ABSURD DESIGNS. 215 



a small house near her own to be prepared for 

 our astronomical observations, and our astrono- 

 mer, M. Preus, took possession of it on the 

 following day. 



Our arrival had created a great sensation on 

 the island. A foreign ship of war is an uncom- 

 mon spectacle here — one from Russia more 

 especially, as the attempt of the insane Dr. 

 SchefFer, in 1816, to raise the island of O Tuai 

 against Tameamea, in the hope of annexing it 

 to the empire of Russia, had naturally intro- 

 duced a fear of similar projects, although the 

 absurd design was entirely discountenanced by 

 the Emperor Alexander. The English also, 

 even in their writings, have contributed to 

 spread the ridiculous idea, that Russia enter- 

 tained views against the independence of the 

 Sandwich Islands ; and that Rio Rio's voyage 

 was only undertaken for the purpose of implor- 

 ing the assistance of England against our go- 

 vernment. From the air of protection which 

 England has for some time past assumed to- 

 wards these islands, it is probable that she her- 

 self secretly harbours such a design, and only 

 waits a favourable opportunity for its execu- 



