The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1858-03-18
THE PACIFIC
Commercial Advertiser.
MARCH Is.

| enioy the entertainment-neither of which edif-
cs furnish a hall of adequate capacity, or is
adapted in all respects to the wants or tastes of
the community. That such a hall is needed, is
confessed by ali. But when we come to inquire,
hoo it is to be provided, and ehere are to be
obtained the funds, we find a difference of opin-
ion, which becomes greater as we discuss our
ability to undertake and successfully carry for
ward the enterprise. And when the still more
practical question is advanced, what each indi-
vidual is willing to pledge towards it, doubts are
raised in regard to the utility, and its benefits
even become a matter of doubt and perhaps in
difference.
A Public Hall cannot be built without cost.
To talk of it, therefore, implies that ways and
means for its erection, must be provided. But
Moneybags, who cares more for his two per cent.
a month, than for the literary entertainment of
either himself or the public, silly hints that the
enterprise will cause the bankruptcy of half the
town. Croakers there will be in every public
undertaking, who aim To dampen its success.
The erection of a public edifice IN a day would
no doubt impose q burdensome tax on the COM
munity. But cannot some plan be originated,
which, while it enlists the public interest. shall
result in supplying us with the much needed in
stitution, without making it a burden? ltmigbt
be the work of years. bat need not on that account
be any the less valued.
1t has been suggested that the erection of n
Monumental Hall to the memory of Capt. JAMES
Cook. the discoverer of these islands, would be
an enterprise that would enlist the aid and CO.
operation of many here and abroad. Among his
countrymen are, doubtless, many abroad who
would cordially unite in erecting some fl testi-
monial to his fame; while it becomes almost the
duty of resident foreigners, if not of the aborigines,
to raise a monument to that nowne navi-
gator, whose tragic death occurred on their soil.
Such a monument might cost more or less, accord
ing to the amount secured for the object. But
it seems to us that were some of our prominent
citizens to become interested in this matter, a
plan might be devised which would secure the aid
and lib~erality of many in England and America,
who are connected IN business relations with
these islands, and that the sum of twenty-five or
thirty thousand dollars might with no great effort
be raised for this purpose. If the edifice were
planned to combine 4 large assembly room, read
ing and debating rooms, with a public library,
the interest attaching 10 such a noble institution
would be still more marked and cordially respond
ed to. The subject is one worthy of public dis
custom.
The lecture on Friday evening last reminded
many of the need of an appropriate public hail.
Many went away for want of seats, while others
were deferred from attendance from a fear of the
house being over crowded. Again a church is
hardly the place for popular lectures, at least
this was felt to be SO, when the announcement
was made after the first spontaneous applause
which greeted the lecturer as he appeared before
the audience, on the above evening, that perfect
silence must be kept Popular assemblages, like
individuals, delight TO express their emotions to
restrain them, when occasion calls for a burst of
applause, only serves to disgust and weary them.
Popular lectures are everywhere considered fit oc-
casions for the expression of popular approval.
Hence the lecture last week appeared to many
unusually dull not the fault of the speaker, for
an ADLER one could not be obtained nor was the
fault in the subject, for it was one of special in
terest, though some of the positions taken by
the speaker did not coincide with the views
of all present but the lecture was called dull,
mainly, perhaps, from the decorum enjoined.
The applause given to a public lecturer is but an
expression Of the emotions of the audience, and
generally enlivens both the nearer and the speaker.
A church edifce is hardly the place for popular
.assemblages, but when given up to their use. pop
ular usage should be allowed TO prevail in them.
The lecture before the Honolulu Iycenm, on
Friday evening last, by the Hon. David l.. Gregg,
was IN able and lucid digest of the subject,
So The Position of Aliens resident in Foreign
Countries and was listened to with fixed atten-
ton by the crowded and highly respectable au-
dience. Mr.. Gregg, in commencing his lecture,
which We regret that our space will not allow US
TO print entire, paid n deserved compliment to
the Lyceum Association, and remarked that Ho-
nolulu imperatively needed a public library
one that should be open TO all ciasse-where the
standard works Ct writers upon subjects of gem
eral interest could be consulted and studied.
The subject which he had chosen was perhaps a
dry one, and he had no new or original sugges-
tons TO make, but the declaration Of old and well
established principles which had long since been
stated by elementary writers. He then stated
the rights and privileges of independent nations,
wherein, in comparison, he remarked that a
dwarf was as much of a man as a giant. In
regard to the rights of person and property, each
state, it had been settled by all respectable text
writers, was the proper and sole authority within
its own jurisdiction, both in regard to natives
and aliens, for all were regarded as subjects so
long as they resided within that jurisdiction.
The laws of different countries with regard to
aliens holding real property were stated, and a
comparison drawn between such countries and
these islands, where the utmost freedom was al
lowed in such matters, as well as in all others
pertaining to alien residence. The subject of
naturalization was touched upon. There were
still countries which refuse to concede in theory
the right of expatriation, but that right had
been clearly settled, and it included with it the
right of a transfer of allegiance. A change of
domicile or residence carried with it for the time
being a change Of allegiance, for a foreigner
owes to the laws of the country an obedience as
full and as perfect as does the native. While
reside in Rome, we must be governed as the