DR. SELWYN'S TEACHING.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.
SIR—The Bishop of New Zealand, in undertaking to instruct the Natives of New Zealand in their political rights, as he calls them, should be instructed him- self respecting them. If they are subjects, the law may be changed under which any alleged rights were conferred. If they are independent and sovereign—in which character alone they could make a treaty—a war with the Government nullifies every treaty made with them. Has the Bishop informed them of the relation in which they stand towards the Government? Has he told them, that by engaging in hostilities with the Government, every existing treaty, ipso facto,
ceased This is the role of civilized states—this is the law. Does the Bishop propose to form a code of new political deities, and to instigate the Natives to resist the Government if his doctrines are not adhered to? T. F.
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