Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ... APPENDIX III. 'THE FRENCH IN THE PACIFIC. Political Donndarics of the Pacific--Area--Retrospective Glonce at French Policy--Events of 1S41 and 1842--Possessions of France defined--Occupation of Marquesas Islands by Du Petit Thouars--Sentiments of Louis Philippe and M. Guizot--Conquest of Tahiti--Causes tor National Interference--Naval and Land Forces--Policy of the Protectorate--Port and Police Regulations--Unlust Exactions--Permit of Residence--Hostility towards the English Mission--Official Proclamation--Moral Retrogression of Natives--Protectorate favorably considered--Commodore Wilkes on the Resources of this Group--Present Condition and Exports--Comparison with Mauritius--Anticipated Difficulties at Tongatabu--Senuro of New Caledonia--Position of the Navigator Islands--Superficial Comparison of French and English Colonies. The political horizon of tho Old World is at present obscured by gathering clouds; however we may speculate or surmise, it is only when the pall shall have risen that we can comprehend the sequel. The three great powers now drawn up in hostile array havo cxtensivo possessions in this ocean; but such is tho position of their mutual and opposing interests, that the arena of strife must evidently bo confined to continental fields, unless thero occur a new phase in national policy, which none would wish to anticipate, to sever the bond of amity between two great maritime nations at present so cordially fraternizing. Wo cannot suppose that the Russian bear, so long dormant, has awakened from his lethargy to snuff up delectable odors amid the palm groves of the Southern Ocean, nor that tho eagles of Franco will seek for prey or more genial eyries amid the inhospitable snows of Kamtschatka; to bombard the fishing...
