THE CHIEFS' EFFORTS FOR GOOD. 113 conduct of "civilised". men. So virulent were the accusations they circulated against the missionaries, their system, their politics, that the latter demanded an investigation before Captain Jones and his officers. The result, in the words of the latter, was the "most complete and triumphant victory that could have been asked by the most devoted friends of the Mission. Not one iota derogatory to their character as men or as ministers of the Gospel of the strictest order, could be made to appear by the united efforts of all who conspired against them." 1 In October 1829, the chiefs plucked up sufficient determination to enact a new criminal code, which they declared should be enforced against foreign residents, as well as against natives. This produced a fresh ferment among the foreign evil-doers, more especially as Mr Charlton was one of those fined for riotous conduct. Most opportunely, just one week after these laws had been proclaimed, the United States war-sloop Vincennes, commanded by Captain Finch, arrived in harbour on a special mission from the President to the King of Hawaii. Its object was to endeavour to counteract the mischief done by the Dolphin, whose commander had been duly reprimanded. The President's letter to the king stated plainly 1 Jarves's History of Hawaii, 1843. VOL. II. H that " any American citizen violating Hawaiian law, or interfering with Hawaiian regulation, was offending against his own Government, and worthy of censure and punishment.' Thus happily were the hands of the Government strengthened in dealing with American subjects. As regarded those of England, the course was by no means smooth sailing. CHAPTER XVIII. GRADUAL WORKING OF THE CHRISTIAN LEAVEN CABLE THE IRON KAPIOLANI DEFIES THE GODDESS OF THE VOLCANO A TIGER-LIKE CONVERT HOW THE COLLEGE WAS BUILTTEMPERANCE LEAGUE BAD FOREIGN INFLUENCE SCHOOLS FOR GIRLS. WHILE the work of the Mission was thus hindered and injured by nominal Christians, it was quietly but steadily making way throughout the group. As the menenia grass creeps silently and invisibly along the surface of the dry volcanic soil, only revealing its presence when the refreshing dews or rainshowers call it into fulness of life, and from the dry wiry network which overspreads the hills, upsprings the rich crop of sweet green pasture-so the good influence extended insensibly among the people; while in every isle some were found to whom the message of the Gospel proved a lifegiving reality. Among the most notable converts was the queenregent, Kaahumanu, who was the first to welcome the new-comers, though by no means ready to ac |