Polynesian., 1852-11-20
To American seamen in Honolulu.

1t is much to be regretted that serious dis
turbances have occurred in this town within
two days, in consequence of the death of a
seaman in the Fort by a fatal blow from a
policeman. The case should Justly excite
your sympathy for fellow seaman But
the attempt made, or threatened, to take the
offender out of the fort by violence and put
him to death without trial, and before even
the verdict of Coroner's Inquest was
known, is in the highest degree reprehensi-
Bile, and can never be tolerated in any civil
lied country. The criminal laws Of this
kingdom are modelled after those of the Uni
ted States, and like ours, are based on the
common law of england, which secures a
trial by jury to every man charged with q
capital or highly criminal ofltnse This
right can only be superseded by the procla-
nation of martial law; and American citI-
zcns should be among the very last TO tram
pie it under, for 1t Is vital principle of their
own liberty, and the security of life, limb,
| and property. The offender in this case has
been arrested and committed to prison He
will be tried by due course of law; and
am not aware OF any reason for doubling
that justice will be done as promptly here as
it would be in Boston or New York. He is
IN the custody of the Marshal whose sworn
duty it is to keep him and bring him into
court safely for trial.
The Marshal is bound to do this, though it
NAV cost hundreds Of lives. And the gov
eminent of the islands is bound to back him
with all the force il can command If the
king should fail to do this, he would not de-
serve to be recognized as an independent
sovereign, as he has been by the United
States and the most powerful nations of Eu-
rope. In resisting tumultuous violence his
government is in the strict performance of its
duty, and deserves your support, and not
your opposition, as it deserves the support
of all considerate men, and especially of the
foreign residents, which | am glad to see it
received most effectually yesterday and last
night. The government of the United States
and the king of these islands have treaty
of peace, which am charged to see faith
fully executed They are happily on the
most friendly terms. You are not in an en-
emy's country, but among people who
would be glad to look upon you as friends
and protectors. trust you will still deserve
to be so regarded.
But the conclusion cannot be resisted T. at
there are some bad men among you instiga-
ting you to mischief The contiagrailon of
Wednesday night is a painful proof of this
1t is known to be the work of incendiaries.
| should be deeply mortified to find any of
them should be Americans, but whoever
they are, l call upon all American citizens,
whether on ship or shore, TO assist in identi-
fying them, and bringing them to condign
punishment. 1t is solemn duty which
Americans owe to themselves, to the good
faith of their own country, as well as to the
Government here, which is endeavo-ing by
all its means to protect the property OF for
eign residents. and guard the vast CONNER
cal interest which comes to these islands
for shelter, refreshment and business.
The kindling of incendary fires is a crime
of the blackest dye, and deserves the most
prompt and severe punishment. Trusting
that you will yourselves assist to suppress
all disorders in future, and aid in bringing
the guilty to that punishment which the pub
lie safety imperiously requires.
l, am your friend and obedient servant,
LUTHER SEVRANCE,
Commissioner of U. S. Of America.
Honolulu, Friday, Nov. IL, 1852.