66 THE CRATER; brothers, however, expressed a wish to join the new com munity, and Charles and Abraham Woolston were received in the colony lists. Half-a-dozen more were admitted, by means of direct application to the governor himself, though the accessions were principally obtained through the nego tiations and measures of Pennock. All was done with great secr^y, it being Mark s anxious desire, on many ac counts, not to attract public attention to his colony. The reasons were numerous and sufficient for this wish to remain unknown. In the first place, the policy of re taining the monopoly of a trade that must be enormously profitable, was too obvious to need any arguments to sup port it. So long as the sandal-wood lasted, so long would it be in the power of the colonists to coin money ; while it was certain that competitors would rush in, the moment the existence of this mine of wealth should be known. Then, the governor apprehended the cupidity and ambition of the old-established governments, when it should be known that territory was to be acquired. It was scarcely possible for man to possess any portion of this earth by a title better than that with which Mark Woolston was in vested with his domains. But, what is right compared to might! Of his native country, so abused in our own times for its rapacity, and the desire to extend its dominions by any means, Mark felt no apprehension. Of all the power ful nations of the present day, America, though riot abso lutely spotless, has probably the least to reproach herself with, on the score of lawless and purely ambitious acqui sitions. Even her conquests in open war have been few, and are not yet determined in character. In the end, it will be found that little will be taken that Mexico could keep; and had that nation observed towards this, ordinary justice and faith, in her intercourse and treaties, that which has so suddenly and vigorously been done, would never have even been attempted. It may suit the policy of those who live under the same system, to decry those who do not; but men are not so blind that they cannot see the sun at noon-day. One na tion makes war because its consul receives the rap of a fan; and men of a different origin, religion and habits, are coerced into submission as the consequence. Another
