TAHITI.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 70, 17 August 1844, Page 2

TAHITI.

Notwithstanding the very strong claims of the Sovereign of Tahiti upon the Government of England against the aggressions and oppressions of tho French, wo arc sorry to 1 perceive that it is not the intention of our Government to interfere. There appears to be a general understanding on the part of England and Franco that the one shall not oppose the other in any laudable attempt to extend dominion. Each takes what it can, how it may or can. but having onco seized upon its prey, the other may not interfere. France seized upon Algeria, Tahiti, and tbo Marquesas — England took possession of New Zealand and Natal, and the one daro not say that the other was in the wrong, even though tho one may have acted with greater barbarity and in moro open defianco of tlio rights of humanity. In the instructions sent by Her Majesty's Government to tho Naval Commander in the Pacific, Lord Aberdeen, states that — " Although Her Majesty's Government have not acknowledged the right of France to assume and execrciso a protectorship over the Society Islands, they nevertheless do not mean to call that right in question. — It certainly would appear, from various reports received by Her Majesty's Government, respecting the transactions which ended in the surrender of the Queen of Tahiti, of a portion of her sovereign authority to the French admiral Dupotit Thouars, that that cession was brought about partly by intrigue, and partly by intimidation. But tho surrender was, notwithstanding, voluntarily made, and completed in due form by Queen Pomare, under whatever impulsion she may havo acted. It, therefore, appeal's to Her Majesty's Government that, independent of other considerations, there is no sufficient ground on the score of informality for disputing tlio validity of that cession, however favourable Her Majesty's Government may be, and arc, disposed towards Queen Pomare, and however great may be their regret at seeing her reduced to subjection by a foreign .power." Tho only interest which the Tahitian misfortunes seem to have excited, is merely the request that — "Her Majesty's Consul in Tahiti will Jiavo orders to watch closely the proceedings of the French authorities with regard to the Protestant missionaries, and to the liberty of religious worship enjoyed by English subjects established in the Society Islands ; and to report to Her Majesty's Government any deviation which may bo made from the line of conduct which the French Government have solemnly pledged themselves to pursue towards British subjects in these respects. — It appears to Lord Aberdeen to be indispensable in the present state of affairs, that more frequent visits than heretofore should be made by Her Majesty's ships of war to tho Society Islands, in order to keep alivo in the minds of tho rulers and natives of thoso countries tho feeling of respect which they havo always been well disposed to pay to the British fiag% and to support, by constant personal communication, tho influence which tho British name and character have acquired for themselves in. that part of tho world." The following recommendation to poor Queen Pomare, to exercise patience and forbearance under the accumulated weight of her misfortunes, will excite ridicule, if not pure disgust : — "But Queen Pomaro would do wisely in submitting to tho evil circumstances which her own fears, and the intrigues of some of her corrupt chiefs have brought upon her. j Resistance to those who havo assumed tho rights of protectors over her would but ag- ! gravate the miseries of her position, and provoke even worse treatment than she had al- | ready received. . — You will therefore tafco every proper opportunity to recommend this prudent line of conduct to Queen Pomare ; and you will, at the same timo, assure her, that, although Her Majesty's Government are precluded from authoritatively interfering in her behalf, they nevertheless feel great sympathy for her, and will not fail to exert themselves constantly, as they have in fact already done, to alleviate her position." " For the British Protestant Missionary & J similar kind regard is manifested: — ' "You will watch with unceasing vigilance- , the proceedings of the French with regard; ,

to our Missionaries, and you will not fail to report minutely to Her Majesty's Government every circumstance bearing on that point which may seem to you to merit attention." Upon the whole, notwithstanding this sentimental sort of rogard, we fear the character of our Government must suffer very much tlio estimation of other European powers j,i not having taken a more active interest ia the misfortunes of the people of Tahiti.