Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1850-02-02
Original Corresponding.
For the Polynesian

vDttgtlal corresponding.
| For the Polynesian
DEAR EDIroR:-With great cordality dc
| assent to what you say Of the prospects Of
the Hawaiian group. They are certainly
fiattering in a high degree If the chiefs and
people are at all faithful to themselves, we
shall see greater things than we have We,
seen. The Hawaiian will not be the insic-
nihcant group of islands it has heretofore
been. What cause Of gratitude and thanks
giving to Almighty God, have we, my dear
sir, that the gospel has laid foundation. SO
broad and deep for national prosperity. Now
then, let every one who loves the country OF
his adoption, do his duty; labor with his
might to put things into the best possible
shape; aid, to the extent of his power, the
native born citizens Of this small, but rising
kingdom. ~ s--1 sssssses-..s - ze-s- -
! took my pen to make some inquiries.
through you, of the Land Commission. re-
sPectlng the kuteaaa alma. such as, .s What
progress are you making, gentlemen, in this
business:' and 6 To what is your labor go-
ing to amount: But ere had finished my
inquiries, / received letter from one of the
Commission, which changed what might have
been regarded as complaint, into thanksgiv-
ing. | need not repeat what my friend, the
wrote me, communicating the
fact that several important resolutions had
passed the privy council, because these res
olutlons you have, | perceive, published in
the Polynesian.. / will however remark that
the one which "grants to all native tenants
of government lands, fee simple titles, free
of communications, instead Of life leases; and
another, which gives the same to all the ten
ants of the King, chiefs and konohikis,'' af-
ford me matter Of unfeigned joy.
lrejoice, because the knowledge that these
have passed, will afford high graf
ific alton to all who desire the prosperity of
their nation. They were dissatisfied with the
old method of settling the kuleana aina.-
They had no security that they could retain
the lands thus granted. Foreigners, in some
instances, to my certain knowledge, forbade
them planting these lands, and refused 80 pay
damages when their, cattle destroyed what
they had growing. And in my opinion, very
few Of the people would have enjoyed the
fruits of their labor bestowed on these lands.
In behalf of the people, | thank the Privy
Council for passing the resolution. The
blessing of many ready to perish be upon
them.
greatly rejoice, because the passing of
these resolutions is greatly TO the credit of the
chiefs, and will be SO regarded every where.
The chiefs have had the credit of being
oppressors Of their people. That oppression
was once rife at the islands there can be no
doubt There has been of late, great
change for the better. admit; still, the sys-
lem of oppression was not entirely destroyed.
Many petty tyrant, in the shape of kono-
hiki, might be found on all parts of the is
lands, vexing the people with nameless ex-
actions, and doing it in the name of the
chiefs. In consequence, the chiefs have
been suffering in reputation, unjustly often,
believe, yet really suffering. The fact is,
MIR. Editor, the Hawaiians have for a long
lime been konohiki-ridden people, and the
blame has been thrown upon the king and
chiefs. If understand the resolutions late
" passed, they are to be relieved from all
his responsibility. sincerely congratulate
hink they will secure much credit with their
own people, and with many others, here and
elsewhere.
Another thing. The people have been
feeling that the chiefs would sell lands read
y to foreigners, and in almost any quantity,
but a poor Hawaiian could not obtain place
10 put his foot upon. Such complaints have
heard frequently, and they have been thrown
out as reproach to the chiefs. trust they
will be heard no more. II will be rich
source Of consolation to every chief who loves
his people, that he gave up what he had here
tofore regarded as his rights for the sake of
giving every man home, and thus encour-
aging all to be industrious, and frugal, and
and obedient to the laws of the
land. | thank the chiefs for making the
sacrifice they have done in this case. trust
Ihey will not, in the long run be losers.
remark finally, that rejoice in the pass
ing of these resolutions, because they take
away all excuse for inactivity and improvi-
ieDce on the part of the people. If all the
people are allowed to purchase lands and
lold them in fee simple, and to purchase
hem at a reasonable rate, they will have no
excuse for the indulgence of indolent and
mprovident habits. If they continue idle,
and poor, and miserable as heretofore; if
hey suffer their lands to lie uncultivated in
great measure; or If, for the sake Of making
! few dollars. they sell what might with la
Dor. make them comfortable homes, on them
rlone be the responsibility. IL they act so
oolishfy, and soon find themselves destitute,
he servants Of servants, they will have
10 one to blame but themselves. Let US,
~ precept and example. teach them the val
ne of their lands, and labor to make them an
INDUSTRIOUS, an intelligent and happy people.
January, 1850. -. sENEA-
For the PoIyne<ian-
DEAR SIR:-'s 1t is good thing to give
hanks unto the Lord. g Praise is comely
or the upright" 1t is dictate of reason