The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1858-09-02
TIE PACIFIC
Commercial Advertiser.
THURSDAY, ?.

TIE salute of one hundred guns on Monday
evening last, was the Spontaneous outburst OF
public feeling ON the action OF His Majesty in
declining to ratify the treaty with France. 1t
was a popular demonstration of JOY on the defeat
of the efforts of the Ministry TO enslave our Sover-
eign, disperse our commerce, and cripple all our
national prosperity. ltis a public condemnation
of the course of the ministry as marked and severe
as any that has ever been shown in this OF any
other country, and it will be well if they heed
the V, ice which ina been uttered.
The history of this treaty, 50 far as known, is
briefly told. After every former overture had
been rejected ON one side OF another, it was
thought by our ministers Or. C.. Wyllie and Z.
IL. Allen, then Minister vi Finance) to strike out
In 4 new line and concede what was asked by
the French Minister. The original draft of this
French treaty is understood to have been drawn
up by the latter gentleman. This document, as
approved and signed by the Kings Minister of
Foreign Affairs and the French Commissioner,
was sent to Paris for the approval Of the Emperor,
by whom it was signed and returned to these
islands in May last, for the action of this Govern
ment. The time fixed by agreement at which
their action should be made known was the 18th
of August, and as that day fell on Sunday, it WAS
extended TO the Both. The treaty was laid before
the Privy Council, and some weeks ago-in July
We believe-the committee of that body to which
it was referred reported to the Council that it
was unwise and inexpedient to ratify it. During
the last month, and particularly during the past
week, it has been the subject of frequent pro-
tracted sessions, at all of which it has met with
warm opposition from a majority of the Council,
-
.tlemen named as its originators. who, we under
stand have made lengthy speeches of from FIVE to
seven hours to show the erpediency of ~ratifying
the treaty. This, we believe, has been the main
ground of their On Saturday after
noon, a vote was taken by the Council, after a
lengthy discussion, and We are informed that it
stood six in favor of the treaty, and ten or eleven
against it. The following are reported to have
voted in favor :-R. C. Wyllie, Minister of For
eign Affairs; D.. l.. Gregg, Minister of the Urea
sury f.. H.. Allen, Chief Justice Prince Lot
Kamehameha Charles G. Hopkins, Editor of the
Polynesion; and G. Kanaina-six in all. We
have already given the substance of the objection
able articles of the treaty, on which the injunc-
ton of secrecy still remains. When this injunc-
ton is removed, we understand it will be made
public.
Thanks to the wisdom and sound judgment of
the King, whose sovereignty was sought to be
pawned away to establish the reputation of a
Minister-thanks to the native chief members Of
the Council. whose honesty, good sense and loyalty
has put TO shame the recreant Ministers-thanks
to Judge Robertson, VIM. Webster, and Messrs.
Rookie and Armstrong, who have opposed with
truly loyal hearts and with unyielding voice the
perhdious supporters of the treaty-thanks to all
these, the star of hope still beams above the
horizon.
Our readers well know that we have, for the
past few weeks, opposed tie ratification of this
treaty . for reasons OF state, . and that our course
has been in full harmony with public opinion.
And the public have good cause TO be joyous ct
the FINAL result. Especially when it i considsred
hat ~ treaty, objectionsble - Il = IN itssaf,