The French seizure of Tahiti has been barely a nine-days
wonder. First, the spirit of wonderment revelled in surprise and indignation at the arrogance of the French. Then, on Tuesday, came a story that the French naval commanders had gone so far as to sink an English frigate with their guns. Astounding ! Nothing less than war could retrieve the disgrace—a war of course was inevitable ; but then, how disastrously expensive ! The City WAS in a commotion : all eyes are turned on the Pacific as the seat of war : visions arise—hideous nightmares and delicious reveries— convoys lost and war-prices--taxes and army-contracts. A few hours and all is changed : the Moniteur arrives' with the official Flicairlotkplocflptmt that the seizure is disavowed by the French ClatelPINEEInni that a corvette had been sent out to recall Admiral Igurnityrmikaas, who has a mania of zeal, the consequence of
inopportune praise falling on a mind that could not bear it ; the visions of war are blown to the winds—the clouds disperse, and the sun of peace resumes his sway. Erance, however, retains the "protectorate "—claims-to be suzerain over Tahiti, because Tahiti could not help it ; which lain truth.the 'foundation of most sovereign claims.
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