The Hawaiian gazette., 1874-08-26

lency Sir Hercules Robinson to FIJI, to treat
with the authorities Of that group concerning the
proposed cession to the British Crown. This ar
rangement shows the importance attached by the
British Government to the question. They will,
at all events, let the people Of Fri know that
her Majesty, in order, to make known to them
her Wishes sends them no obscure functionary,
but the Governor Of one Of the chief colonies Of
the Empire. And from what we already know
Of the Inhabitants Of Fiji, both aboriginal and
European. there can be no doubt that many
among them will recognize the Significance o.
the selection made by her Mujesiy's Govern
ment, in sending so distinguished representa-
tive to convey to them the views entertained in
the Queens Council concerning the terms on
which FIJI may be annexed to the British do
minions. We do not think there is reason for
doubling the sincerity of the assurances which
were given by Commodore .Goodenough and Mr..
Consul Layard to the King and people of FIJI,
and which will doubtless be renewed by Sir Her
cules Robinson, that Great Britain will not
dertake the government Of FIJI, unless it be done
with the consent of the inhabitants and with u
view to their benefit; and an honest adherence
to the professions thus made is not Inconsistent
with reasonable regard to the advantages to be
secured to England and to the Australian colo
MES, by the annexation Of FIJI to the Empire.
The establishment of the steam postal service
between Sydney and San francisco, via Kan
davu, and the report furnished by the Commo-
dore concerning the superior advantages of Le-
vuka as port of call for vessels passing between
Australia and California, have attracted the at
tention of the colonlsts to the important rela-
tions that must snbsist between Fiji and this
country. And all that is necessary to ensure the
investment of capital, and the application of in
dustry and skill in rapidly increasing measure, to
the development of the resources of FIJI, is that
security for person and property which it is be-
lieved the establishment Of British Jurisdiction
in FIJI would guarantee. With the extension of
cultivation over those numerous islands, and the
consequent increase of the produce available for
exploration, the commercial relations OF FIJI
must become more and more important. And
from its geographical position, its early associa-
tions, and the recent establishment Of the steam
postal service across the Pacfc, Sydney is, Of
oil seapOrts in the world. most advantageously
situated Tor profting by the commerce of FIJI.
There is, therefore, an appropriateness in the Sc
lection, By her Majestys Council, OF the Cover
nor of this colony to propose, on behalf Of the
British Government, the conditions of annexa
ton. And if the result is prosperous--as there
is every reason TO believe it will be-the fact Of
Sir HERCULES Robinson having taken this import
ant part in bringing about the annexation will
tend to strengthen, in the minds of the Fijians,
the sense OF their near connection with New
South Wales. We have, therefore, good reason
to be gratifed at the selection of Sir Hercules
Robinson by the Imperial Government. And
we may, with little risk, venture the prediction
that the memory of his administration Of the
Government Of this colony will be rendered
famous in the annals Of the nation, by the accom-.
plishment of the purpose of his mission to FIT
Though the long delay Of Britain in complying
with the request of the Fjians has naturally
caused some to prefer the continuance of the at
tempt at selfgovernment or at all events to raise
objections to the proposal now made, the fact
that FIJI was the first to move IN the matter re-
mains a remarkable testimony to the opinion
spread through the world concerning the nature
of the dominion which England exercises wher-
ever power comes into her hands. 1t is now
about thirteen years ago since the Fijians petit
toned the British Government for annexation.
II was long since assumed in the mother country
that the offer would ultimately be accepted.
There may be some difficulty now as tothe terms
On which the union is TO be effected. But con-
'idering the strength of the reasons 10 favor of
It, and the decided expressions Of opinion and
iesire on both sides for such consunmation, it
) likely that all difficulties will be overcome.
The varied experience and ability of Sir Hercules
Robinson will have fitting scope in overcoming
hese difficulties, and preparing foE the establish
nent of the union on basis that will prove con-
lucive to the future welfare of FIJI. and SO to the
prosperity of Australia"