The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1856-08-14
ADDRESS
Of j. f. b. Marshall, Pres. r.. III. l.. Soc.

GENTLEMEN OF THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN AGRIcULTU-
RAJ SOCIETY -
1t is rendered my duty under our Constitut ion to
make he-Annual Report of the state of our Society,
its transactions, and its prospects.
AT our last annual meeting, the Hon. W. L. Lee. at
that time, our esteemed and efficient President, was
absent on a mission to the U. S., which had for its
principal object the negotiation of a Treaty of Recip-
rocity, that should relieve US of the heavy duties now
imposed ON some of our principal productions, and
thus give q much needed stimulus to Hawaiian agri-
culture.
As you are already aware, that mission was emf
nently successful, and the treaty now only awaits the
action of the u. S. Senate to go into effect. am as
sured by Mr.. Lee, that the Treaty viii without doubt
be ratified by the Senate. tits hoped and believed
that its operation viii attract foreign capital to our
shores, which, by developing more fully the agricul-
tural resources of the Islands, shall create a large
export, and thus raise this nation from its present tor
pid condition to a state of comparative prosperity.
The past year has been one of almost unprecedent-
eel financial embarrassment in this community, and
though the commercial interests have been the most
seriously affected, yet the agricultural interests have
also heavily suffered.
The great depreciation in the prices of improved
Real Estate, both In town and country, is an indica-
ton that the evil is deeply seated and will not speed
lily be removed. Our Society has felt in no Slight
degree, the benumbing influence of the general de-
preston and we meet to-day under circumstances
of great Encouragement, and with prospects dimmed
and clouded.
From various causes, We have been deprived of the
counsel and aid of several of our earliest and most
eftclent members and in a small community like
this, the loss of even one advocate is seriously felt.
The Hon. w. Lee, who may be termed the founder
OF this Society, who was for FIVE years its President.
and was energetic and untiring in his efforts in its
behalf, is now prevented by confirmed i'll health from
aiding us with his counsel and his presence. God
grant that such a measure of health at least may be
restored to him, as Will enable him to continue his
valuable labors in this community, for I know that
without the ability to be useful to his fellow men, life
itself will become a burden to him.
Another of our first members and Jealous suppor-
tiers has been taken from Us. Stephen Reynolds, ESQ.
one OF our oldest residents. and. who was long one of
our Wealthlest citizens, driven to the verge of bank
ruptcy by pecuniary emoarrassments, has become a
lnnatic. His charities were ample, and many have
found IN him a s. friend IN need We can only hone
for his speedy restoration.
Others of our most efficient members have been
compelled by pecuniary difficulties to give up agri-
cultural pursuits, and abandon their hard fought
helds,' at enormous sacrifices, to seek some more re-
munerative occupation. The sugar plantation of Mr..
Reynolds on Maui, on which he he'd expended nearly