During the process of empire building, even to-day carried on by the great powers, the far distant South Sea Islands received their share of attention from designing cabinets.
In their patriotic desire to further the cause of their country many sailors laid down their lives in battles with the natives.
These small wars are scarcely remembered at home, but in the islands where the rivalry between the nations was bitterest, there stand impressive monuments to these sailor heroes, and in their songs the chivalrous islanders praise the virtues of their fallen foes.
To the sailors of all nations who thus met death, fighting in their country’s cause, these pages are dedicated.