived at Tahiti After
nineteen years Of apparently fruitless la
Dor, the influence of the missionaries be-
gan to be felt, and afterward became so
powerful 50 to be almost paramount. A
disagreement between the Protestant snd
the Roman Catholic missionaries occa-
stoned the interference of France in favor
Of the latter, and the island of Tahiti was
taken possession of in the name of Louis
Pnillippe by strong French force in 1874.
H.
meDSe excitement in Europe, and for
some time it was thought that England
would prevent the establishment OF the
French rule. But this hope was not re-
allied. France maintained her hold of
the Island, which, while nominally under
the protection OF France, has virtually
become French colony. The native
chiefs have never ceased to complain of
French rule, and the many charges which
have heen brought agsinst the French
administration have been as little re-
futed rs the perhdi0us transactions
IN Mexico. The latest inteIIi0enee
from the Islands, which has been pub
lished, brings 8 new specimen of
French colonial rule. The French Gov
ernor Of Tahiti, Count de Ia Rociere, ap-
pears TO be one OF those Adventures
whom similarity Of life and purpose
binds with strong ties to the interests of
Louis Napoleon. He appears to have
outdone Bszaine. the Islands are in
complete confusion, Business is sus-
pended. The English residents think of
leaving. The native chiefs have peti-
toned for his removal. The last feat of
this model Governor was to arrest the
King OF Hushine, an island not far from
Tahiti, who had been on q visit to Queen
Pomare OF TAHITI, and compel him to
sign treaty favorable to France. The
islanders, it is true, did not ratify this
transaction, but on the return of their
King took him prisoner, and chose an
other King. But will Louis Napoleon
care much about the origin of the treaty,
If France and his dynasty can derive
therefrom some advantage? It can
hardly be expected that the man VINO
indorsed the Jeeker bonds will feel the
lesst scruple in ssnctioning the fraudu-
lent treaty with an insular king. There
is at present in Australia and Polynesia,
no native government strong enough to
dispute the advance of England and
France, which will very soon have divi-
ded among themselves the almost innu-
mersble islands. But the recent example
of China inspires the hope that time
approaches when weak Governments
and rotten States can be regenerated by
other means than annexation, subiugs-
tion, and wholesale fraud,