Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1852-01-03
For the Polynesian.

Mr.. EDIroR.-Mr Wyllie tells us in his COM
munication on which remarked in my last that
"to prohibit the natives from converting their I'll
root into beer spirits, restricts their industry,
and deprives them of all the profits they might
make by their sale for expectation" Now l have
something to say on the subject of Ha,caiian in
dustry and profit connected with the manufacture
of I'll root into beer, or spirits. The subject is
one of so great importance that l trust you will
give me hearing, and on my part, promise to be
as brief as possible.
Mr.. Wyllie will testify, think, that none among
us have been more ndefatigable in their efforts to
make the Hawaiians an industrious people than the
friends of Temperance mean the Teetotalers.
Adopting their motto ''diligent in business"
they have earnestly inculcated upon all classes
the duty of aboring in their several spheres, and
thus of of'providing for honest things not only in the
sight of the Lord, but in the sight of men," They
have also directed the attention of the people to
the decision of Apostle, that eff any would not
work neither should he eat" l for one, Mr. Editor,
claim that according to my ability, have done as
much as any other man, ,and am doing as much to
make this nation an industrious one.
Still, contend that Industry is virtue and a
blessing only when rightly directed. 1t may be
directed into channels of business which would i'm
poverish and well nigh ruin both individuals and
the community. Need specify the growing of
opium, or the planting of poisonous roots. Men
might be industrious in things proftless those
described by Cowper, who spend life in "letting
buckets into empty wells, and growing old in draw
ing nothing up.r Who has not heard from the
highest authority of men who earn wages ''to put
it into a bag with holes"
Every thing then, repeat, depends upon the di-
recton given TO industry. If rightly directed; If
turned into channels of public good, private vir-
tue; if made to furnish the means of nations in
telligence and comfort; nations happiness at
home and responsibility abroad, and this without
impairing the same benefits in other communities,
then industry is cardinal virtue, rich blessing,
beyond all praise But if, on the other hand, indus
try is ill directed though, it may show the brawny
arm, the blistered hand and the bent shoulders of
labor, it is scarcely less worthless than the huge
arms and the endless catter Of the windmill dis
connected from all machinery; or worse, it may be
very Cyclops dealing in its blind fury, its blows
indiscriminately on friends and foes.
Now to the case in hand. Allowing for argu-
ment's sake, that the planting of Ii and the con-
verting of it into beer or spirits, would increase
greatly the industry of Hawaiians, would this ask
be giving to industry right direction? Would
it be analogous in any degree to filling the land
with wheat and corn with vegetables and fruits !;
with cattle, Sheep and goats; with school houses,
churches, and private dwellings, Of durable materi
ais? To ask the question is all that need be done.
Would it be as harmless as the drawing up of emp
ty buckets or the putting of money into bags with
holes? Nay, verify if the past history of the bust
ness gives anything like true index to its fruits
the removing of the prohibition to engage in this
business, would be like converting now quiet
people into very fends, and commissioning them to
spread dismay, wretchedness and death through
the length and breadth of this goodly land
Thus much allowing that the manufacturing of
ti-root by Hawaiians would increase their industry
But this can by no means be allowed. Who that
has ever lived in the neighborhood of distilleT
OF brewery car believe for moment that the re-
establishment of distilleres breweres would In
crease the industry of the Hawaiians? In the first
place. no truly respectable man, man Of christian
principle, would be found willing to engage in any
way in the business, either By selling the I'll OF by
aiding in the work Of converting it into poison,
for such they all declare it to be. Talk to such Al
man of profits made aby sale for expectation ?"-
What, manufacture to sen what they know to be q
lbaneful poverty, woe, death procuring, soul ruin
ing beverage! Mr.. Wylhe may scout, ifhe will
though assure him that he deeply grieves and
shocks many who have been his warm friends l
saw he NAV scout the idea that ITO export such az
.;cles is snful'n but be may be assured that none
but those who love the good creature" win be
moved by his sneers. The time is near when no
man of principle, no man who stands upon his re-
pu.ation will engage in the manufacture or sale Of