Washington sentinel., 1854-06-22
c0rrespondsnao ). lhs Boston Posi-.
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, OAHU,
Honolulu. March ~. 1854

HonoLulu, March ~, 1854.
My last letter to you was written under date
of February u, since then the town has been
in state of excitement on the subject of an
nexation of these islands to the Untcd States
Rumors have been current among the natives
that the king and chiefs were to be massacred
by the foreigners, that the islands were to be
annexed to the United States, the natives we're
to be made slaves, and many other ridiculous
statements set ahoat by the foreigners opposed
10 annexation, for the purpose OF prejudicing
the chiefs and natives against the Americans,
and in q measure success has crowned their
efforts.
Much pains have been taken by the .ieao for
eigners opposed to annexation to make the
chiefs and natives believe that in case his ma
jesty should consent to annexation the Ameri-
can government would receive the islands aud
make the natives slaves, and they have fully
succeeded in convincing many; the fact of
Hallileo, one of their chiefs, having been turned
away from the table on board u steamboat,
when travelling in the United States, on &C.
count of his color, has been cited to prove to
them that the Americans would not respect
them, and they would be treated as negroes.
The most intelligent do not believe these re-
ports, but they are in doubt as to the treatment
they would receive from the Americans in the
event OF annexation.
A petition, signed by twenty-seven hundred
natives, has been presented TO The king, beg
ging him not to consider annexation to the
United States, giving, as the only reason, that
they were fearful the Americans would make
slaves OF them. A native newspaper has been
started, called the "Ka M Hou,n edited by
Mr.. j. Fl. Marsh; it is in favor of annexation,
and is ably conducted; it meets well the false
statements made by The Englishmen concern
ing the Americans, and will have beneficial
effect. The next number will contain a trans
laton of a speech made in Congress by Mr..
Washburn, on the subject of annexing these
islands to the United States, and as the speech
mentioned the natives in very complimentary
terms, and as he spoke adversely to annexing
these island, only on the basis that it should
be the unanimous wish of the people of the
islands, it will undoubtedly operate well on the
minds Of the people. A native meeting was
held last evening for the purpose of discussing
the subject OF annexation; and speeches were
made by Alexander Tiholiho, the heir appa.
rent G. 2. Judd, and many natives. Dr. Judd
spoke very strongly in favor of annexing. Al
exander stated there had been much said about
revolutions, but that he was not at all alarmed.
This nation had treaties with the United States
England and France, and certainly there was
no fear of the independence ofthe nation being
molested by either of those nations. 1t was his
wish the nation should remain independent as
long as possible, and in his opinion it could
maintain its independence for some time to
come. As soon as it became evident to his
mind that the nation must seek ,protectorate,
then he should hold up both hands for annexa
ton to the great republic, but his object in
speaking was to assure the natives that the
islands should not be annexed without their
consent, and to express the wish. of the king
that the natives should discuss the subject fully
and make up their minds as to what was best
before called upon to act. Most of the speeches
were against annexation at present, but all
we're in favor of annexing in the event Of the
nation not being able to maintain its independ
ence. The meeting adjourned to Tuesday
evening next, after passing resolution to hold
a meeting weekly for the purpose of discussing
the subject.
have mentioned that there is opposition to
annexation among the foreigners. should
say that there are very few foreigners opposed
to it, and only such as are influenced by the
English or French consuls. Most of the Eng.
ligh, French, and Germans are in favor Of an.
nexation, aud, III fact, the ex:consul of France,
Jules Dudoit, has placed his name on the pc
tition for annexation. M. Perrin, the present
consul for France, says and does all he can to
oppose annexation. He is much dissatisfied
with the present government, and would be
pleased to see any change but annexation. He
thinks that the United States, France, and
England, should form joint protectorate for
the islands to be governed under, each govern
ment to be represented in the cabinet.
The 18th being the birthday anniversary OF
the king, it was observed as holiday; the
troops were reviewed at Waikiki by Lieutea-
ant General Prince Liholiho, and in the eve.
ming their majesties held a levee at the palace,
which was well attended. The presentations
by Mr.. Allen, the minister of finance, were
made until halfpast o'clock. Anime o'clock
the party retired to the supper-room, where
bounteous repast was laid out, and at halEpast
8 dancing commenced, which was kept up until
II, when the visitors retired.
SHAWMUT.