WEDNESDAY, MAY ll, 1870.

I TnE announcement in the telegraphic new!

published .vesterday morning, that " thc Prussian Çfovornmenfc is supposed to bt . fnvouiablc to assuming possession of the Fiji Islands," adds another reason for directing public attention to what has been passing lately in relation to those islands. In Melbourne thero has been much interest excited in connection with tho purchase ol allotments of land in Fiji, and tho proposal to establish a republic there and to seek annexation with the United States.of America. And a proposition has been started for thc

establishment of a "South Pacific Steam

Navigation Company," to maintain régulai steam communication between Sydney and

the islands of the South Pacific. There arc

many indications of increasing business between Australia and Fiji.

In 1SG2 the Fijians themselves appealed to the British Crown to establish a protectorate there; but the general policy adopted at home, in reference to tho boundaries of British dominion and responsibility, induced thc Government to decline the offer. Though thc British Government refused to accept the charge thus voluntarily presented,British subjects have during the last few years continued to extend their commercial relations with Fiji ; and even to carry on the work of agricultural'settlement ; there. A ? correspondent; in thc Melbourne Argun, of May 3rd, Mr. John B. Thurston, of Levuka, Fiji, states that the value of the produce exported from liji to the Australian colonies since 1862. is about £385,000; of which : ¿135,000 was derived from cotton ; and that during the same time 34,000 tons of colonial shipping have entered the port of Levuka. Ho states, also, that there are two thousand whites in that country, nearly all of whom are British sub-jects from Australia. Geographical posi-tion and. past intercourse combine to indicate that tho natural and political connec-tion of Fiji is with British Australia. British traders have initiated the Fijians into the commercé of the civilized world, and British missionaries have conveyed to them their first lessons in Christianity. It is no wonder, therefore, that when the chiefs and people of Fiji began to perceive the necassity of scouring for their islands the protection of one of 'the powerful nations of the world, they turned . to Britain. The refusal of the British Government to accept tho charge thus proffered in 1862, might naturally be felt as a temptation or induce-ment to seek the protection of another power. But it appears that in spite of rebuff tho Fijians aro determined to court the favour of Britain. At the close of last year a memorial to the Right Hon. the Earl of Clarendon, her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, was sent from the chiefs of Fiji and a majority of the European settlors in those islands, who state "that at a public meeting, held' at Levuka, Ovalau, Fiji, on the 14th June last, to consider the expediency of memorializing the American or some other Government, with tho object of inducing it to take this group of islands under its protection, it was proposed and carried by a large and influential majority,-That the pre-sent condition of Fiji renders it imperative upon this community, essentially British, in conjunction with the dominant chiefs, to at once memorialize the British Government, praying it to grant Fiji protection for ten, fifteen, or twenty years, in order that since annexation to the Crown is opposed to'thc policy of her Majesty's Government, the native chiefs, with the assistance of competent foreign residents, may be permitted and assisted to cultivate a form of government analogous to

that of the Sandwich Islands " The memorial-

ists plead the large and increasing con

nection with the Australasian colonies as a reason for granting tho protection which they seek ; and pledge themselves to accept all thc obligations her Majesty's Government may deem it wise or necessary to impose. This memorial was signed by Thakombau, King of Bau (for Western Fiji), and by Maafu, King of. Lau (for Eastern Fiji) ; hy Sui Ch ak au, of Thakaudrovi ; by Sui Bua, of Búa, anda large number of Europeans.

Since then, as if to provo the necessity, of the carly interposition of the British Govern-ment, two new projects for governing Fiji have been started by some aspiriug residents, sustained by a party

in Melbourne. A manifesto has been addressed to the white residents in Fiji, proposing the establishment of a Bcpublic, to be ruled by a "governing committee," with a president "universally balloted for." To maintain order, it is said by this manifesto, "Fifty gentlemen conversant with the habits of tho Fijians, and acquainted with the manner of their tracks and fortifications, would have no difficulty in expelling them from their most secure strongholds." To set up a government of this kind without delay, tho white settlers in Ovnlau were invited to assemble, armed, at levuka, on the 14th April. It is not difficult to form an opinion as to the character that would bo assumed by such a power-a Republic of whites combined to exercise supremacy over the Fijian race, by means of a troop of fifty men, armed and trainod to carry into effect the decrees of the governing committee. In all j robability, the alternative would be an exterminating massacre by the Fijians of all the white settlers, for having acquiesced in the establishment of tho now power; or thc reduction of tire natives by terror to a condi-tion of slavery. But before the meeting for tho establishment of a Republic came off, another movement was got up, resulting

in a peiititfft signed by some 70 to 100 persona in Fiji, to the President of tho Unitod States, praying for annexation ta.that power. It was rumoured in . Fiji that, their petition had been sent to America with 800 sig-natures. According to Mr. Thurston, who has the credit of being well acquainted with the affairs of Fiji, and of unques-tioned intogritj', there are only about thirty citizens of the Unitëd States among the 2000 white residents in Fiji ; and very few others sympathize with the proposal for annexation to that power. But there seems to bo a number of persons in Melbourne prepared to uso all kinds, of argu-. mcnts to secure tho annexation of Fiji to the United States. Perhaps these are citizens of the Great Republic animated only by a lawful ambition for the grandeur of their own country. At all events, it was represented that 800 persons had signed tho petition, and that King Tliakombau was one of them; The king, in answer to an inquiry on this point, wrote thus :-"I have not signed any memo-

rial to A merica. Mr. Glcnny wrote on the14 th December last, sending a messago from Mr. Cook (manager of the Polynesian Com-, pany, Melbourne), that-1 was to sign a petition, to America which was to be sent to him. I told him I had signed a memorial to the British Government, and was awaiting a reply." If, however, the British Govern-ment persists in refusing to accept the duty of thc protectorate, it

will not be wonderful if even the British subjects resident there should determine to seek earnestly the extension.of American rule over those islands. If England does notchoose to undertake the responsibility, we know not what other course would bc so expedi-ent as that of annexation to the United States.

But since geographical position, past inter-course, and decided preference on the part of the Fijians, all combine in the conclusion that the British flag will prove the most acceptable protection for Fiji, it is very undesirable that the earnest petition to the British Government should bc again rejected. Another competitor for the occupation of what will doubtless become an important position in the Pacific is now supposed to be in the field. Prussia is thought to be inclined in this respect also to . emulate France. The successes which crowned the arms of Prussia in the recent

wars against Denmark and against Austria have kindled ambition for maritime power. And together with the attainment of the great advantages _ which a junction of the

North Sea and the Baltic, by way of Kiel, would bring to Prussia, it is not to be wondered at that that power should be aiming at the establishment of a naval station in the Pacific, which may hereafter vie . with the French possessions at Tahiti and New Caledonia. In some respects the rise of Prussia to a higher standard of power is an event that the world may view with satisfac-tion- But, apart from national vanity, if we compare the claims of the two nations, on the confidence of such a community as that in Fiji, it is impossible to doubt that the long maritime experience and expansive rule of Britain offer much better grounds of reliance, .than the vigorous, but in this respect inex-perienced, Government of Prussia can show.

I The people of New South Wales, in com-mon with those of the adjoining colonies, have I a special interest in the question of the future

government of Fiji. Here is the natural market for the produce of Fiji, and from these ports it will be the interest of the Fijians to get. what they require in return for their pro-duce. It would be a matter for regret if thc real or apparent indifference of tb is com-munity should contribute to induce the British Government to ' believe that it is inexpedient to take any part in the settlement of just rule in Fiji. Without a firm and impartial administration of justice, it is impossible for the ample resources of thoso islands to be properly developed. And though Prussia or America might supply efficient protection, it is far better, in the interest of Australia and Fiji itself, that British authority

should be established there. .

Trie UPSETTING OP THE BATHURST COACH.-In reference to the telegram to bo found in our usual column, wo understand that Ono of tho passengers left behind at Rydal is a clergyman, who is seriously hurt ;

another isa female who is severely injured. : I

BAZAAR IN AID OE THE NIGHT REFUGE AND SOUP KITCHEN.-A bazaar was opened yesterday, in the Temperance Hall, under tho superintendence, of Captain Scott and Mrs. Scott, assisted by other ladies, for tho furtherance of the provision made for the poor at the Night Refuge and Sou]) Kitchen. A variety of useful and ornamental articles, paintings, embroidery, and other works of art were exposed for sale. Among tho objecta of attraction was Borne of tho handiwork of tho Countess of Belmore. The bazaar was enlivened with music. During the afternoon and ovoning a succession of visitors waa kept up, and a largo number of tho articles were sold. The bazaar opens again this after-noon,' at three. ,

PRINCE OF "WALES OPERA HOUSE.-" Un Bailo in Haschern." was ptayed on Monday and last ovening, and upon both occasions fashionable and numerously attended audiences greeted th» artists, whose repré-sentation» in this great opera havo already been so fully descanted upon. This evening, by the particular request of his Excellency the Earl of Belmoro, English opera is to be produced, and tho lovers of tho delicious music in " Maritana" will again have an opportunity of witnessing that admirable opera. As the Governor and suite will be present, no doubt tho vice-regal com-mand night will be loyally attended.

THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI.-"We ore glad to announce that Mr. Charles Young has so far recovered from his late severe illness as to bo able to resume his profes-sional duties ôt tho Adelphi Theatre to-morrow evening, in his great impersonation of Toby Twinkle, in Morton's comic drama of "AU that Glitters is not

Gold." Mr. Young has such a host bf admirers in Sydney that tho mere announcement of his re-opnearanco ofter his late heavy affliction should be sufficient to fill the house in overy part. The burlesque of "Prometheus," with the olovcr locals by Garnet Walch, is nightly received with enthusiastic applause. It is announced for over}- ovening during the week..

RIFLE MATCH. - GOULBURN v. No. 5 SYDNEY BATTALION.-A match was fired by these companies ot Paddington butts yesterday. It was intended to come ott' on Monday, but that day proving so unfavour-able, it was decided to postpone it. Tho day was favourable for shooting, , there being a gentle breeze from the right, but tho sun glaring upon tho white surface of tho targets caused many misses to be made. After an exciting contest tho countrymen managed to beat their friendly opponents by two marks. The shooting was at 200, 3U0, 500, and 600 yards ; five shots ot each range, with Government rifles aud ammunition ; Wimbledon targets ; Hytho position nnd sooting ; one sighting nliot w¿s allowed at each rango ; seven men aside. The scores modo were very poor. No. 5 had a tent upon the ground with several large cases, which proved to contain edibles and liquids in abundance After the conclusion of tho mutch the competitors adjourned thereto, and the usual loyal and complimen-tary toasts wero given and responded to. Sergeant

- Sprowl was tho highest soorer for tho

winners, with fifty marks ; Corporal Grilliths heading No. 5 with forty-eight maries. Appended are tho

acores :

GOULBURN COMPANY. No. 6 COMPANY.

Sergeant Sprowl . . 00 Corporal Grtlllths. . 45 Corporal Ulackdhaw . 47 Sergeant Jlruwster . 47 Sergeant Cleary . 43 Ooo . . -IO Trlvate Oles« . . 41 Prtvato T. llushcllo . 40 Corporal Dignam . . 3» Cain . .38 Privatu Holt . . ¡ID Coipotal Kully . . Xi Corporal Perry . . 20 Captain Klchards. . 20

Total . . "¡3 Total . . 2S1

A match between Goulburn nnd No. 1 Company was to have been fired on the samo doy, but upon tho arrival of the Goulburn mon on the ground they roftiscd to «hoot, except upon uoxt to impossible conditions. Captain Rossi,was not, however, present, or the apparent diffi-culty would, no doubt, have been overcome. Tho officers and members of No. 1 Company, we believe, entertained tho Goulburn men in tho evening at

Courvoisier's.