THE POLYNESIAN.

SATURDAY, JAN. 2, l94I.
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a charge frequently brought against
foreigners, is their supplying natives with
firearms, and otherwise encouraging them
in their wars. This is true, but it's results
have generally been beneficial. We 1nd
that wars have ceased, soon as one leading
chief secured the asccndcncv, and his power
has been frequently established through the
assistance of whites. They would naturally
prefer the service of the most energetic and
capable man, as he would best appreciate
their services, and we rarely hear Of their
joining indisclimatoIy both parties, and aid
ing in protracting ii long and bloody warfare
At these Islands, the Society, ana indeed
others, we perceive that the way was opened
for christianity through these very means.
When missionaries have succeeded in cstah-
lishing themselves before this has occurred,
wars have resulted between the advocates
of the new religion and the adhcrcnts of the
old. The christian party has finally tri-
umphcd, but by the aid Of firearms, and the
superior knowledge derived from more i'm
mediate contact with the whites. This year
we have heard Of the disastrous struggle at
Tonga, which, although the heather party
have been victorious, will eventually tcrmin-
ate in the success of the better cause. as a
powerful nation has become involved in the
contest.


Missionaries have been at the Samoa and
Friendly groups several years, and the ma
tivcs have made rapid advances in chrstiani-
ty. These islands having no foreign popu-
latlon, and being but an occasional resort for
shipping, show conclusively how much can
be accomplished by missionaries, undsturbcJ