The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1878-12-28
A Polynesian Confederation.

The late Mr.. Wyllie, for many years the able and
jealous Hawaiian Minister for Foreign Affairs, was,
as we have had occasion to remark in previous
issues, a strong advocate of the confederation of the
various island groups of this ocean, under the
lSoyereignty and flag of the Hawaiian Islands, 1t
was no doubt a pleasing dream of philanthropy, for
the benefits would be about all on the side of the
tribes whose islands are situated far to the west and
south of Hawaii. The confederation once accOmp-
lished and recognized by the Powers with whom this
Government was in treaty relations, the benefits
resulting from such treaties would accrue to all the
members of the confederacy alike. But it is not ap-
parent that any particular advantage would result
to this Kingdom from such an arrangement. On
the contrary, it is quite probable that our Govern
ment would soon find itself in the position of a
guardian who, serving without e~molument. has
constantly to watch over and be responsible for the
indiscreet acts of a number Of youthful and ignorant
wards. 1t was no doubt from some such considera-
tions as these that the offer made in 1856, through
Mr.. st. Julian, (then Hawaiian Consul General for
the South Pacifc) for the cession of the Stewart
Islands, was declined. Recently a petition was re-
ceived by His Majesty from the principal inhabitants
of one of the larger islands of the Gilbert group,
(Which has been occupied by Hawaiian missionaries
for a number of years past) asking that the protec-
torate of the Hawaiian Kingdom be extended over
them, with q view to ultimate annexation or con-
federation. The petition was considered in Cabinet
Council, and the proposition declined, probably for
the same reasons as indicated above. Besides, the
island from which the petition is sent is but one of q
considerable group, more or less numerously in
habited.
1t is only natural, and quite reasonable from their
point of view, that the inhabitants of the various
groups in the Pacific, as they become enlightened
under the teachings of Hawaiian missionaries, and
as they hear of the prosperity and good government
which obtains here, should desire to participate in
those blessings, which they suppose would be the
result of the extension of the sovereignty of the Ha-
waiian King over their islands. And we are by no
means prepared to say that a confederation of the
kind proposed may not come to pass in the future,
whenever the Polynesians, under missionary and
commercial teachings, shall have been prepared to
properly appreciate its benefits and carefully observe
its necessary conditions. And we doubt not that
such an answer has been forwarded to the respectful
memorial of the inhabitants of Tapiteuea as will
assure them of the sympathy and good will of this
Government. The following is q translation of the
petition
SIRE We, the undersigned elderly men of the island
of T~apiteuea, entertaining a high respect for your Ma
regard to the wise and just manner in which you conduct
your government, and desiring ourselves to share in
these blessings OF peace and good government. under the
enlightenment which we have obtained through the
missionaries from your Islands, hereby respectfully re-
quest that our Island may be included under your Ma
jesty's sovereignty and the protection of the Hawaiian
flag. With this object We have sent TINS letter, binding
ourselves. our children and our children's children. to
become subjects Of your Majesty. And we ask that some
high officer of the Hawaiian Go 7rnment may be sent
here to carry ont the intent herein expressed, and to
hoist over us the Hawaiian flag, under which We may be
protected and live in peace, seeing that we are q ration
just beginning to emerge from barbarism into the light
of civilization. Therefore We ask NOUr consent TO our
desire hereby expressed. but that we may, however, be
governed by our own laws and customs until we shall
have become fitted 10 be fully incorporated as n part OF
the Hawaiian nation. Love 10 you, kalakaua, King ofthe
Hawaiian Islands.
Signed by II. b. Nalimu and W. B.. Kapu (Hawaiian
missiouaries) a. a committee. ana 104 of the principal
inhabitants. Dated July 10, 1873.