Note 6 — Chapter V · EARLY LIFE OF FATHER MASTAI

The Islands, about a hundred in number, but most of them very small and uninhabited, have been the cause of sharp contention and have changed hands several times since their discovery in 1656—France, Spain, England, and the United States have variously claimed them. Twice the matter has been decided by an Englishman’s landing and running up the Union Jack. The last time this occurred was in 1833, when, in the middle of the quarrel, Captain Falkland took possession of them on his own responsibility. Great Britain has held them ever since as one of her recognized colonies. They are self-governing, and have a population altogether of two thousand souls, the capital, Stanley, claiming nearly half of the number.