Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-05-29
Tn. Nnrirnler Islands.

What we shall do or be invited to do, in the
Pacific world, hereafter, is beginning to come
in sight. 1t is stated that Captain Wakeman
of the Webb line Of Australian steamers, has
negotiated treaty with the Navigator Islands,
or with somebody living there, by virtue of
which the United States can have "the exclusive
privilege of naval station and a protectorate
over this wonderful group of islands" and it is
claimed with refreshing earnestness, that the
senate ought Immediately to ratify this treaty.
In time, the United States will be invited 10
take possession of all Polynesia, We suppose.
II is a world of beautiful skies, hsalthful air,
and spicy breezes; and most of the islands are
extremely fertile No doubt, our language, our
intelligence, and our enterprise, will be ultimate-
" established in those islands. A few genera
lions hence, the Atlantic and Europe, will be
less important than the Pacific, Polynesia, and
Eastern Asia. But the change will come natur-
ally, and can not be FASTENED by any of the Yari-
GUS methods of annexation. Moreover, it does
NOT appear that Capt. Wakeman was authorized
to negotiate treaty nor that there is any power
in those islands with which it is advisable TO
make formal treaty.
Nevertheless. it would, in our view, he good
movement for our government 10 take whatever
measures may be necessary to make the Nayi-
gator Islands a secure station for our ocean
steamers, and, ALSO to give this Webb line OF
steamers due assistance and encouragement.
The steamers of this line go TO Australia by
way of New Zealand, and the Navigator Islands
seem indispensable 10 them as a station. The
whole country should desire TO see this line suC-
ceSslul, for we must have commercial Suprem-
aey on the Pacific, and must not allow any
other people 20 supercede us on that ocean. The
Navigator Islands have an area of about 1850
square miles, and $4,000 inhabitants, most of
whom are under missionary influence. They
are situated between the thirteenth and fifteenth
degree of south latitude; the climate is said to
be very healthful, the soil fertile, and the pro,
duct;ons the most desirable TO be found any,
where in the tropical regions. The description
given by Capt. Wakeman is very enthusiastic
Talk OF Italian skies and Sicilian shrubbery p
it saws, mo island or coast of the Mediterranean
can rival these islands in salubrity of climate,
fertility of soil, or beauty of scenery" Doubt
less, the islands are fertile and beautiful; the
Pacific islands generally are not deficient in these
respects. But, Capt Wakeman's fancy, we sus-
pect, was considerably excited, when his de-
scription of them was written.
The islands of the Pacific are vastly more i'm
portant than those of the West Indies; and in
the future they will be made to yield vastly
more to the business and wealth OF the world.
Their natural resources are very great, and the
mmunication established by the lines OF
steamers will lead to great development OF
commerce. For twelve months preceding July
/, ISL, the whole amount of our imports from
Australia was S27S, 1864. During the six months
ending April l., 1872, the Webb line of steamer,
being in operation, the whole amount was
s. ,194,364. The continuance OF this line will
bring constant increase of exports
and imports between Australia and
the islands, and San Francisco, and
in time, the Pacific islands along this line O
communication will become as important com
tally as even the fancy of Capt. Wakeman
supposes. Therefore, we hope the attempt t.
make it successful will not be allowed TO fail
Generally, VIC have opposed government al,
to such enterprises; but, if such aid is to b
given in any case, let ii be given wisely in SUI
port of the beginning of attempts to develop
commerce on the Pacific. Do this, and tn
country will ultimately gain great deal MOI
than it will give.