The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-01-24
FROM THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.
MAKAwAo, MAUI, HAWAIIAN ISLANDS,

MAKAwAo, MAUI, HAWAIIAN ISLANDS,
October %, 1855.
To TIE Editor of de National Era:
You may have heard that near the close of
the regular session of the Hawaiian Legisla-
ture, in June last, there was collision between
the Upper and the Lower House. 1t was pain
full, in itself considered, and alarming, but l
hope it may all result in good to the nation.
Ny earnest desire is for the highest good of
the Hawaiian nation-the honor and prosperity
of rulers and ruled. | heartily and manfully
opposed the measure of annexation. | rejoice
in the defeat OF this measure. 1t would have
brought speedy ruin to the Hawaiian race Still,
never supposed that non anne Ration Of the ISL
ands 10 the United States would, of necessity.
save the Hawaiian race from extinction |
had no confidence in man-none in Chiefs
My only hope was, and is, in God. On the
death of kamehameha III, did not feel that
there was any particular cause Of alarm in re-
gard to the destiny OF the nation. Nor did
feel at all elated on the accession of kameha-
meha ". felt somewhat at ease in relation to
the annexation question, but | knew that the
destiny of the nation depended, under God,
upon the course pursued by the young King
His professions of attachment to his people
were liberal, but time will show whether he will
prove them sincere-whother he will he q wise,
discreet, and faithful ruler. Some of his late
movements have alarmed and disturbed us ex-
ccedingly.
Among the appropriations for Government
purposes, made ut the regular session OF the
Hawaiian Legislature, was one Of S56, 900, for
the support OF a military force You can see
that this was all a foolish waste / regard such
an appropriation rs much worse than mere
waste. though this is bad enough 1t is wick
Ell wrong inflicted on the nation ia their power
~. That men and women, who have. many of
them, scarcely change OF raiment, should be
taxed to purchase lace and feathers to decorate
a lazy set of fellows about Honolulu, is not
simply ridculous-it is absolutely cruel and
wicked. am happy to say, that at the last
extra session--the short one, of July and Au-
gust-the $4,000 was reduced to $4,000.
At present, everything must give place to
| military affairs. The tax gatherers are Just
| now going from door to door, calling for money
| to keep the wheels Of government in motion,
and | am mistaken if many are not distressed
in consequence. But nothing can be done for
the Improvement of the people, not even the
carriage of q mail. About four or five weeks
ago, mail was started from Lahaina to this
place. So, also, in other parts of the Islands
Provision was made for this at the last session
| of the Legislature. Now, to see how little re.
| gard Is to be had to the enactments, allow me
TO quote from letter Of Mr. Whitney, our
worthy postmaster: 81 am sorry to have to
state TO you that am ordered by the powers
mat be to suspend the mail carriers on all the
| Islands. They will therefore cease on and
after the 3lst of October.
I" After having labored to get this orea,
Improvement of civilization introduced into ON,
kingdom, and having had it in operation here
IN Oahu Just long enough 10 see the real bene
ut 1t confers, to have the whole knocked on tn,
head, because all the money in the treasury il
wanted to deck ont Mr.. Wyllie's gewgaw sol
diery-1 say, after all this, it stirs up ONE
blood" dc. sour Legislature he adds
wisely passed a bill to provide for mail car
riers, but forgot to provide money to pay TO
them. The next supplies the deficiency, when
10! the ministerial taboo is promulgated. |
reminds one of the mountain Travelling, &c
Well so wags the world, at least that portion
of 1t bounded by the limits of Hawaii nei.
So writes our worthy postmaster. Great is tn
Indignation of all who see this movement.
October 3OM.-You may have heard tina
Old Pele is of late making great ado, an
causing multitudes to direct their ewes to til
seat of her operations. / shall not be surprise
to hear that the eyes of some of our friends o
Hawaii affect their hearts. In other words. Kils
wa, the volcano at the base of Mauna Loa, ha
! for some time been in a state of tremendou
action, and the whole mountain seems to syn
J pathize with the throes of its neither regior
Rivers of melted lava have been lately see
rushing down her sides, filling extinguishe
craters, destroying forests, and drinking up tn
: rivers and streams, which they have encounte
ed in the path which they find or make for then
selves, on the way to the sea. l will not a
tempt to describe the terrific scenes which hav
| of late been witnessed on that Island. Som
one who saw all will communicate to the Amel
, lean public what will astonish all who read.
Need / say that our standing among sue
commissions of nature seems rather precsriou
We know not what day may bring forth i
relation to the future developments Of volcanoe
on which our little islands are built. Only e
teen miles from where now ait and write 70,
is probably the largest volcano in the worlc
True, it is at present extinguished; but II