The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1861-10-24

Pl!awai is mostly untiliable lava. and consequently
would not be as advantageous Is might at first be
supposed from its extent. Furthermore, there is not
q single stream OF spring in this district, and it Is
with much difficulty that the people manage TO get
enough Of drinking water. Sometimes they have
brought water from Lahaina, aud lugged it four
miles from the beach 70 their homes in Palawai valley.
But with all these disadvantages, they have been
particularly healthy, and al the church would rejoice
If they could be gathered together on Lanai. In that
case, with a large force Of labor, l think that water
could be brought probably, TO irrigate the valley.
from Il little stream near the NV. extremity Of the
islani-but I cannot be positive about the practical
bihty Of this undertaking. At any rate, some water
for various purposes. though not very good, can be
obtained by blasting out rock in the mountains. The
poor Mormons get about SIX gallons Of water from 4
few hollows in rocks. which are dry during the day,
but exude this much during the night, and this is
the chief drinking supply for all this people. But
they have large numbers Of goats and use some milk,
and eat fresh goats meat and mutton, with sweet
potatoes, instead Of exclusive poi and salt fish.
| design to submit q proposition TO the Government
in relation TO the settlement of a large portion Of His
Majesty's Mormon subjects upon Lanai, after certain
tests have beer made for a supply Of water. 1t is
my intention TO visit Lanai next week. l have been
there once before.
Your Excellency makes some remarks relative to a
supposed intention Of persuading His NIajesty's sub
jects TO emigrate to other islands Of the Pacific or
Indian Oceans. The very reverse of this has occu-
pied my mind. | have supposed that many ;hous-
auds Of POlynesiaus and MaIaysians might be induced
TO ~emigrate to this group and this is a matter which
| know could be accomplished. if it was deemed desir-
able. My chief eNhOrtatiOns TO the natives have been
with q view 10 inspire them with a hope Of national
life. | tell the most intelligent, again and again, to
combat the despair that the booming voice Of the
most OF foreigners would inspire them with. am
positive that IN tine Mormon organization there is TO
be met with the most of this national hope, the
strongest attachment to the King. and the most
ardent desire for the perpetuation OF a native Hawai-
ian dynasty. At the request Of the Mormons, | fur
nished them with the design for u church emblem or
banner, for their festive occasions, and | gave them
he simple design Of eight stars in a circle, for the
group, and the word ola, life, in the center.
| send you a copy of the religious principles that
have been substantially taught to His Majesty's sub
jec;s, now called MOrmons. This only differs from
the teaching in Utah. in being deficient in the incul-
cation Of pO!ygamy. | do not believe that this doc
trine has ever been preached to the natives of these
Islands. 1t is never taught in Europe, nor in any
)ther country outside of Utah and Furthermore,
according to the principles of Mormonism, it never is
70 be taught or permitted TO be practised anywhere
outside the precincts Of the Zion of the church, and
here only 10y n certain order of the priesthood.
| shall not tresp. 80 more on your attention ut this
line but | shall be ready TO furnish you with any
relative TO my movements and observa-
ions on these islands. l will venture to say on this
ccasion, that no other stranger who ever entered His
Ilajesry's dominions could have formed n more lively
egard for His person, n stronger sympathy with the
naintainance OF His sovereignty, or "A more ardent
for the perpetuatiOn and prosperity of His race
nd dynasty. This | have felt, and this | have +
Uttered, and l I'M seeking no personal advantage
My heart is with Oceanican races. | was
on the ocean, and | have felt n sort of brother
with islanders, especially with the royal Malay,
nd his kindred, who reign and live here. | can y.
ford to be misunderstood, condemned or despised.
Or | have a heart and purpose to bide my time. |
are for no creeds, but for humanity, and love to
for those that are despised and have no friends.
My dear daughter, who is determined 10 share her
ither's labors and wanderings, joins me in warmest
for your person and am
Yours, very faithfully,
WALTER MURRAY GIBSON.