RUMOR OF ANOTHER FRENCH CONVICT STATION IN THE PACIFIC.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Issue 17, 26 January 1878, Page 2

RUMOR OF ANOTHER FRENCH CONVICT STATION IN THE PACIFIC.

(From the " Colonies.") Tin: French tire evidently yearning to take possession of the New Hebrides with a view to the formation of a convict settlement in connection with their colony of New Caledonia, and the advantages likely to accrue to France from the acquisition of these fertile islands era set forth in unmistakable terms in a recent article in a " La Liberte Coloniale." Whilst (says that organ) England takes possession of the Transvaal, whilst Egypt places herself more and moro under her dominion, and the possession of Fiji secures to her an important strategic point in the Pacific, it would be altogether impolitic <n our jiart not to increase as inuoll as possible our own colonial possessions.

Several new colonial [joints would ho important for the future of France, and we indicate the Now Hebrides as countries already belonging to us. and in regard to which'it is important we should exact our rights. The New Hebrides are a natural dependency of our tine colonv of New Caledonia, and,situated as they are less than two hundred miles to the'north, our taking possession of them would only be a natural consequence of our occupation of the latter country. The largest island of the Now Hebrides is Espiritu Santo, with an area of one thousand square miles, and with its rich plains, well-watered valleys. native flora, and magnificent climate, forms one of the most important territories of the Pacific, while the islands of Tanna, Aneityum, Erromnnga, and Mallicolo, are "of nearly equal value. They are all favored with magnificent harbors, and, although warmer than New Caledonia, the fact of some of our countrymen being already established there is a proof that the islands are not too hot for European settlement. Cotton, sugar, and coffee, are among the principal productions of these islands, while the natives already acquainted with our civilisation show every desire to place themselves under our sway. Without any doubt, then, the New Hebrides, situated within 150 miles of New Caledonia, while they are (100 miles from Fiji, and double that distance from Australia, are essentially a natural dependency of New Caledonia ; and, as soon as France revslves to take official possession of them and to govern and defend them, the question becomes only one of foreign politics and money. The question of money, however, by reason of the proximity of New Caledonia and the existence on that island of a naval station, becomes one of small importance. The same garrison would suffice, and a few companies of •soldiers and convicts could be easily established upon the island. The international question would be a more important one, but happily this point of the alfair is limited to France and England. But England has taken Fiji, the largest islands in the Pacific ; she has Australia and New Zealand ; she has just taken possession of Transvaal, and Egypt is open to her, and she would Le truly wanting in grace if she complained at France taking possession of the New Hebrides, which, in point of factv already bclong.to her. What would he such an acquisition by the sido of those of England ? ; Why, nothing without doubt, and it is to be hoped that France will see it in that light. The Occasion is in reality a very favorable one to speak out, and the annexation of tho New Hebrides merits all the attention of the Colonial Department