NECESSITY OF ANNEXATION. 459 -and at every cost! Sincerely it is hoped that our government is awake to the necessities of the movement, and will take care that neither England nor France slip into possession while it is considering what would be the safest policy to pursue. There is but one wise and safe policy, and that is to accept the islands from King Kamehameha, if he wishes to make a trade, and give him a comfortable pension. The Sandwich Islands are exceedingly desirable as auxiliaries to our commercial enterprises in the Pacific, and since the course of events are bringing them within the circle of "manifest destiny," let us unhesitatingly and thankfully accept "The goods the gods provide us." Let KAMEHAMEHA III. keep broad and fertile lands for the use of himself and household, but let him lay aside the ridiculous insignia which have so long rendered him a mere plaything in the hands of designing men. Once in the possession of the United States, it will be seen that those islands will materially affect the hopes and the happiness of millions of our countrymen by protecting their interests, and of myriads of Polynesians by extending to them the advantages of a civilized commerce. It is now, while the United States afford an asylum for the oppressed of all nations-while European and Asiatic dynasties are trembling for their present safety and future prosperity -while the grand struggle is going on between Freedom and Despotism, to be performed on a republican or monarchical theatre-it is now that the American people are to take those steps, of whatever necessary character, which shall pave the way more fully toward the goal of their future greatness and glory.* * See Appendix VIII. |