New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-01-17
FIJI AND THE UNITED STATES.
pETITITION FOR AMERICAN PROTECTION.


The Melbourne Age publishes the following
documents relating to proposed proecorate over the
FIJI Islands by our Government;
The Honorable the President Of he United Staes Of
SIR: T. You are aware OF the political and social
dion OF the group Of FIJI Islands the residents OF winch,
many OF them Americans but most OF them British begin
10 feel the want of the protection of some powerful ma
ton well for the purpose of maintaining their position
with the native authorities for outward security In
their trade and commerce 2. IL has been mOocd, IN
turn that France, Prussia, and America contemplated
annexation Of these islands; and the consequent excite
and doubt tends materially to retard our progress
8. II is the desire OF some OF us 70 govern
ourselves in conjunction with King Thakombau under
the sole protection OF America, and OF others under
the JOINT prOecOrate OF the three powers abovenamed
and England. T. The connection which has hitherto
existed between the native authorities and America.
from the anXiees 1t has caused, has, nevethe
less been advantageous enabling King Thakombau from
native disturbances. The period Is however arriving
when will no longer on your own account require TO
keep eye to the country g. We Therefore the under
signed subscribers being composed firstly OF residents In
the group and secondly OF others who have denhed our
It, earnestly pray that you WILL AZ an early
date announce TO the world your resolve TO extend the
manently 6. The geographical position OF the group
in the South Pacific Ocean points to II as being Suitable
naval and coaling station IN American interests Z.
The line OF steamers projected TO run between san
Francisco and Australia on the opening OF the railway
from the former pace TO ca ~ WI" and
these islands the advantage OF being equdsant
about the number Of miles as the Sandwich Islands
are from San Francisco s. The exquisite climate OF the
Fills, with their valuable productions, such as cotton
none finer in the wOrld sugar, cOcoanut OIL &c, natu-
rally leads rejecting and enerprisng men TO look for
ward to these islands becoming desirable residence
for both AMERICANS and Europeans, and the opening up
Of extended commercial relations between the United
States America and Australia, point TO their political
connection with the former being likely to be beneficial
10 both g. We, therefore, again earnestly express the
hope that the prayer OF this petition for the protection OF
the American flag uDder our own system OF sefgoyern-
men) may be answered in the affirmative. We have the
honor to be, Sir. your most obedient servants. Here
follow the signatures.
UNITED STATES CONSULATE, FIJI, Aug. 81. 1869.
FREDK COOK, esq, and others, LEyUKA, FIJ-SirS: /
beg to acknowledge your courtesy in submitting for my
perusal, and herewith the Petition 70 the
President the United States praying for the protection
OF the United States Government TO Fiji. Among the
seventy petitioners whose are thereunto attached
recognze OF respecabiity and property, who are
bona de residents Of the country and who, doubt not
have the general good Of Fiji at heart. sincerely hope
that boon you ask may be granted and permanently
secured and would hail such contamination OF the eff
forts now being made by both the local government OF
Fiji and foreign residents, that most likely to CONSOLE
date the peace and progress OF the social commercial
and material interests Of this country have the honor
Srs, TO be your most obedient servant,
]. NJ. BRowER, u. g. Y. Consul.