Polynesian., 1852-06-05

rest, they would even then had no Just ground Of
complaint The law gives him discretionary pow
ers in the matter, and he would cnly have done his
duty in exercising those powers in refusing 10
place the government in the dangerous position it
would have to assume by the provisions of the act.
towards that and other parishes of either sect who
might wish to follow this precedent.
1our committee aware that the above state
ment OF TINS grievance will hardly be credited, and
they invite strict investigation into the facts. bv
those who wish other evidence of its truth than
this report.
The committee have endeavored to examine
thoroughly and impartially all evidence presented
to them and believe that the conclusions at which
they have arrived, are consistent with truth and
Justice. They regret that they have found cause
to censure the conduct of any religious teacher
and would not be understood as in any way incud-
ing the body of the catholic clergy of the Islands
IN such censure. They are glad to believe that
there are missionaries as worthy and single heart
ed IN this, as in any other sect but the names of
such men, who devoted to their holy calling, con-
fine themselves to its high duties in the walks they
haveahosen, are not often heard in public or found
fomenting trifiing complaints for the purpose of
creating political agitation.
The past history of this world tells Us that all
religious sects are but too apt to strive for temper
al power both civil and religious and that the fol-
lowers OF the pope are in way exceptions to this
general rule. And the past and present history of
this nation shows that the enemies of this govern
ment have in no way so efectually ACCOMPLISHED
their purposes, as by appealing to this desire and
by ensting the aid and cooperation of the French
clergy, procuring through their influence the hos
tile interference Of the French government who
nave acted on their representations without en-
quiring into the facts. On this ground only can
we account for the fact that the minister of Pub
lie Instruction, the privy council and the legisla
ture, have been gravely called upon to listen to
complaints, and their time and patience exhausted
IN investigating alleged grievances of the trivial
and absurd character of these of which Your COM
! mittee have given the history. Your committee
beileve too, that most of these difficulties have
been caused by the unhappy selection on the part
of the French government, of their representative
at these Islands; and that if man of liberal
views and elevated character had been commission
ed IN his stead, no matter what his creed France
would never have assumed a hostile attitude nor
her naval commanders have committed unproyok-
ed acts OF outrage on our shores but that on the
contrary by his upright course our relations with
his government would have been placed and main-
tanned on most amicable and honorable footing
In illustration of such course your committee
would refer to the correspondence in the appendix
h. IN regard to the complaint Of the Mormon
preachers, where formal complaint made in their
behalf by the U. S. Commissioner for an alleged.
violation of their rights, was at once withdrawn
on its being pointed out to him, that the parties
had not proceeded in the manner provided by the
laws, in their manner Of presenting their griev-
ance"
Your committee approve of the suggestions of
the minister in regard to making constables and
soldiers liable to the school tax, and recommend
that the act which releases constables and soldiers
from the payment of the school tax be repealed
In concluding this report, your committee would
remark that in their view, the report of the Minis
ter of Public Instruction is most satisfactory one.
The schools of the Islands, both public and private,
Hawaiian and English, have never been in so pros
porous condition, and the increasing interest that
is manifested by both natives and foreigners, in the
cause of education, is subject of serious con-
gress prosperity and power of this little kingdom.
Respectfully submitted.
JAS. F. b. MARSHALL, Chairman