MORE FRENCH OPPRESSION IN TAHITI.

New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 567, 20 September 1851, Page 3

MORE FRENCH OPPRESSION IN TAHITI.

We learn with more regret than surprise that a new root of bitterness — a fresh infringement on religious liberty — has sprung up through French administration in Tahiti. The onlyaccount we have of it is contained in the following extract from the Sydney Herald of the 26th ultimo ; and we shall await with much interest the arrival of further particulars: — We liavo the particulars of a circumstance which recently occured in Tahiti, which is likely to cause a groat excitement when it becomes known in England. It appears that the French authorities are in the habit of holding fetes on a Sunday, at which the natives are giadusilly intiatod into the vices and follies which are piactibed on simil.ir occasions in Paiis and other French towns. One of these fetes was proclaimed for Sunday the 4th of May last, in honour of what is facetioubly called, " the adoption of tho constitution." On the previous Sunday, tho Rev. Mr. iiowi:, of tho London Mission, preached on the duty of keeping the Sabbath-day holy, and warning his congregation against taking part in the approaching festivities. It was reported that Mr liowi had spoken against tho Government, and an apology was demanded ; this) was declined, on the ground that nothing had heen paid that tho Government could construe into an insult to itself; tho .sermon was an exhortation to keep one of the commandments, and a charge to Ins congregation not to visit places when 4 vices and follies were piactised. Notwithstanding this disclaimer, tho Government held that Mr. Howe had "spoken against the ruling power," which it spems is punishable, by tho laws of the Fieiitb Jtepubhc, with impiisonnicnt to the extent of two yeais, but instead of pioceeding against him tuulpi t!" 'aw, when lie would have had an opportunity of defending himself, tho governor 01 del ed Mr. lloui to (jint tho island in a month, nnd at our latest dutc3 he »as piepanug topiocced to JEuiope. By the

next nnivals wo shall lie.ir luither partieuhis of tliw most exliaorchrutry casr>, which, with English ideas of such matters, appeals almost ljiciwlibln. At llio veiy timo when pooiilo of nil ciocds and nil nations vroie H'-soinbhng in England in thousands : when pripsts and tuinistors of all religions wore preaching m London in all the tongues of the civilised woild. a humble Piotosl.int mi^ion.iry is bainsbod fiom Tahiti by the Fioncli au'hontips for w.irning Ins flock against bieuking the fouith oominaiidinont. Arbitrary and despotic ns republics generally -.up, wo can hardly think it po<$ o iblo that tlie Fjoiicb authorities will uphold the conduct of their deputy.