The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1857-01-08
THE PACIFIC
Commercial Advertiser.
THURSDAY. JANUARYS,

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ONE of the browning results of civilization in the
Hawaiian group is the fact that in no part of the
world does JUSTICE mete out her awards with a more
even balance than here. High and low, rich and
poor, young and old-all who are brought before
her, especially in the higher courts of the King
dom, receive their award with a fairness which,
though it may not always carry satisfaction, always
carries with it the conviction that it is impartial. 1t
is this fact, perhaps, that, in a great measure, gives
to our community and our kingdom the quiet which
we enjoy. Laws are nowhere of use unless they can
be carried out and a court of justice is no court at
all unless it can maintain and enforce the right in
every case brought before it. Those who enjoy the
repose and quiet of our community, little think how
much of it is owing to the superior judicial privileges
enjoyed here, and to the g master hand'' who has so
long had charge of this department in these islands.
We doubt whether there has been a chief justice in
any part of the world whose decisions have brought
more universal respect in the community where he
was placed, than the Hon. VIM. L. LEE of the Supreme
Court, now absent on a voyage for his health. We
have no doubt that the respect which has been gained
for our Supreme Court and its decisions, will be fully
maintained by Justice ROBERTSON, acting as Chief
Justice in the absence of Mr.. Lee. His remarks at
the opening of the Court, on Monday last, struck all
his hearers as being so unusually appropriate, that
we have requested a copy for insertion below:
GENTLEMEN Gathered together, as we are this
morning, preparatory to entering upon the discharge
of our various duties, at the opening of the first
term of a new year, it Will not, | trust, seem out OF
place for me to make a few remarks suggested by
the occasion.
The faithful administration of the laws, and the
due administration of justice, as well between man
and man as between the commonwealth and the in
dividual, lie. at the very foundation of our peace, oul
happiness and our general welfare, whether as indi-
viduals or as a community.
In sustaining the regular administration of Justice
you, who have been summoned, as good and true
men, to discharge the responsible duties of a s jury
of the country have q highly important part tt
perform. Indeed, 1 might almost say, that, upor
your intelligence and integrity, in the discharge O
the sacred trust reposed in you, rests the preserva,
ton of our lives, our liberties, cur worldly interest.
and our dearest earthly hopes.
To you, then, l would say, as ye enter the portals
of this Hall of Justice, come not hither but will
clean hands and with pure hearts ; the spot WHEREOF
you stand is sacred shake off from your feet thu
binding dust of the busy, self-seeking world that lie.
without dispel from your minds the last corrodine
remnant of prejudice and passion, and prepare your
selves to enter calmly, intelligently and impartial,
upon the investigation and adjudication of the severa
issues that may be laid before you. With whatsoever
measure you mete out justice to others, justice will
when you are concerned, be meted out to yourselves
Remember, therefore, the golden rule, and sd.
justice unto others as ye would that they should d
justice unto you" By the c~ircumspect Performance,
OF your duty as jurors, in passing upon the rights
and interests of private parties litigant, involved il
civil controversies before you by the staunch main
tenance of law and good order in the country wher,
your lot has been cast, and where many of you will