The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1841-10-23

history, "h"e vIe'ui'S PeaceaDIy us own
powers, and sacrificing rights which the Gus
ton Of centuries have made part and parcel
Of their bone and muscle, and give to them
the force of the laws Of the Modes and Per-
slams, and at the same time endeavoring to
prepare their people to appreciate the
change, and in giving much, are also instruc-
tng them to cry for more. Had this revolu-
ton been violently effected, the consequent
ces would have been disastrous in the ex-
,reme for the reaction of a people is always
in proportion to their previous debasement,
and the fruits of the tree of liberty pIuckcd
and swallowed in haste, like the young rogue
tina, gorges himself with stolen plums until
nausea seizes upon him, produces effects
equally disgusting to a sane mind The
fair color and rich fragrance is for while
)dimmed and overpowered by the vile odors
arising from the vomit beneath. Hence,
many, too impatient to await the action of a
healthy atmosphere, in the the gradual abb
sorption of the foul vapors, or their disap-
pearance before fresh blast, Judge of
change by its first effects. That the Ha-
|waiian nation should in some points msinter-
|pret or abuse the spirit of their own laws, is
H. be expected; like garments that require
long wearing, to set easily, years and expe-
|rience will finally adapt them to their cir
|cumstances.
Some may say, that the liberty granted to
khe subject is altogether nominal, and that
bid associations, and love or fear of chief
twil have more effect than laws. Perhaps
fDr short time and in few cases it may
prove so, but that it is not so as general
khing we have evidence already. One in
|etance will be sufficient to show the value
the people begin now to attach to their per-
Donal rights. His Majesty, during his late
kisit to Kauai, wished totransmit a message
y another part of the island, and he was
Compelled to hire men to execute the task.
thousands would have rushed to obey the
slightest expression of a wish from his father
pr brother in their day, or himself two years
)ince, and neither spared life or limb. But
he sovereign is now bound to respect the
avs of his own making; he finds them too
powerful for an imperial will.
One Of the most interesting features of the
lode is the interest manifested in education,
Ind the enactlnents intended to secure the
udiments of learning to all children This
in accordance with the spirit of the age,
nd is worthy of imitation by governments
ha, esteem themselves far more enlightened
han this. Some profess to discern in this
purtanicaI spirit, missionary legislation
70 il so-it is the seed of the same exertons
mich secured to. New England her present
Intellectual superiority.
A strong desire is also manifested to in
roduce useful arts and productions among
!. he nation, and bounties are offered to all
h Who shall make their time and talents bene-
d hcial to the public; encourasements to IN
d bus,ry are also held out.
/, The most Objectionable traits are the me-
!. luality of taxation, the burden Of which
. ho.gh far less than formerly, still falls upon
y, he poorest class, aud the too general recog-
y bAian of fines for punishment, which has a
i endency to set aside the moral purposes OF
n us,ce, and to encourage an avaricious spirit