The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1840-12-12
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had reached those distant regions of the
tan and the Sandwich Islander, looking upon
intoxicating liquor as their worst enemy,
had resolved that they would not bring it to
their lips: aud that, as European and A,ncr-
can navigators would introduce it to their
shores aud sell it to the weak aud unstable,
causing "A fearful amount of drunkenness.
murder and every evil work, some of the
native governments had absolutely prohibit
ed all Importation and sale An ordinance
t, that effect, your Majesty is aware was
established by kamcllamela Ill.,, King of
the Sandwich Islands, on the s3th of Au-
gust, 1888. In that ordnance it was pro-
claimed that.
"Whcreas great evils have arisen at these
islands in consequence of the Importation
of ardent spirits and the consequence use
Of the same, and whereas native born cit
liens, whether with or without authority are
no longer permitted to engage in the distil!a-
ton thereof; and whereas there is abundant
evidence that the best interests of the mer-
camille community, as well as of the nation
at large, require the measure, therefore.
''Be it enacted by the King and Chiefs of
the Sandwich Islands, in council assembled,
importation of rum, brandy, GIN alcohol,
and all distilled spirits whatsoever, shall be
entirely prohibited to be landed at any port,
harbor or any other place on the Sandwich
Islands, and that all wines imported shall
be subject to duty of one half dollar per
gallon"
This ordinance, it is believed, had for its
sole object the preservation of the people
n,,l
and was designed to act with the strictest
impartiaiity upon all foreign nations. Its
PRONUNCIATION gave great satisfaction to the
native population, to foreign residents, to
well princpled Captains of ships; and ava
kened throughout Christendom the hope that
the work of civilization would 90 on un-
retarded, and that these Islanders, instead
of being swept away by drunkenness, would
retain an existence among the nations of the
earth. An intelligent resident, connected
with the foreign shipping at the Islands, cx-
pressed the hope, "that all friends of order
50 important in all their hearings" and no
less than ten Captains Of foreign ships, then
at anchor off Lahaina, addressed letter to
the government, expressing the deep interest
they felt in the ordinance, and their high
oPP'ob"tiOu vi uS we SUdll lcTcd-
iter, " say they "feel increased satisfaction
in coming to these Islands to recruit our
ships, and shall feel a greater confidence in
the stability of your government We shall
take great pleasure in lending our influence,
in support of regulations so salutary to our
own interests, and so important to the well
being of your islands,
Amid so much that was cheering in rcla-
ton to these Islands, we have been filled
with the deepest solicitudc in America, on
learning that, on the 18th of July, 1889, a
treaty was imposed upon Kamchameha iii.
by &. I.aplace, the officer commanding your
Maiesty's frigate L'A'iemise, by which this
ordinance can no longer be enforced in rela-
ton to brandies and wines imported from
France. We cannot but fear the treaty,
thus imposed, will open again the food gates
of intcmpcrance on this rescued nation, and
though the ordinance may continue in force
against other powers, yet through the breach |
thus made, every species of intoxicating
drink of the most destructive character, will /
be poured upon them by American and Eu-
ropcan navigators, producing the most dsas-
trous consequences.
We can assure your Majesty that this ,
article in the treaty has excited deep emo .
ton in the breasts of the philanthropic in the
United States; and that we cannot believe /
that vour Majesty If mazda ocou.;ntod with