Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1881-12-08
Correspondence.
TAnIrI. Oct. II, lss

TAAIrI, Oct. II. 1881.
Mr.. Editor Your readers would per
hsps like to hear something Of this cele-
brated Island the principal one Of the Soci
ETY. group, and probably Of the South Pa
cifc, east Of New Zealand. Finley says
Perhaps there is no spot on the globe which
has received a more lively attention than
this from the great experiment Of the cyili-
ration Of man by means Of religious infu-
ence." 1t certainly is astonishing To see the
changes which have been wrought upon the
habits and customs Of these people in the
century since the first introduction Of Chris
tianity. 1t stand, living witness Of il.
power. Of which there can be no stronger
Tahiti, it would appear was hrst seen by
Pedro Fernandez in the wear 1906. Not
much notice however was taken Of il until
much later In l769 il was deemed expedi-
ent by the astronomer. Of Europe that the
rare occurrence Of the transit Of Venus
across the suns disc should be observed at
points the greatest possible distance apart
For this purpose the brig Endeavor com
manded by Capt. Cook. with staff OF SCI
entifc observers, was sent out. After land
ing and building fort to shield them from
the savages the transit was observed after
wards the entire Island which is over 30
mile. long Was surveyed. The next event
which distinguished Tahiti, happened II
wears later, the notorious mutiny on the
"Boun,y'' with which, and its sub.equen,
history. mos, are familiar.
The frs, landing Of missionaries from
England VA. by Capt Wilson Of the Dun
in the year 1877. The French who had al
ready begun successful missionary work in
the Gambler and other Islands. became
Jealous Of III. above named and sen, several
priest. to JOIN them. Persecution srose aud
the priest. were forcibly deported, circum-
stance which gave the French final posse.
sion Of the Island and ii. dependencies.
The Prote.tants having already gained over
the powerful Queen Pomare ii, this asgre.-
SION against French subjects Was naturally
resented and frigste vas sent out and re
dress d.msnded IN a sum Of money. which
the Queen being unable 10 satisfy she was
TO all French subjects. lhl. va. in 1872
Amer various coutrover'ie. a preteIt Was
found and an army landed. The natives
after a valian, struggle were overcome.
Their generous conquerors established
Pomare III under the French proiectorate
Silently and surely have they .ince made
their moves, and TO-DAY Pomare ", nov
shout 80 wears Of age, lounges ndolrntly in
his palace, or walk. the streets slave TO
strong drink, power, intellect and health all
gone. and daily expected to give relief 10
the French k1chequer Of the sum Of about
f2o,uon wear. with which he is pensioued
and for which about two wears ago, he yielded
the last ,rstigr Of claim to the succession
Of power. The roval family are educated
intelligent and very rich. They are Of pow
erful butiI as are many Of the natives. The
native. are far from pleased at the eIisting
state Of affairs. being burdened with the
support Of strong garrison Of soldiers, and
a fleet to intimidate them. Knowing the
value of the land they have al~ays refused
to sell and foreigners have experienced
great difficulties in obtaining land. but the
authorities are now about 10 impose heavy
taxes on land i'll order TO compel them to
part with it.
There are several good harbors Of which
Papeetie is the best and is the seat Of Gov
ernment having population Of from 1000 to
5000, Of which about 1000 are European
traders. soldiers and marines. There are
80 or more stores well stocked with Amer
can goods all Of which are yer! dear. A.
usual. Maine is represented BY several fam
HES. 4 Mr.. Higgin. and llodgkins from
our own vicinity have been settled here for
many wears Most Of the white men here
have married native wives. Capt. Hodgkins
however Is an exception. having married a
daughter Of Mr.. Goodwin, himself resi-
dent here Of 80 wears, whose amabie wife
spent her girlhood DAYS amid the never for
gotten and never e1celled beauties Of New
England, which all these wears have not
buried the desire to see and enjoy again.
Brisk trade is carried on between Tahiti,
and the surrounding Islands, mostly in Ia
hitian vessels. MANY cargoes Of South Sea
Island produce are gathered at the ware
house and shipped to Europe. These con
sist Of caprah (dried cocoanut meat) cotton
and pearl shells the first sells for about so
per ton in Liverpool, the shells at present
sell for about 800 ton. Our cargo con
sists Of about 600 tons caprah, 50 tons OF
shells, 100 tons of cotton and cotton seed
The natives have been too often and well
described TO need any description from me
Most of them read and write in the kanak a
dialect. Good school. are maintained
French is the principal language spoken by
the whites but all the Young also learn to
speak kanaka by association. The climat.
is hot, but healthy, never falling below 50
deg. nor rising above 80 deg.
A monthly mail between here and San
Francisco is maintained by line Of sailing
packets. A weekly newspaper is published
here. There is patent slip capable of tax
ing out ships of 800 tons and every facility
for repairs is to be had. An excellent road
is built around the entire Island being more
than 100 miles distance, and for the most
part beautifully shaded with cocoanut and
krnnl fr,,it rrrnAa. L