A telegram from Melbourne (April 7) announces that Mr. Layard,
the British Consul, who, with Mr. Goodenough, was deputed to inquire into the expediency of accepting the sub- mission of, the Fiji Islands, has decided in favour of the mea- sure. " King " Cacobau has accordingly, after consultation, with his chiefs, offered the sovereignty of the island to Great Britain, which, subject to ratification from home, has been accepted. If the agreement is ratified by the present Government and Parliament, Great Britain obtains a group of islands cover- ing an area as large as Scotland, of " amazingly fertile soil," full of harbours, and with a native population of less than 200,000. On the other hand, she also obtains a new responsibility, the extent of which can hardly be estimated, as it will depend on the temper of the natives. An absolute Governor could, however, protect them, it is certain that a revenue can be raised, and the island will serve as a point of departure for a sharp attack on kidnapping. We only hope that should the new property be accepted, it will be accepted completely, that the islands will be made a Queen's Colony, and that the wretched muddle called a Protectorate will not be tried.
