PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF NEW GUINEA.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1382, 20 July 1878, Page 3

PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF NEW GUINEA.

[“ Melbourne Argui.”] Judging by present appearances, the time cannot be very far distant when the British Government will be compelled to interfere in New Guinea. Expeditions continue to bo made to that country under various pretexts. At one time the object is to discover fresh fields for missionary endeavor : at another to investigate a comparatively unknown country in the interests of science; and of a third to find an outlet for the energies of the restless spirits who, on the Australian gold-fields, have contracted a dislike to settled occupation. Of course, from the missionary to the digger, the pioneers of civilisation in these parts are actuated by a genuine philanthropy. They are all burning to improve the condition of the Papuans, and to devolope the resources of what, by faith, they call their magnificent country. But we know by experience that in the attempt to bring savage races to the enjoyment of a higher life by means of “true religion and rum,” misunderstandings are apt to arise, and nothing is more calculated to bring out the sterner qualities of onr national character, or to excite the virtuous indignation of the enlightened Briton than the exhibition of reluctance by native proprietors to surrender ancestral lands and property to “ friendly visitors,” in return for the blessings they come to impart. Wo are not acting very rashly in prophesying that there will be troubles in New Guinea before long, which societies, such as that for the protection of aboriginal races, will take pare the Imperial Government shall not overlook. Even if matters should go on pretty smoothly with the natives, disturbances may arise in connection with the Chinese. These olive complexioned gentlemen are now pouring into the Northern Territory at a great rate, and we may bo sure that if gold in payable quantities should bo discovered in the island, the irrepressible “ John” will put in an aopearance in spite of all obstacles. Now, it so happens that the last, party of gentlemen who have kindly set out to relieve the benighted Papuans from the cares of property, have passed a resolution with all solemnity pledging themselves jointly and severally to decline the assistance of the “ heathen Chinee ” in the operation, ri at armis. The Imperial Government could not stand quietly by while British subjects made mincemeat of Mongolians for attempting to join in a benevolent foray. Interference would be imperatively demanded, and inteference would speedily be followed by annexation. However, the prospect is not very appaling. The mother country has everything to encourage her in making necessary additions to her dominions in the growing prosperity of her last acquisition, Fiji. Under Sir Arthur Gordon’s rule, the revenue of this dependency has risen from £16,433 in 1875 to £47,000 in 1877, while It is estimated that this year it will reach £60,000 The income from customs was £9308 in 1875, and £17,589 in 1877, which speaks well for the growth of trade. We merely mention these things to show that when England is called on, in the fulness of time, to take one more step along the path of her manifest destiny, ns the great colonising power of the world, she may advance without any serious misgivings as to the weight of the additional burden she will be assuming. __________