The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1860-05-03

80
discouraged.
From these central English schools, teachers
would soon % forth to teach the English Ian
guage, perhaps a. fast as the progress of that
language over the group would render it prac-
ticabie for the masses 70 acquire it, or use il
when acquired, u thing essential 70 their retain
ing it.
But while we advocate the introduction of the
English language to the natives as speedily as
possible, and hope for great beneficial results
from it, especially if accompanied with proper
moral and religious instruction, We do not in
dulge the eXtrgyaGant expectations expressed by
some in regard To it. They are not warranted
by experience. Hawaiian history records the
names Of quite a number who have learned Eng
lish we'll, not only here at home, but abroad, but
few Of whom have. As vet, been blessings 70 their
nation, or an honor to their country. But the
knowledge Of it has not yet become sufficiently
extensive, fairly 10 test its operation upon native
society and reasoning a priori, no reasonable
man can fail TO admit, that the very labor Of
acquiring such a language must have the effect to
invigorate and discipline the mind, and elevate the
whole man. provided it be attended with proper
and religious training. without which no educa-
ton is complete-rather Is good but for little !;
and 50 much Of the business of the country is
now done in English. that for a native to he
without it is a most serious drawback to his ad-
vancement.
The remarks of the government editor on
donesiic education for native girls are very Just.
We subscribe to them. Here is perhaps our
greatest want, and it has been known and point
ed ont years ago; and after having spoken 50
strongly, we expected him to point out some ade-
quate and practicable method by which this great
national want might be met. But what does he
propose? That the female teachers be per-
mitted and encouraged to take into their families,
to be boarded and taught, as many Hawaiian
girls as they can well attend to, and for whose
board and tuition their parents are willing
to pay extra by special agreement RidicuLuS
mus -
Why every native girl in the kingdom can be
placed within one year in a process of receiving
just the domestic training she needs, provided her
parents are willing to pay for it. There is no
want of those who will teach native girls how to
DO house-work, of all kinds, with all the ordinary
accomplishments, and the English language, too,
for a suitable consideration. 1t is hard, selfde-
nying and expensive work, and those who do it
must live, must be paid. But here is the rub.
AHS fN'Sf NV' tHNo fot. IAON many ~
who have daughters are able to educate them at
the rate of 5000 to $500 a year? Very few in
deed. Girls they have, and they are willing to
give them up to be trained doHlcsGcaHy, but the
means are wanting,-the dollars, we mean. Sup
ply these, and the work will be done. But how
shall the means be provided for this necessary
work? We respectfully suggest, by a combined
effort of government, parents and philanthropic
individuals. This seems to be the plan of Mr..
Andrews, which the government editor does not
subscribe to but We do, although we do not sub
scribe to all his views on the subject.
y deep and widespread interest in the native
girls has already been awakened. Individuals,
at the head of them His Majesty and our no.
blc-lIearted Queen have contributed literally.
and several family schools" have sprung up and
doing their work. Let these, and schools
like them, be encouraged by thc government, in
every possible way.
Considerable reduction might he made in the
appropriation for the military, and also for the
Justice adopted, to cease paying salaries to dis
trict justices, and let Justices of the peace be ap-
and paid by the fees of office, and the
money thus saved he given to the support of En-
glish schools, and family schools for girls.
How many of these delightful little ''Elmily
schools might be supported, with the money
worse than wasted upon the expensive PoLyac-
establishment
In some states also, all fines for adultery and
rornication are given to support education, and
t mas been suggested that the same be done here.
The thought Is worthy of consideration. Some
might thus be added to the school rcvc-
iue, to aid the cause Of .CeD,GIe family cducation
throughout the kingdom.
These are only "a meagre outline Of our views,
n the all-imPortlnt subject of Hawaiian cduca-
ion Want Of space obliges US here to pause for
he present.