From Chambers's Journal. A HONOLULU NEWSPAPER. possessions. "Their position," says Jarves, “is central to both the neighboring continents, being nearly equidistant from Central America, MexiWe have lying before us a recent number of the co, California, and the north-west coast, on the New Era and Weekly Argus, a newspaper printed one side, and the Russian dominions, Japan, Chiat Honolulu, island of Oahu, one of the Ha-na, and the Philippine Islands, on the other.waiian group-better known to many of our When a civilized and enterprising population readers as the Sandwich Islands. Ere proceeding shall have developed the resources of these counto give some account of this remarkable voucher tries, these islands will bear the same relative imof the prosperity and civilization of the country portance to them, in proportion to their extent, which has been aptly termed the Heart of the Pa-that the West Indies now do to North and South cific, it may be interesting to trace briefly the America." modern history of the islands, which are certainly destiued at no distant period to become an important and powerful maritime state. We are inclined to anticipate a far more magnificent destiny for the islands than that indicated by their historian. In less than another generation, they will become one of the greatest depots of commerce in the world. Australia was comparatively unimportant in relation to the Hawaiian group at the time Mr. Jarves wrote, but the case is very different now. The whole group is of volcanic origin, and on Hawaii is the largest active volcano in the world. The mountains attain the enormous height of 14,000 feet, and the general scenery of the islands is picturesque and beautiful. Even thirty years ago, upwards of fifty whaling-ships have And now for our newspaper-one of the two been in the harbor of Honolulu at one time. At or three weekly broad sheets published at Honothe present day, hundreds of whalers, chiefly from lulu. Of its contemporaries, we only know that the United States, Sydney, and Hobart Town, one, The Polynesian, is the semi-official organ annually visit the ports of Honolulu and Lahai- of government. The number of the New Era, na. In 1820, the first missionaries landed at before us, bears date June 8, 1854. It is a paper Hawaii, idolatry having already been abolished by of four pages, somewhat smaller in size than the the will of the king, and of a number of the leading London Globe, yet its price is twelve and a half chiefs and priests. From this period, civilization cents per copy, or six dollars per annum, paid progressed steadily and surely. In a few years, in advance. So high a price indicates a very many churches were erected, schools were estab- small circulation, or else great expense of prolished, printing-presses were at work issuing duction. In its general appearance it precisely books in the native languages; England, France, resembles an American local newspaper, but it America, Spain, Russia, and other countries, had is well printed, on shabby paper. Nothing conresident consuls; a considerable trade sprang up: veys a better idea of a strange place than a copy and the whole group was rescued from the slough of the local newspaper. A glance over the colof gross and degrading superstitions. Suffice it,umns of the New Era, gives the coup de grâce to that at the present time the Hawaiian Islands any lingering romantic fancies associated with form a recognized independent kingdom, possess the name of Honolulu, and that of the island of ing a regular constitution, code of laws, and sys- Oahu, of which it is the capital. We are struck tem of government. The power of the king is with the one pervading idea, that Honolulu is a limited, and he is aided by ministers of different place where business traffic-ordinary, prosaic departments of state to administer the laws and buying, selling, and exchanging—is the general, govern his kingdom. The laws themselves are if not the sole, pursuit of the people. All that enacted by a House of Representatives, chosen meets our eye in the paper has some connection by the people, and by a House of Nobles. Not-with dollars and cents. At the outset we count withstanding the various unhappy differences one hundred and seventy-five advertisements, occupywhich have occurred from time to time between ing thirteen out of the twenty columns of the paper. the Roman Catholic and Protestant missionaries, These advertisements are addressed to all whom and the jealousies and struggles for predomi- it may concern, by tradesmen, merchants, and nancy between the American, English, and professional men of all kinds. A dozen or more French consuls and settlers, the little kingdom hotels solicit public support, on the score of prohas really been very judiciously governed on the viding first-rate comforts and luxuries; and whole, considering its antecedents, and its unique drapers, grocers, provision and other merchants, position and character. Its trade and commerce butchers, bakers, brewers, confectioners, tailors, is increasing at a very rapid ratio; and accord-clothiers, hosiers, hatters, shoemakers, iron-moning to some recent writers, the decrease in native population is likely to cease crelong, although others predict, that by slow and sure degrees the race of pure-blooded aborigines will become altogether extinct. gers, watchmakers, jewellers, perfumers, auctioneers, estate commission, and shipping agents, masons, lawyers, physicians, surgeons, druggists, etc., all set forth their claims to patronage in excellent Queen's English, and in the orthodox Mr. Jarves, the able historian of the islands, advertising style. We are only occasionally redeclares that "this group is capable of support-minded that they hang out their signs on an ing a dense population. With the exception of island in the heart of the remote Pacific, by such metals, its natural resources are sufficient to names of streets as Nuuana, Kaahumanu, Mauna mect all its necessities." It is, however, the re- Kea, Alakea Street, etc. The majority of the markably advantageous geographical position of streets, however, appear to bear common English the islands, which is certain eventually to ren-names. der them populous and exceedingly important One circumstance, also, is very suggestive About half the names of the representatives are English. Here are two curious items: "Mr Nahakuelau read first time a bill to make soldiers of all illegitimate persons: laid on the table. Mr. Üma_read_first time a bill to forbid the king to sell any of his lands to foreigners." A singu lar instance of roguery at Honolulu, comes out in the discussion on a bill to reduce the duties on alcohol imported for medicinal or mechanical purposes. Mr. Bowlin, in advocating this bill, stated that there was in Honolulu at present, a very good article of Brandy labelled Heard's Sarsaparilla," which was imported as sarsaparilla, entered as brandy, and afterwards withdrawn from the custom-house under a minister's permit for medicinal purposes, infused with a slight tincture of cloves, and then sold as we do not notice a single native name among the subject of the Honolulu Reef Bill, "Mr those of the hundred and seventy-five advertis- Kaumaca was cloquent;" that Messrs. Kalama ers; four fifths bear English patronymics, and and Maika very earnestly advocated the bill;" the residue are German and French. Goods of that "Mr. Kamaipelekane read for the first time every conceivable description-in some cases, a bill," etc. entire ship's cargoes-are offered for sale. Articles of utility and luxury from every quarter of the globe, almost everything the epicure can wish to eat and drink, or people of fashion to wear, can be procured at İlonolulu—for a consideration. Literature, we reget to add, appears to be at a discount. At any rate, there is not a single bookseller's advertisement, although there certainly is one of the "Honolulu Circulating Library Association," which announces that "donations, whether of books or money, will be most thankfully received. Only one advertisement is given both in English and Hawaiian, being an intimation "by command of the king," to the effect that it has pleased the king to appoint William Webster, Esq., Assistant Agent for the sale and letting of His Majesty's lands, and for the collection of all rents due and accru- Heard's Sarsaparilla." In other words, by uning for the same." There are also a couple of derhand manoeuvring, brandy was openly sold noticeable advertisements which announce the under a false name, thus evading the heavy duty forthcoming meetings of the Excelsior Lodge of on that article. The proceedings of the Upper Ancient Foresters-or perhaps Shepherds, for a House of Parliament are reported under the couple of crooks are affixed, and the letter-press is head of "House of Nobles." Judging by this somewhat mystical to us-and of a lodge of free- newspaper, the proceedings in both houses ap masons. It is easy to see from the advertise-pear to be conducted with great decorum, order, ments, that many of them are addressed more especially to the captains of ships entering or calling at the port. In fact, not merely does Honolulu supply hundreds of ships annually with what they need for their own crews, but it is a grand depot where whole cargoes of miscellaneous goods are bought by vessels from all countries bordering on the Pacific, to carry elsewhere for sale and barter. The same observation applies to European ships trading in that great ocean on a roving commission. and deliberation; and the speeches of some of the representatives, both native and naturalized foreigners, are straightforward, and replete with good sense. Turn we now to the editorial department, to which is prefixed the motto: “ Open to all-controlled by none." Adverting to the expected arrival of the English and French squadrons, the editor calls the attention of the legislature to the necessity of deepening and widening the har bor; and "as under almost any circumstances, a Of the remaining seven columns of the paper, proper dredging-machine could not be sent for nearly four are occupied by reports of the Hawaiian and arrive from the United States or England Legislature; one contains foreign intelligence, before some time next spring, we are absolutely and the residue is occupied by editorial para- obliged to fall back on our own mother-wit and graphs. The foreign news is relative to the war power of contrivance to meet the dilemma."between Russia and Turkey, England and France And so “we, the poor, libelled, vilified editor of the —the declaration of war by the Western powers New Era and Argus, offer 200 doilars to any perhaving just reached Honolulu. The reports of son who, within a month from to-day, shall lay the Hawaiian parliament are novel and interest- before the government for its acceptance the ing. As in England, the real burden and busi- cheapest and most feasible plan of clearing out ness of legislation is evidently done in the Lower the sand and mud of the passage of the harbor House-or House of Representatives, as they of Honolulu; the work to be performed by the call it. The proceedings appear to be based on first of December next." Patriotic editor! Sevthe English and American system. There were eral paragraphs on local subjects of interest fola number of petitions presented of the usual low; one being an acknowledgment of a present local character-one of which, by the way, curiof "a bag of new corn meal, ground at the steam ously enough, shews that the canine race is be- flouring mill at Honolulu." It would appear coming as great a nuisance in the Hawaiian that the personal comfort of the editor is worthily group as with us in Britain. It prays "that the held in thoughtful remembrance, for he begs that dog tax be raised to five dollars per head." We" the person, gentleman or lady, (for kind hearts read of speeches on many subjects that sound are of both sexes.) who, during our absence the exceedingly familiar to English cars. Thus, other day, furnished our sanctum with a commothere were the "Orders of the Day;" discussions, dious editorial chair, will be pleased to receive etc., on the "Landlord and Tenant Bill;" the our grateful acknowledgments." May the editor Bill to Amend the Laws on Smuggling;" alive to read six months hence, this article de"Bill to Amend the Law of Evidence;" a "Dis- seriptive of his newspaper while he lounges, like cussion of the Militia Bill," etc. We meet with the luxurious fellow he probably is, in that very native speakers, the reporter telling us that on chair! Some omissions in the paper strike us as rather remarkable. For instance, there is not a single paragraph relating to crimes, trials, or accidents; there are no births, marriages, or deaths announced; there is not a single scrap of poetry or of literary extract. The foreign news is solely confined to intelligence concerning the great European war; and it would seem that the Hawaiian islands either are singularly barren of incidents of domestic interest, or that the good people there are totally devoid of all curiosity or concern in any and every subject, except what immediately relates to their pockets. But taking it all in all, the Honolulu New Era is a literary curiosity, and does honor to the press in the Pacific. It has given us a clearer idea of the growing importance and the splendid future promise of the Hawaiian Islands, than the perusal of a dozen books of travel would have done. ers come to Honolulu every year to refit, and its central position makes it invaluable. It is a sad pity our government has not possession-a more glorious depot for the squadron and merchantmen could not be found." This writer alludes to the probability that the United States will ere long obtain possession of the Hawaiian group; and if newspaper statements are to be relied on, there is great likeli hood that such will be the case. A New York paper positively states, that the Hawaiian government, some time ago, made overtures to the United States' government to "accept the cession of the islands." A favorable answer was returned, which was submitted to the council, in which body it was approved by all the members, except Prince Alexander, the heir-apparent, and Paki, a high chief. The majority, however, decided in favor of annexation; and the treaty to Since we began to write this paper, a letter that effect was brought over to San Francisco, has been published in the Times, dated from on in the Restless, in time to be despatched to board Her Majesty's ship President at sea, July Washington by the steamer of the 1st of August." 28. The President is the flag-ship of the Eng-It is possible that this statement is substantially lish squadron in the Pacific, which, in conjunc- correct; and should the presumption of the antion with the French squadron, is sailing in nexation of the islands to the United States be search of the Russian men-of-war. The com- realized, that power will thereby obtain a splenbined squadrons arrived at Honolulu last July, did and incalculably valuable acquisition. Even and the writer gives some interesting details con- apart from the commercial importance of the cerning that place. He says that Honolulu is "a islands, it is hardly possible to overrate their imwell-built town, of about 15,000 inhabitants, mense value to any great maritime power. To where everything bears the air of advancing civ-quote the opinion of Mr. Jarves: "If the ports ilization and improvement." King Kamehame-of this group were closed to neutral commerce, ha III. "keeps up his court in the same manner many thousand miles of ocean would have to be as in England: he has his palace-guards, minis- traversed before havens possessing the requisite ters of departments-Europeans principally-conveniences for recruiting or repairing shipping and all the attributes of royalty. Her majesty could be reached. This fact illustrates their imthe queen is blessed with a daughter called the portance in a naval point. Should any one Princess Victoria, after our own queen, and of the great nations seize upon them, it might there are several princes of the royal blood.-be considered as holding the key of the North The chiefs are perfect aristocrats, and boast of their unpolluted descent for many generations. The nobility are very fine well-grown men, and the difference of their appearance and that of the lower orders, indicates a decided superiority of breeding." His testimony to the importance and value of Honolulu and the islands generally, is Without entering into any political consideraemphatic. "I never saw," says he, in the Pa- tions we may safely conclude, that whether the cific such splendid facilities for obtaining sup- Hawaiian group continues an independent state, plies for ships. Of course the arrival of our large or whether it is annexed to some powerful counsquadron three English and four French ships try, a great future is certain to open on the hisof war] raised the price of the market consider-tory of these islands. Their trade, and the num ably-more than double; but everything can be procured, water in abundance, coal, bullocks much finer than the English, sheep and cattle of all kinds, vegetables, fruits, and almost everything can be obtained, either produced on the islands or brought from San Francisco, which is only about ten or twelve days' sail. About 300 whal Pacific; for no trade could prosper in their vicinity, or even exist, while a hostile power possessing an active and powerful marine, should send forth its cruisers to prey upon the neigh boring commerce." Well for us, we may add, that Russia is not in possession of these islands! ber of foreign settlers upon their shores must inevitably increase yearly at an accelerated rate; and no limit can be assigned to their progress in commercial and political importance. At present, the Hawaiian perhaps is the most interesting and promising ininor kingdom in the world. AMATIVE-LAURA was disconsolate. HENRY me?" says LAURA, "that's the only fault I found had long flirted, but never put the question.- with the other."-Punch's Pocket Book. HENRY went his way. LAURA's aunt, for conso lation, brought her a love of a spaniel pup.- HEALTH AND BEAUTY.-The young lady who "My dear," says the Aunt," the puppy can do is unable to sport a riding habit should get into everything but speak." "Why will you agonize a walking habit. From The Spectator, 13 Jan. 66 Church! Is not this dogmatism running to dregs? Is it possible that any Neapolitan of decent education can witness such a ceremony In order to estimate the possibility of a with such results, for such a purpose, and not more enlightened policy in the government of blush to be ruled by the doll-bearing, weepItaly, it is necessary to survey the actual state ing, Rè Bombardator? And the Pontiff, who of the peninsula; which is remarkable, and thus beatifies the faithful, could not keep his certainly unlike what it ever has been before. throne if he were not sustained there by the The Republican idea, which Rienzi transmit- French bayonets; for a reduced allowance of ted from the classic times, is kept alive by the which Cardinal Antonelli proclaims his gratiDemocratic party; but the tradition has been tude. Monarchs sustain this manufacture of totally altered in that Republic which is to dogmas, because his is the only shop at which unite all Italy, without regard to an invincible can be procured the genuine old divine right. diversity of race, genius, and tongue, that Reigning upon sufferance, with a French would indicate a federation as the only ap- bayonet in one hand and the Immaculate proach to unity. The Democratic party looks Conception in the other-attended by Naples to a democracy in lieu of the aristocratic re- qui l'admire," and crowned by Isabella the publics of Venice and Rome; and it is now, Second of Spain for his conception of the imin the persons of its disciples, wandering, con-maculate-is not Pius the Ninth a doomed cealed, begging for tribute from the poor, and thing? begging so hard that it urges its votaries to Now look to the North, where the Sardinipledge their watches and trinkets for the an Government, once disturbed by insurreccause. To understand the full force of this tions, threatened by a neighboring empire, exhortation, it must be remembered that the divided in councils by lurking religious habits, peasantry habitually wear gold or silver brace- opposed by an organized clergy in every lets, ear-rings, hair-combs, waist-belts, etc.; church of the land, has at last succeeded in and that a girl's dowry sometimes consists in establishing representative government workthese investments. Such is the party that has ing actively but steadily; is engaged in effectfrom 1821 to 1831 and 1848 carried on the ing a monastic reformation, though without most active agitations to procure proselytes.-technically abandoning the Roman Church; It was the accuser of Charles Albert because is taking her place among the recognized he declined to go to new lengths in the Demo- states of Europe; and is acquiring a moral cratic march. The party is widely diffused, weight which encourages the liberality of her but daily losing recruits to the Muratists in statesmen while it conciliates the impatience the South and the Constitutionalists in the of more extreme politicians. Next to that state lie the Austrian prov North. In the South, we see a strange and humiliat-inces. Austria has undertaken to confront in ing spectacle. The Pope has recently manu- hostile attitude the power that preserved to factured a new impracticable doctrine, for the her Hungary. Our own Government has expurpose of strengthening the dogmatic mys-pressly declined to inherit that office from tery of the Church, and of silencing schismat- Russia, or to guarantee Austria against her ies whose predecessors are among the canon- own subjects. Should European war break out, ized! He has affirmed the immaculate con- the soldiers that the Emperor would employ ception of the Virgin Mary; and six hundred to keep down Italy or Hungary will be wantprelates met to enjoy a corporate paroxysm of ed elsewhere. France, however friendly to pious ecstasy at the event. Naples, who has Sardinia, must be fully engaged by Russia: recently declined to be considered a fief of and the Czar will be seeking allies among the the Church, professes to share the ecstasy; to disaffected in the North of Italy, the bigoted celebrate the new blessing the King parades in the South. A common danger will then the streets of Naples with a huge doll, and oc- menace both Sardinia and Austria. We are casionally drops a pious tear in the tenderness recapitulating facts, and their proximate but of delight; and he places his army under the inevitable sequels; facts and sequels so obviprotecting care of the Immaculate Conception. ous, that they must have entered into the Conceive a military force deriving shelter survey of statesmen at Vienna. No allies from that obstetric dogma with which the could then keep Hungary and Italy so well Pope disturbs the ancient mystery of his for Austria as Hungarians and Italians. REFLECTION ON MOUNT PARNASSUS.-It is TO PERSONS ABOUT TO TAKE ORDERS.-A possible to devour Poetry without being a Poet- Curate is a clergyman who cannot get a living aster. From The Spectator, 13 Jan. of this present month Russia ado If we suppose the peace concluded, what will be our position? On this question we have indeed a formidable hint from the same Imperial documents to which we have already referred. In rejecting the four points, which were unacceptable unless Russia had "already been enfeebled by the exhaustion of a long war," Count Nesselrode added, "and which, if the force of temporary circumstances forced us to submit to them, so far from assuring to Europe a solid, and especially a durable peace, such as the Austrian Government appears to expect, would only expose that peace to complications without end." There is more than one significant admission in this passage. It tells us that Russia might submit to the conditions from the force of temporary circumstances, although she is obstinate in rejecting them unless so compelled. The compulsion upon her, therefore, is temporary, her acquiescence compulsory. The conditions will not insure a durable peace; but, because the cir WILL the negotiations which are now opened or proposed at Vienna, on the basis of "the four conditions," lead to peace, or not? Is the of fer to discuss a peace sincere, or an artifice to gain time? We have, in strict fact, no evidence to decide the question. Many reasons readily occur to the mind why Russia should be willing to arrest hostilities. She is hard pressed; she has been losing ground in the actual conflict; it would suit her purpose to facilitate the friendly neutrality of Prussia; she may hope to withdraw Austria from an alliance with the West that might become permanent. Each or all of these reasons, or some of them, might account for the surrender of Imperial pride. The evidence of an opposite tendency, however, happens to be more positive. On the 26th of last August, in a despatch to Prince Gortschakoff, Count Nesselrode declared that Russia could not accept the four conditions, as they were framed on the supposition of Russia's being already "enfeebled by the exhaustion of a long war," and were not of a character really to settle peace. On the 28th December, the Emperor Nicholas issued a manifesto to his people which was a war-cry, urging them to carry on the battle "with the sword in their hand and the cross in their heart." It would appear from this cumstances are temporary and compulsion is last Imperial document, therefore, that the repugnant to Russia, the conditions would spirit which has animated Russia throughout, only expose peace to complications without end. and which dictated Count Nesselrode's des- We do not know how this passage is to be patch of August 26, had not sensibly abated construed, except as a positive admission that down to the 28th December. On the same Russia will make peace if forced; that her day, the representatives of the Three Powers pacific intention will only endure while the met, and adopted that protocol which is called temporary circumstances last; that she rethe interpretation of the four points, but which, serves her purposes; and that she foresees, we suspect, rather explains the purpose of the which is almost equivalent to intending," comfour points. Prince Gortschakoff had an in-plications without end." From this passage terview with the representatives of the Three we may not uncharitably surmise, that in as Powers, and it was understood that he was al-senting to peace in this present month, Russia lowed until the 13th of this month for return- seeks to withdraw her case out of court "withing the answer of his Imperial master. Long before the expiry of that time-on the 7th of January-the Russian Government announces its readiness to accept the conditions with the interpretation. Now, the course which Russia has pursued has been so consistent throughout the thirty years of the present Emperor's reign, and throughout the preceding reigns In the event of such an abrupt termination since the time of Peter the Great, that we of hostilities by favor of a peace acceptable to must presume that course to remain consistent; Russia, the position in which this country and it is easier to believe that the step now would be placed is one not difficult to calculate taken by Russia is consistent with the con- beforehand. Both Russia and England have duct indicated by the treaty of Adrianople, the had their warning in the rupture. We used conversation in London of 1844, the conver- to be told, that gigantic as Russia was in disation with Sir Hamilton Seymour about "the mensions, she had the feebleness of giants-a sick man," the Menschikoff notes, the despatch scattered power, and an inertia which checked of August 26, and the manifesto of the 28th her action. We have discovered that this December, than to suppose that from the 7th presumption was a mistake; that wherever out prejudice;" retaining her claims, sparing herself the loss which she might undergo in prolonging a contest politically as well a militarily a losing one, for the very purpose of advancing her claims at a later day, when she might be in a position and have the means to urge them with greater effect. |