Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-01-01
from tho Soalon Atlas
SANDWICH ISLANDS.


MEssRs. EpIToRs "A brief account OF the, Tor
this part of the world, novel proceedings, which
have characterized the opening Of the session OF
the Legislative Chambers, may be not without IN,
terest TO your widely extended readers, VINO teel
any curiosity in the politics of this diminulve king
dom. Probably most Of them are aware that, hlth-
erto government business here has been most IT.
regularly conducted; the discussions being more
after the fashion of Indian Councils than any thing
elsa-over which missionary, merchant or man-ot-
war captain, have held alternate influence. The
consequence has been as might be eXpected-a
ioosu, uisointed unequal legislation, adapted ne-
Their to natives nor foreigners. The Legislature
now called together, consists OF the best men u
the nation, divided into two houses that OF the
mobiles, embeeclng the hereditary and newly-crcat-
ed arstocracy of the kingdom-und the represent
tatives, elected by the people of the several ISL
ands Assisted by the foreign professional talent
in their service 1t Is proposed, ~ this session, to
entirely re-organize the government, create an in
dependent and we-inorned judiclary-ater the
model of that Of the United SATISFACTORILY the
laws, and do other important acts That the Leg
isalive Chambers should commence their session
with due attention to forms and dignity, it was de-
termined that the King should 20 in state, after the
fashion of Victoria to her Parliament and read be-
fore them his speech. large hall was selected
for the ceremony. A temporary throne pre-
pared in the middle--whe in the rear and front,
spreading out in semi circular rows, were arranged
the for the mobiles, representatives, officers OF
of government, foreign diplomatic corps, invited
guests, and Others The body Of the house was
thrown open to the public, and was crowded to en-
cess by people Of all ranks, and classes, and ma
tons drawn together to witness u spectacle so
anomalous in Polynesia. Tuesday, May Doth, was
the day appointed. TO add to the decorations Of
the hail and thlone the old stores Of past grandeur
had been thoroughly ransacked but they produced
! beggarly account of empty boxes" Two only
of those stately and splendid kdhiiiS the plume like
and
pirate, were to be found and their feathers were
worn and rumped by age. They were, however,
about twenty feet high with massive and rich stalls
the one surmounted by black feathers on white
ground, the other by orange and crimson. These
were placed so as to tower over the throne-over
which thrown the only rich remnant of ancient
royalty left. This a teathercd cloak, made Of
very minute yellow teathers-two only being pro-
duced by single brd-and attached, with great
skill, to fine net or gauze work, so as to form u
brilliant and even garment, resembling somewhat
delicate and malleable plates of very fine gold. 1t
took eight generations OF kings to complete it.
There were, also, the fine old spear OF Kamehame-
ha the FIRST, and feather capes, of scarcely less
beauty than the cloak borne by young chiefs at
tendant upon the King; but all of those rich he'll
NETS, and other articles which elected the enco-
mums Of the early voyagers, for the skill and beau
~ of their workmanship, have either persisted,
been borne away to decorate the Museums OF
Europe America. In lieu Of them, the mobiles
and chiefs wore the more glitterng uniforms of civ
iiled lands, heavy with gold lace and gilt buttons.
The diplomatic corps made toloraby brilliant
show. Commissioner Browns uniform is certainly
the neatest and most appropriate that has appeared
here-plain and republican, but not wanting in eff
feet Consul General Miller was covered with sill
yer lace and decorations. He escorted on this &C.
casion, the young and accomplished Mrs. S., re-
Gently arrived from Boston. The officers of the
English ships, Talbot and Bassk, added not
little to the show by the glitter Of their and
uniforms, and the effect of the whole made the
more pleasing by the rich and tasteful attire OF
some 80 to 100 ladies present. The female chiefs
here by the constitution of the country, take an
active part in government affairs; governors
and peeresses by birth. For this occasion they
turned out in all their strength, and if cannot say
beauty, although some are very passable partlcu-
larly the Queen, Mrs. Young and Mrs. Rookie |
may add size; for to no inconsderable weight of
uence they ada ta Ts shy Of RSay 2pd 81 haye
Nous harem of STEAMBOAT. | do not think their
erage weight can be less than 200 or 225 EACH
iGoIeVer they dressed with excellent taste,
and appeared to very good advantage. One of the
young female Chiefs Miss Bernce Puahi, scarce
49, is a sweet GIRL of good education, fine features,
approaching the Grecian, light complexion, and
very lady-like manners. She attracts admirers
every where, but is very retiring, and said to be
jealous in her studies.
The King was dressed in very splendid and
costly uniiorlo He came attended by the Queen
his cabinet and military escort. AS he entered
the building, the new royal standard, containing
the national coat of arms designed at the Herad's
Office in London, wholly from national emblems
was hosted for the first time, the brass band srucA
up the national anthem, the guns from the tort
Numbered forth q times, the whole company arose
and the King walked with much dignity to his
throne. His ministers and the Queen took thel
places Immediately in his rear, and all remained
standing while the Talbot trigate gave forth hel
royal salute, in compliment to the new flag. Prayer
then made by the Rev. VIM. Richards, chap
lain of the court; after which, by command OF thu
King, all seated themselves; that is to say, all tina
had seats, for hundreds were obliged to stant
the ceremonies through. The King then covered
his head, and in distinct and really graceful man
ner, read his Speech which you will find printed
the Polynesian, well as the reports of the cabi
net ministers, which reflect much credit upon them
for the liberal spirit they manifested in recommen
ding many useful changes, favorably affecting bot
the natives and foreign residents. We have muc
reason to rejoice that the chiefs have been so wis
as to take into their councils men of such enlarge
views, although for them to give satisfaction to a
is not to be expected They, however, stand hig
in the estimation of the well informed and reall
influential pert of the community.
After the Kings speech the houses appointed
committee to draft reply, and then adjourned.
must confess that gratifying reflections filled m
mind upon viewing the well ordered and appropr
ate ceremonies Of the day, the absence of all thI
could be set down as incongruous, the respe'
= shown by this King, so recently ABSOLUTE to const
tutlopal FORMS and TO his legislature and people
the reciprocal respect on their part; the beconn
uniforms, decorations and dresses of chiefs an
people; the quiet, gentlemanly department of al
the and eloquence Of the speakers; in shol
the tout ensemble of refinement and civilization
Still more gratifying was the reflection, that tn
order had been brought out of disorder and savag
barbarIsm, in the short space of twenty years,
my countrymen. The contrast was, to me, Il
more striking, from having witnessed the past,
well as the present
TEXAS.
The nefarous act has been performed. TT
deed NAV he iustlv denominated n dced oc CI0rkn9,