FIJI AND THE UNITED STATES.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2046, 25 November 1869, Page 2

FIJI AND THE UNITED STATES.

The Melbourne papers publish the petition of the Fijian settlers to be annexed to the United States : ‘•Fiji, 18ti9.—To the Honorable the President of the United States of America.— Sir, —1. You are aware of the political and so dal condition of the group of Fiji Tslan a, tne residents of which, many of them Americans. but most of them British, begin to feel the wont of the protection of some powerful nation as well for the purpose of maintain : ng their position with the native authorities as for outward security in their trade and commerce. 2. It has been mooted, in turn, that France, Prussia, and America, contemplated annexation of these islands; a d the consequent excitement and doult tends materially to retard our progress. 3. It is the desire of some us to govern onrse! vea in conjunction with King Thakombau, under the sole protection •' America, and of others under the joint protectorate of the three powers above n .med and England. 4. The connection which has hitherto existed between the native authorities and America, although from the nature of its creati n distasteiul to the firmer from the anxieties it has caused, hns, nevertheless, been advantageous, enabling King Thakombau from the presti ,e attending your care of him to keep down native disturbances. The period is however arriving w en you will no longer on your own account require to keep an eye to the country. 5. We therefore, the undersigned subscribers, being composed fi-stly of residents in the grou'i, and secondly of others who have identified our f irtnnes with it earnestly pray that you will at an early date announc 1 to the world your resolve to extend the protection of your flag to these islands and waters permanently. 6. The geographical position of the group in the South Pacific cean point? to it as being a suitable naval and coaling station in American interests 7. The line of steamers projected to run between San Francisco and Australia on the opening of the railway from the former place to New York will necessitate the creation of a coding station near to Australia, arid these islands possess the advantage of being equidistant from (he latter place, in the direct track of the steamers, about the same number of mi es as the Sandwich Islands are from San Francisco, 1. The exquisite climate of the Fijis, with their valuable productions, such as cotton (none finer in the world), sugar, cocoanut oil, &c., naturally leads reflecting and enterprising men to look forward to these islands as becoming a desirable residence for both Americans an I Europeans, and the opening up of extended commercial relations between the United States of America and Australia, point fo their political connection with the former as being likely to be beneficial to both. 9. We therefore again earnestly express the hope that the prayer of this petition for the protection of the Am"rican flag (under our own system of self-government), may be answered in the affirmative. We have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient servants. [Here follow the signatures.”]