Bonin Islands  Source  Whalesite

Art. IV. Free intercourse with Eastern Asia, considered in connection with the voyage to Japan, the occupation of the Bonin Islands, the treaty of the United States with Siam, and the present position of the British authorities in China.

      Each of the three preceding articles demands from us a few remarks. The enterprises, to which they refer, are among the signs of the times, and indicate the spirit of the age. Free intercourse with the great nations of this hemisphere will not be established, until far more information is obtained: the people and rulers of these countries. must be better acquainted with those of the west; while the latter must know more accurately the condition and character of the former. We do not wish to see Europeans extending their possessions in these regions, nor their inhabitants bound under foreign rule: on the contrary, we prefer they should enjoy perfect freedom. There are many forms of slavery; and, perhaps, national bondage is not the least in the list of these evils. Not an inch of territory would we wish to have wrested from its lawful masters, in the east. In the cause of emancipation, a noble career has been commenced by Great Britain and the U. S. of America: if the latter has the most to do at home, the former has the most to do abroad. In allusion to England it has been said, 'It is far better to be the mother, than the master, of many nations.' States, as well as individuals, have their pupilage; and when that period is completed, the former, as well as the latter, ought to go free. And they will do so. Throughout all this hemisphere freedom is unknown. A better order of things must come, and will come, when the people of Christendom understand their obligations and do their duty. It is practicable, even now, for ministers plenipotentiary, from Great Britain, France, and the United States, to reside at the courts of Peking and Yédo. But so long as the people of the west remain ignorant and regardless of these 'ends of the earth,' no great improvements can be effected. It is full time the governments of Japan and China were approached, friendly negotiations commenced, and free and well-regulated intercourse established.

      The occupation of the Bonin Islands is important, particularly as it regards the approach to Japan. So far as we know, the proposition of Mr. Lay has the approbation of nearly the whole foreign community in Canton, though all do not go with him to the full extent of his deductions. The distance of the islands from the Chinese coast, their position, out of the ordinary track of vessels sailing to and from China, and their small extent of territory, are serious objections, in the view of some, to the mercantile part of his plan. We ourselves doubt whether, as a commercial colony, they can ever rise to very great importance, though, as suggested by Mr. Lay, they may serve inost beneficial purposes. As a naval station, as a rendezvous for the numerous vessels engaged in the 'whale fisheries,' and as a point a appui for Japan, they may surely be useful. And as regards their extent and capabilities, it may yet appear that the Bonin Islands are more valuable, than they are generally supposed to be. According to a Japanese authority, the whole group contains no less than eighty-nine islands. The reader will find a description of the group in oui third volume, pages 510-516. The thanks of the British public are due to Mr. Lay for bringing the subject to their notice, at the time and in the manner he has done.

      Perhaps, if investigation were made, some other spot, more convenient than the Bonin Islands, and nearer to the Chinese coast, might be obtained; it might not be found impracticable to obtain a place 'to stand upon,' at the Hajikoséma group, or on the east coast of Formosa, or on some of the islands between Formosa and Japan. If justice were done to the people of Lewchew, perhaps they would be freed from the domination of Japanese princes, and be found ready to form treaties with those who are both willing and able to guaranty their liberty and independence. The careful consideration of this topic we recommend to the notice of all those who are interested in the welfare of Eastern Asia.

"Free intercourse with Eastern Asia, considered in connection with the voyage to Japan, the occupation of the Bonin Islands, the treaty of the United States with Siam, and the present position of the British authorities in China."
      Chinese Repository.
Vol. VI. No. 8 (December 1837).
pp. 381-387.

Bonin Islands  Source  Whalesite