The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-06-11

rom The Report of the Minister of Public instruction
! am much indebted to the several District At
torneys, 4. Baker, Esq, of Hawaii, j. w. Austin,
ESQ., of Maui, A. B. Bates, Esq, Of Oahu, and G.
Rhodes, ESQ., OF Kauai for their valuable statistics
OF criminal convictions in the courts of their several
districts, and for the valuable letters Of two of the
above named gentlemen accompanying the same
Such statistics do not form perfect criterion it is
true OF the state of public morals on the Islands
as many offences against the law doubtless escape
detection. Yet they enable US to form toleraby
correct judgment on the subject. BY these returns
1t appears that the whole number of convictions for
crime In 1858, in all the courts, was 3lT3 or one to
about every twenty-thIec of the whole popula-
ton, and 100 more than were reported for the
year 1852.
OF the above convictions, ,059 were for drunk
enness55 less than We're reported for the previous
year; $50 were for fornication and adulterythat is
40 more than were reported during the previous
year; 100 were for disturbing the peace: 100 for
thefts and larceny AMI the remainder for gambling,
violating the Sabbath, and minor offences.
Let II be observed that, OF the 3,l73 convictions
for crime, the whole islands. 500, or nearly one
half were in the police courts of Honolulu: and az
I can ascertain about 600 occurred in the
police conrts Of Lahaina; making in all 2,06l or
nearly two thirds of the criminal convictions the
islands, In these two seaports, confirming what has
been often stated tina. these the great hotbeds
Of vice on the islands. Purify the populous towns.
and you purify the nation How can it be done 7
Where is the wise man who will devise the proper
meansi
One OF my respected colleagues has introduced a
bill during several successive meetings of the Legs
atuIe, for discouragng prostitution by preventing
young females of the more remote districts from
visiting the seaports without pass. The bill has
been rejected as often presented, on the ground
Of its unadaptedness TO meet the case, also of
it, imprnctcabity; but the subject referred by
the House OF Mobiles to the undersigned for further
consideration. 1t Is subject on which have be.
slowed much reflection for years, and confess my
sell very much of the opinion of Chief Justice Lee
expressed in his report of last year. that no law
can be framed on this subject that will be practi
cable and efficient, and not interfere too much with
the liberty Of the subject. II any remedy is ever
found for this tremendous evil that is fast consum-
ing the native race, it will be in the general moral
gress of Christian education and civilization, rather
than in legislation which at best can only lop of
the branches, while the root remains.
have underworld TO ascertain by circulars ad-
dressed TO all the School Inspectors throughout the
Islands, what proportion OF the natives use intoxi-
eating drinks and tobacco. The returns are by no
means satisfactory, and therefore win not attempt
70 give the results In full The following will be read
with interest:
On the Island of Molakai, with a native popula.
ton OF $3.50, only tw persons, native and one
foreigner, are reported as having been intoxicated
during the year 1858; and no habitual drinkers of
spirits- 5o3 My are reported using tobacco on
that Island. In the fourth and fifth School district
on Kauai, with population of 2,0l3, not case Of
drunkenness is reported in 1858, and no habitual
drinkers. There are - foreigners in the district
population Of about 200 natives, only four are re-
ported M given to strong drink, and five foreigners
On the Island OF Niihau, population 700, all ma
tves, not one person is reported as using intoxi-
eating drinks; 3l7 use tobacco. In the first district
OF Maui, the Lahaina district. with a population of
1884 natives, ISL are reported as habitual beer
drinkers to excess, and 500 use tobacco. In part
OF the second district on Maui-that is, from Wal.
nee 70 Wakapu, 303 natives and foreigners are re-
ported "a using intoxicating drinks and l,OlI use
tobacco.
The above statistics are no, wholly reliable, and
can only be regarded as an approximation to the
truth. or the other districts have not received
reports on these subjects.
The total amount a intoxicating drinks consumed
on the Islands in 1863 was IA ,669 gallons or O66
gallons more than were consumed during the
year 1852.
By those most acquainted with the natives, their
nveterate habits of Incidence are still regarded
the source OF vast deal Of their immortality
Being unwilling to work, they arc apt to resort to
any means, however reprehensble, for obtaining a
livelihood.
have heard, also, judges of courts complain much
OF the practice OF false swearing among natives
Some very marked instances have come TO nv own
knowledge
But on the WHOLE the state of public morals "a re-
ported by the school inspectors and district attor
neys cannot be said TO be bad on the Islands Life
property and reputation are as secure a. in most
Christian lands; and we are almost entirely free
from the more aggravated species of crimes snch az
robberies, murders, incendiaries and the like.
Deg tne attention OF the Legislature to the vau-
able suggestions Of Attorneys Austin and Baker in
regard to public morals in their letters herewith
submitted, particularly TO the common practice OF
married persons forsaking their partners on the
most trifng grounds thus breaking up domestic re-
huons and exposing the parties TO great temptation.
bave made an effort, by adore ssng circulars To
al the school inspectors Of the twenty-five districts
70 as.eItsln what proportion of the adult native
population, or Those say over sixteen years Of age,
are 2plc 70 read their own language but the re-
fu,f.
the basis Of very accurate calcula,...n The near