Polynesian. [volume], December 14, 1844, Page 122, Image 2

About Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864

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122
T 11 E V O L V N K S I A N.
Dec t.mecr,
in my esteem. I have often since sought
around rnc for a man like that otic, ami
capable of such an entire and careless abne
gation of .self. During the fourteen years
1 have lived in the army, it is only there, and
above all in the poor and despised ranks
of the infantry, that 1 have found those men
of an antique stamp carrying out the feeling
of duty to all its possible consequences;
knowing neither remorse for obedience, nor
shame for poverty;, simple in their manners,
and in their speech; proud of the glory
of the nation, but careless of their own;
shutting themselves up cheerfully in their
own obscurity, to divido with the unfortunate
the block bread they pay for with their
blood.
I remained long ignorant of what had be
come of my poor chef-dc-bataillon, espe
cially as he had not told me his name, and I
had not asked him. One day, however, at
a coffee-house, I believe in 182.3, an old
captain of infantry to whom I was describing
him, as wo were waiting for parade, said:
'Eh! pardicu, 1 knew that poor devil!
He was a brave fellow, he came down by
a ball at Waterloo. And he had, in fact,
left a crazy girl with the baggage, whom
we took to the hospital at Amiens, as we
went to the army of the Loire, and who died
there raving mad at the end of three days."
' " I can readily imagine it," said I, "she
had lo9t her foster-father."
rp IT 1T DAT V XT IS C T A V
1 11 i I J 1j I 11 JjO 1 A 1.
OFFICIAL JoVllSAL OF THK UAWAIIAS
(iOVFMSATKST.
HONOLULU, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, IS 1 1.
A wisely conducted opposition is as es
sential to the well-being of a government,
as a balance is necessary .to the movements
of a clock. Nature seeks an equipoise, and
no political system is so perfect as that in
which there is judiciously inserted a well de
fined and accurate system of cheeks ami bal
ances. Though at first glance they would
appear to operate disadvantageous upon
each other, yet when the whole machinery
is set in motion, they will be found to work
with the harmony and unity of action of an
admirable piece of mechanism. A govern
ment may also be further likened to machin
ery, inasmuch that it may be complete in
all its parts and yet bo made to operate with
more ease and effect by the application of
extrinsic power or substances. Oil will re
lieve the joints of machinery or friction give
it polish. An opposition, by compelling the
more minute examination of measures, and
discussing them in all their relative bearings
and positions, is a check to premature legis
lation. The arguments advanced dcvclope
truth, and by it, tho ministry, if an honest
one, must infallibly be the gainer. Hence
wc often see, that when a ministry has been
ousted by a combination of circumstances
which were perhaps beyond their control,
their successful adversaries to retain their
newly obtained station, arc obliged to carry
forward the very measures of their predeces
sors. This also further illustrates the trite
truth, that tho higher wc rise the more ex
tensive becomes the prospect. While some
far beneath are laboring intently and hon
estly to accomplish what within the limits of
their horizon seems indispensable for the
welfare of society or the safety of the 'state,
those on a superior eminenco are enabled to
survey the entire landscape at a glance, and
to tako in not only what is necessary for the
whole, but is best adapted for tho parts".
Tho gardener by overlooking from a hei ffht
all his grounds at one view, is enabled to ar
range them with proper effect; to harmonize
the plain and dell; mountain and hill; lake or
stream; forest or meadow: to bring all by his
art to form ono complete and picturesque
whole; the useful turned to their proper ends
and the beautiful rendered yet more pleasing.
So with tho sagacious statesman ; ho be
comes awaro of tho wants, capacities, jar
ring interests and patriotic designs of a
whole people, and he gives them aid, direc
tion, reconciliation and development. Hut
although ho is so advantageously placed for
tho acquirment of general principles and en
larged views, it behoves him likewise to ex
amine in detail the more remote or obscured
point?, His very elevation might operate ns
a hindrance to the acquisition of specific
knowledge were it not lor the keen scrutiny,
the critical acumen and the untiring assaults
of an active opposition. Where he sees not,
they see for him where he hears not, they
hear lor linn, lly the unrestrained canvass
ing of public measures he adds their knowl
edge to his own, and varies his policy ac
cordingly. If both parties arc governed by
a sincere love of country, their ambition for
office and distinction, is not only laudable,
but highly and reciprocally useful. Their
contention becomes not one of persons, but of
measures and of policy. The most critical
research, the most profound lore, the most
moving eloquence, and the most valued ex
perience, arc united on cither side with high
toned self-respect and mutual regard which
renders the strife one of generous und
noble rivalry for national and universal wel
fare. Py the free exchange of opinions in
the polemic attack and defence, the under
standing of each party becomes doubled.
Consequently in a strife thus conducted, in
which human w isdom exerts itself to its ut
most powers, the nation inevitably gains.
As it descends however from master intellects
to inferior minds and subordinate agents,
less of reason and more of feeling, preju
dice or passion become apparent. It comes
at last to those who know nothing of politics
but the turmoil and brawl, they themselves
create. Noise is mistaken for eloquence,
and declamation for argument. But such
characters no more affect the genuine ex-
pounders of law and the helmsmen of states,
than a muddy, noisy rivulet, the father of
waters. Indeed they may with some propri
ety be considered a political breakwater, on
the other side of which the ship of state rides
securely. For it is fur better that factions,
discontent or the restless intrigues of dema
gogues should be expended in vapid cries
than be pent up until they swell to a volume
sufficient to sweep away the landmarks of
order and the barriers of crime.
Of legislative bodies of the present age,
the American Congress and English Parlia
ment afford the most prominent instances of
that free, intellectual and dignified rivalry,
accompanied with dispassionate; wisdom and
mature deliberation, to which wc have allu
ded. We would also include with . them,
the French Chambers, excepting, however,
to that restless war-spirit, and love of mili
tary glory which the memory of the tri
umphs of Napoleon still perpetuates amid that
gallant and chivalrous nation, and that jeal
ousy of moral and physical influence of other
nations, which originated, and on just
grounds in their first and ill-omened revolu
tion. These points of national sensitiveness
are on the wane, if a correct judgment can
be based upon the measure of support given
Guizot. The cause of peace acquires increas
ing strength by its continuance; for the war
like propensities of mankind lose their force
by inactivity, and the arguments in its favor
become more cogent by the developing of
its benefits.
Important News from Chiim; Late Intelli
gence from I! ii rope mid the United States;
(rowing Difficulties between Frnnce and
Knglniid Itoinlmrdment of Tangier, Arc.
Arc.; Revolution in Mexico.
The U. S. brig Perry, from China last
from Monterey and San lilas, Mexico, brings
an important budget of intelligence, from
which we havo only room at present to con
dense the following. From Nye, Parkin &.
Co.'s Circular of July 4th;, Canton, we
learn:
"There havo been several occurrences of
a political nature of much interest, some
of which have injuriously affected the busi
ness of the place, and with the very high
freshes in the river, have caused almostn
total suspension of business transactions.
tlll lA ..
e auuue to a succession ol serious riots
which commenced on tho evening of the 15th
ultimo by the attack of a mob upon some
English gentlemen who were walking, as
usual, in tho " Company's Garden," arid
were driven into boats on the river: the next
vening the gentlemen walking in tho inelo-
suro in front of tho American factories were
attacked and driven into the factories, ond
one Chinese wus killed by a ball from a mus
ket; on the 17th, the factories were surroun
ded by a mob, and gentlemen were kept in
doors armed to defend their houses, but the
mob did not make an attack directly on the
factories, the high freshes having kept them
some time at a little distance. On the 18th,
Cnpt. Tilton, of the U. S. S. St. Louis, reach
ed the factories with 1G marines and oO sea
men, w hich, w ith the crews of the merchant
ships, were all armed, and served to preserve
comparative quiet, although had not the fresh
es in the river continued and risen very high, it
was thought nn attack upon the factories
would have been made, ns alter the death
of one of their number the populace became
very furious. On the the 18th the mandarins
camo out vith soldiers in great force, and
have kept the space in front of the American
factories clear of the mob; but it is consid
ered necessary to keep the lt marines of the
St. Louis at the factories, and that vessel at
Whampoa. The authorities have quieted the
populace by promising to get the foreigner
who killed the Chinese; and the matter has
been referred to the Imperial Commissioner
at Macao who has addressed II. E. the
American Minister on the subject. This
may be regarded a fortunate circumstance
just at this juncture in view of the necessity
of a dear understanding upon the important
principle involved; and we now trust that
efforts will be made by the Pritish and Amer
ican plenipotentiaries to insure the safety of
life and property.
"Another event of interest is the conclu
sion of a treaty of friendship and commerce
between the American Minister and the Im
perial Commissioner; which, we are led to
believe will fully satisfy the just expectations
of the people of the United Statees. There
are some provisions favorable to the Ameri
can trade as regards the re-shipment of goods
from one port to another in China without
incurring, either on tho export or import a
new or second duty, and the coasting trade
is thrown open to American vessels by a pro
vision that no tonnage duty should be char
ged after the first port of entry on any vov
age from port to port or ports in China; and
tho duty on Lead has been reduced. We
hope to be able to convey some further par
ticulars at an early day as regards the com
mercial arrangements."
"CIRCULAR OK II. K. THE AMERICAN MIN
ISTER. United States Leoatiov, )
Macao, 1th July, 18 11.
"The Minister of the United States has
the pleasure to announce that yesterday, at
Wanghia, he concluded and signed with the
Imperial Commissioner, Keying, a treaty of
peace, amity and commerce, between the
United States and China. The terms of the
Treaty, which will in due time be made pub
lic by the proper authorities, are such, he is
happy to say, as he believes will confirm the
good understanding which already exists be
tween the two Governments, and if ratified,
prove beneficial to the commerce and inter
ests of the citizens and subjects of both
countries."
" The Minister of the United States con
gratulates his countrymen on this event, and
offers them, on this happy anniversary of the
independence of their country, his hearty
wishes for their health and prosperity, and
joins them in their aspirations for the contin
ued peace, welfare and glory of the United
States.
"To the Americans residing in China."
Mr. dishing has concluded his negotia
tions with great celerity, and will doubtless
add fresh laurels to his fame. It contains,
as wc arc informed, ltt articles, which of
course will not be made public until ratified
by tho American Senate. It is said to be
very favorable to American interests. Mr.
dishing left China, the last of August, in
the Perry, for San Hlas, bearing with him
his treaty. He will reach the U. S. in De
cember, at the commencement of the present
Congress. It is to be regretted that he did
not stop at these islands on his way, as was
his intention, had time permitted. So distin
guished a visitor would have been heartily
welcomed.
The U. S. East India squadron, consisting
of the Prandywine frigate, and St. Louis
sloop of war, were to leave China this fall
for this place.
The news from England is to tho 19th. of
Sept.; from the U. S. to Sept. 17th.
Captain J, I). Sloat is the new Commodore
of the U, S. Pacific squadron.
J. P. Williams, Esq., is appointed U. S.
Commercial Agent at the Fijii Islands.
August 10. New - York prices current
quote Sperm Oil at from 90 to 98 c.: Whale,
Southern, 37 to .'18c; do. refined, 4G to Uc.
Hone, 49 c, cash.
We learn from credible sources that II,
M. Commissioners left the U. S. in October
for the Pacific coast, to meet a Pclgian brifj
which was to touch for them on her way to
these islands. The brig probably sailed in
July, or about the first of August. Haalilio
had been very ill, but was better at the last
advices.
The Hcv. Mr. and Mrs. Bingham were to
leave Poston for Honolulu in November.
Affairs look squally between France and
England. Tangiers had been bombarded bv
a Erench squadron under the Prince de Join
ville. The French war-spirit, kept alive os
tensibly by thcTnhitian dilliculties, w as giv
ing much trouble to Guizot and the advocates
of peace, but notwithstanding the angry de
monstration on either side, it is more than
likely that peace will be preserved. Upon
the receipt of the news of the battles betwoen
the French and Tahitians in England, a tel
egraph order was despatched immediately
to have the 80 gun ship, Collingwood, bear
ing an admiral's flag, put in readiness fur
Tahiti. Lord Stanley, the English ambas
sador at Paris, was also instructed to demand
reparation for damages to English subjects,
and for the insult offered to Mr., Pritchard,
in imprisoning him, and other matters grow
in out of the affairs at Tahiti. The recall
of Governor Pruat was also requested. The
papers of both nations enter very largely in
to the discussion of, not only the Tahiti, but
Morocco question, and teem with letters and
communications, giving the views of the ad
vocates of either party. The following is
the latest information of the controversy
about Tahiti, between the two governments.
It was currently reported at Paris, on the
21th. of August, that the ultimatum of the
British government concerning the Tahiti
affairs, had been received, but its terms w ere
not known. It was believed that M. . Guizot
has refused to recall Captain Pruat and M.
I)' Aubigny. The Revue de Paris gives the
following:
" After the exchange of several diplomatic
notes, M. Guizot has proposed to England
the following arrangement; -That Tahiti
shall become a free state, and that France
and England shall each of them establish a
consul in the island, and that both countries
shall be treated on a footing of perfect equal
ity in regard to commercial advantages;
that the French squadron will be recalled,
and that the authority of Queen Pomare shall
be re-established.
"With regard to Mr. Pritchard, he shall
be at liberty to return to Tahiti as a private
individual, but he in never to be allowed to
hold any public function in the island. We
do not know the answer of England to this
proposal." A. Y. Com. Mr'. t Sept 17.
Joseph Poiiajarto, ex-king of Spain, died
at Florence, July 28th., in the 7Gth. year of
his age.
Queen Victoria has another son, born in
August, and styled the Dnke of York.
We understand that information of the
definitive settlement of the Tahiti affairs, be
tween Trance and England, has been recei
ved, but we arc not made acquainted with
the particulars.
Latest fko.m England. Py Wilmer &
Smith's Times, Liverpool, Sept. 19th, we
learn that all npprchensions of a collision
between England and France, are at nn end.
The Tahiti question has been settled, little
to the taste of the fire-eaters on both sides
of the channel. The particulars in regard
to Tahiti, wc have not learned; but satisfac
tion has been made to Mr. Pritchard by a
present of W,XK francs. M. D'Aubigny
has been removed from Tahiti, and hi rnn.
duct made the subject of apology. He had
previously been censured by his superior
"ll.eer, Gov. Pruat. The latter hos become
Capitaiuo do Ynisseau, of the first class.
The Times admits "that Mr. Pritchard had
certainly outstepped propriety in the part he
tok towards the French after their occupa
tion ol the island, and had acted more or
less us tho partisan anil fomcnter of hostility
to them, seems but too probable. And, al
though such u disposition on his part, if it
abstained from positive overt acts of hostility,