The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-12-01

VENGEANCE OR JUSTICE
From the Honolulu Advertiser. Sept. 2S.1
rumor has obtained currency, witch are forced
TO regard wellfoundcd that is purpose of
King abccatc bis throne and private life The
reasons assigned for nana' in the recent unfortunate
event at LaLana The simple announcement Of such
purpose will create deep feeling OF regret in the bosom
of every who cheshes the honor of Sovereign
Kanehameha desires the prosperity of his kingdom.
is unnecessary for here rehearse the details Of
the affair alluded to, which familiar TO each of
readers At the time of lis occurrence his Majesty ap
pears have been excited by the false reports which
had heard TO degree which, had his suspicious been
well grounded public sentiment would have fully justified
and acquitted him OF evil intent He believed he act
ing on sufficient grounds-hat his information
iablethat his own personal honor, the honor Of his
that in shooting hts secretary, he simply melting out
that justice which public sentiment, had these
been known TO the public, would have imperiousy de-
manded. Subsequent investigation has shown that he was
misinformed, and that his informants had no valid
grounds for the reports which had been communicated
to him. On learning the facts they exsted-that
had acted rashy and without usfable cause in taking
The law thus hastily into his own hadshe has been
whened with self con domination, and his feelings can
I better be imagined than described.
Naturally Of quick temperament he appears to have
acted without that caution which should have been ex-
ercised in the matter and without seeking the proof
necessary to confirm his suspicious Those who per-
sonay acquainted with our King know that his dispose
persons holding the rank which he does and this rash
act has been followed have full evidence before us
only by that pognancy Of grief which person Of the
most rein ceilings might be expected to experience
under like .rcumstances All the amends which it is
possible for person to make he has been willing to
make and informed that the fullest reconciliation
possible has been made between all the parties
cerned
We do not ignore the fact that this act Of hts Majesty
as has turned out Is in open contravenon Of the
Of God and man, which under pretext be justified
nor that the example Of the sovereign has powerful
fuence over the morals of his subjects, for good evil
Though the King is not under the constitution, amenabe
TO his laws, yet there is moral responsibility existing
between him and hspeope whchcalls for justification Of
every act equivocal tendency or else the influence OF
such Will be of his
The recent tragedy at Lahaina is, IN one sense, a
private affair and that account may say have
no right TO comment it. Yet at the tme in another
point Of view, it is equally public ONE and must have
public nnence and it in this light that feel called
on az public journalists to refer to it, Not being amenabe
TO the law what more his people ask Of the sovereign
nn that be seek 10 repair 10 the extent OF his power tho
injury which be has inflicted This he has done-he has
done all that they ask And the fact that he
seeks thus thoroughly to repair the injury, and
the STAN speaks more IN his praise than anything else he
could say or do. He has erredso all labl to
commit acts Of But II is the course pursued, after
ssch acts, and after the knowledge Of errors
which tohd TO elevate on degrade tho sight Il
| fellow men.