New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-02-10
THE 1yGLO-SAxONS IN POLYNESIA


The introduction of bill in the British Par
lament to establish protecterate in the FIJI
Islands indicates an extension of British inter-
ests in Polynesia. Australian influences have
gradually overridden those of all other for
eigners in the FIJI group, and although
Thakombua is nominaly King, his cabinet
which is composed chiefly of thrifty colonists
from Melbourne, rule the commerce and trade
of the islands. About two years ago. to the
great disappointment of the Australians,
the British Government declined the honor of
extending a prOtectorate over the FUis, al
though King ThakOmbua and his Anglo-SaxO
councillors invited it. Since that time, how
ever, the growth of the South Sea coolie trade
carried on by British subjects in British yes
sels has aroused much Indignation in England
and warm debates in Parliament on the sub
ject have turned popular attention to what is
thought necessity for intervention in some
shape. Melbourne journals aver that this
wholesale kidnapping of islanders for the
purpose of procuring labOrers on the FIJI plan
tations cannot be stopped by the Fijian Gov
eminent, and that this increasing traffic in
human flesh has influenced the Imperial Gov
eminent to look more favOrably on the project
for the ultimate acquisition of the group.
Their commercial Importance, probably, con-
sists in their advantageous position for a coal
ing and supply station rather than in their
natural products, though these are not insig-
nifcant. The Melbourne people anticipate
with great certainty the annexation of the
Fiji group to the colony of Victoria.
What has become of our quasi protectorate
over the Samoan Islands There are eight of
these islands, usually known as the Naviga-
tors, and their relative position to the COM
merce of the South Pacific is about the same
as that of the Fjis. Commander Meade, in
behalf of the United States, concluded
treaty, or informal alliance, with the head
chief of the group, about year ago. We
have some doubt as to the binding nature of
the convention or bargain; but it is understood
that the native government of the islands,
like that of Fill is in great trouble, and finds
it difficult to preserve its balance. American
interests predominant in the Samoan Islands,
lust as the British do in the Fills. There has
been an American Company organized for the
purpose of promoting commerce between the
islands and the United States; and various pro-
jects to establish steam communication with
San Francisco are agitated. The group would
be useful to the naval and merchant service
of the United States, especially as our COM
merce in the Pacific is increasing, and we
hope that it may eventually overshadOw that
of other nations Our policy has not been
favorable, however, to protectorates nor to
the annexation of detached territory. If we
could, by friendly alliance, secure the requisite
rights and privileges which we highly desire
in Polynesia, it would be far more satisfac
tory than any acquisition of distant islands
could possibly be. In any event, it is appar-
ent that we shall have friendly struggle with
Great Britain for trade domination in the
South Pacific Islands.