The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1857-06-11
HONOLULU


the rights of Hawaiian subject, without forfetng
those Of an American citizen, yet it was with reuc-
tance that he consented to remain, in what then
doubtless seemed narrow sphere of action compared
with the mighty West. But from the day Of his ac-
cepting Office under this government until that of his
death, he has served it with ZEAL industry, ability
and success, Of which history affords but few exam
pies.
1t Is impossible, within the limits of newspaper
article to do than aude to some of the eminent
services Of this extraordinary man; but however
duous were the duties of his particular depart
ment, anu they were never neg ected sghted, yet
whenever any of the wheels of government were
stopped or impeded, his shoulder was ready for
the emergency, and never was it applied IN vain. To
quote again from cotemporary, 'tIn undertaking
to reduce the Judiciary Department order and put
our courts of law into position to command respect,
he succeeded well indeed and the principal tribunal
over which he presided, acquired such a name for
WISDOM combined with probity not to be questioned,
that parties often left their with the Court
umpire of their own choice.''
AS President of the Board of Commissioners, he
performed responsible and most arduous labor AS
one of the Commissioners charged with the duty of
framing Constitution, he prepared the original
draft; task of no little magnitude, when
slider the incongruous elements to be united and
reconciled in its formation. The Penal Code and
many of the most important laws were drawn up by
him. AS one of the Commissioners to prepare new
Civil Code, he taxed his waning strength in his
labors with Judge Robertson on this work which his
death has left unfinished AS Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister Plenipoentiary to Washington, he ne
gOtiated Treaty of Reciprocity, which, if
frmed by the U. S. Senate. will confer great benefits
this kingdom For all these extra labors ar4luous
they were, to which he devoted the hours of day
and night which most men consider necessary for
Taxation and repOse, and under which his health
gave way, he steadily and repeatedly refused any adj
ditional compensation. The Privy Council and the
Legislature have in vain endeavored to force him
remuneration for his many voluntary and severe
labors; but his reply was that his salary Judge
was sufficiently liberal, and that he considered the
government which employed him, entitled to his
vices in whatever capacity they could be made
| full.
Mr., Lee possessed the entire confidence of both the
late and the present King; Ind more than
cason has His Majesty Kamehameha ". evinced his
appreciation of his services and his virtues, his ardent
attachment to his person, and his deep socitude for
his recovery.
| We have spoken thus far of Mr.. Lee a public
man, but sketch of his character would be incom-
virtues AS is rarely the his public and private
characters were in singular and beautiful harmony
No man has possessed the entire confidence of
many of all ranks and conditions, both among natives
and foreigners, as ne did. He was looked up to IA
the counsellor and guide of many who very
much his seniors in years, and among whom his loss
will be deeply felt throughout the group United to
his glowing benevoence and love for his fellow men,
he possessed the happy faculty of apprecatng at
the good qualities of those with whom he brought
in contact and of stimulating their exercise and de-
velopment. To his intimate friends he was ar
dent, warm-hearted and generous. Always ready
and anxious to them, his emnently unselfish
disposition rendered him unwilling receive any re-
turn. To such an extent did he carry this feeling
that though towards the close of his Illness his fail
ing strength and frequently recurring -turns rem
dered it necessary for him to have constant attention
yet he refused to allow any of his friends watch
with him. though they earnestly pleaded for the priv
ege. And it was not till the very night of his de-
parCure that he consented to have any other attend
than that of the faithful and cherished partner
| of his lot. In 1S49 he married Miss Catherine E.
Newton of Albany, New York. In her heavy be-
reavement words of comfort of little avail. But
/ it may be consolation to her to know that she
has the heartfelt sympathy of many friends,
and that her sorrow is in some measure shared by
those who found in the departed friend that stick
eth closer than brother.
Mr. Lee was the founder, and for several wears the
ETY.. and indefatgable in his efforts to promote
the cause Of agriculture. He was one of the most
efficient members Of the Board of Trustees of the
Sailors Home, the success of which was an object
very dear to his heart He President of the Ha-
waian Bible Society, strong friend of the temper
ance cause, and active and liberal promoter of all
benevolent religious Objects to the aid of which he
| brought the untiring zeal and energy that he
exhibited in his daily ayocatons. Most implicitly
did he follow in everything which he undertook the
scripture injunction, Sc whatsoever thy hands find to
do, do it ,oith all thy might. He was sincere and
humble Christian, and though making no display Oh
his pety, yet the tree known by its fruit and his
daily walk and conversation bore witness that he had
made the divine Master his pattern. He had not
united with any church here, that he hesitated to
confess his Savior before men, but because he had an
insuperabe objection to the adoption of any creeds
which he looked upon barriers of human inven-
ton, dividing Christians from each other. He bore
his severe and protracted sutferings without
muir, maintaining his characteristic cheerfulness to
the last, his only dread being that he should out
live his usefulness and become burden to his friends
To one of them who remarked to him that he seemed
very happy, he replied, eyes, am uery happy;
gliding peacefully down the stream of life gath
ering flowers from either bank as pass In such,
resigned and happy frame of mind did this eminent
man, having Sc set his house in orer,' await the ex-
pected summons. And though he had reached but
half the allotted "three years and en, yet in