Puiurs.—Civilization of the Pacific. 89 
government will not be so great, taxes will be more uniform, and the labour 
supply ean be better regulated—three very important considerations in 
tropical countries. I trust that Great Britain will act in such a manner as 
to enable the islands eventually to form a powerful confederation. I cannot 
close this paper without adding one tribute of respect to the memory of 
the latest martyr to the cause of civilization in the Pacific—James Graham 
Goodenough, commodore of the Australian station. Admired and respected 
by all who knew him, loved and esteemed by all his officers, his loss will be 
deeply felt. He fell a martyr in the attempt to restore confidence in the 
minds of the savage natives of Santa Cruz, after having successfully brought 
about the annexation of Fiji to the British Crown. Few events, since the 
death of Captain Cook, have created so powerful an impression upon the 
public mind. Bishop Patteson and Commodore Goodenough have both 
fallen victims to the treachery of these particular islands. When are these 
losses to cease? Almost a century since, La Perouse and his unfortunate 
comrades were cast away upon these very islands, and not one returned to 
tell the tale. Is it not time for us to regard these natives as dangerous to 
humanity ? The lives of our sailors and traders in the Pacific are at their 
mercy. The late commodore would not allow them to be punished; but 
have we not a duty to perform? Should we not at once take steps to pre- 
vent the future loss of valuable lives? England cannot afford to lose such 
sons as John Coleridge Patteson and James Graham Goodenough. 
