Page:Anglo-American relations during the Spanish-American war (IA abz5883.0001.001.umich.edu).pdf/43

Rh year, 1848, Great Britain renounced a deed of cession of the Hawaiian islands on the demand of the United States, declaring the act entirely unauthorized by Her Majesty's Government. A few years later these principles were incorporated in the treaty of 1849. The treaty of 1858, with Japan, was equally specific. After outlining the two principles which the United States maintained should govern the development of new areas, the treaty continued, "The president of the United States, at the request of the Japanese Government, will act as friendly Mediator, in such matters of difference, as may arise between the Government of Japan and any European Power." The treaty of friendship and commerce of 1878 with Samoa was similar in nature. "If, unhappily, any differences should have arisen, or shall hereafter arise, between the Samoan Government and any other government in amity with the United States, the government of the latter will employ its good offices for the purpose of adjusting those differences upon a satisfactory and solid foundation." Great Britain acquiesced in the American policy in the Pacific as she had in the Western Hemisphere. This acquiescence laid the basis, as will be seen later, for future Anglo-American relations in the Far East.

Three causes were operating to promote intense rivalry among the European nations who were expanding in this new sphere of commercial activity. They