Worcester daily spy., 1861-11-08
00}ortester Daily SpD.
THE PACIFIC ISLANDERS.


During the recent visit of Rev. S. C. Damon
to the far western islands of the Pacific, of
which he gave an interesting sketch in a letter
published a short time since, he went to the
Marshall Islands, and gives the following ac-
count of one of the representative men Of those
distant and rarely visited people;
KAIBUKE.
This is the name of one of the most re-
markable personages we met at Ebon. He is
sometimes spoken of as king, but that is
however far from being true. He is not even
so high chief as some others, or even his el-
der brother. On one occasion both he and his
brother visited Mr.. Doan, and we saw Kaibuke
take seat on the opposite side of the room
thus payiny marked Difference to that elder
brother. He is nevertheless an important
character among his people. We could not
learn as there was really any person who
could be officially denominated as his majesty,
or his imperial majesty, or the president. The
government of the islands is III the hands of
body OF naughty, imperious and unscrupulous
Chiefs whose caprices and whims are tile laws
of their domnons. Among these chiefs, Kai
buke has gained an ascendancy and influence,
in consequence OF his energy, tact, impudence
and adrOiness. He is a complete politician,
placed in a position TO carry his measures by
force, if they canuot be promoted by mildness
He is exceedingly jealous OF the teaching of
missionaries, yet has always maintained
friendly intercourse with them. This must
be said TO his credit, that he has always kept
his word that he originally made to DR.. Pier.
son, that he would protect the mission He
took DIR. Pierson for "his son." and Mr.
Doane "his friend, which is an expressive
method Of speaking in the language OF Ebon.
1t is also in his favor. that when the W01ning
Star first entered the lagoon of Ebon, in 1857,
he, aided by another chief prevented Ier be-
ing run ashore and pillaged, as no doubt some
of the chiefs and many of the natives intended
should have been her fate.
Kaibuke occupies the position of prime min
lister or secretary of state, although such
terms are foreign to the Ebon dialect. He was
at church the Sabbath morning we spent at
Ebon. The question was asked him in the
presence OF the audience if he would protect
additional missionaries, if they were sent to
Ebon He gave us his word that he would.
We could relate many stories which were
told respecting his duplcity, cruelty and lack
or trust worthiness, but we prefer to allow our
readers to remain in ignorance of the dark side
of his character. Kaibuke is no doubt more
or less implicated in some of those deeds of
blood which have perpetrated upon the Mar
shall Islands We hope however things better
for him in time to come. Those who have
gone thither as teachers have not failed to
point out to him the better way, or that the
eye of Jehovah is continually upon him, and
that he will be held responsible by the King
of kings
Kaibuke takes Ills name from that of a ship
in the language of New Zealand. Several
years ago ship from the south seas visited
the islands, The ship was called Kaibuke so
he took that name. Another chief took the
name of Capt Terry, from the name of the
commander OF the vessel.
We visited Kaibuke's residence, and found
him surrounded by his wives, (of whom he
has four, and his eleven children, most of
whom could not be said TO be encumbered with
a superabundance of clothing He is man
apparently about fifty five Years Of age, with
countenance indicative Of energy and good
nature, although not of nobleness and magnan-
unity. We account him however remarka-
ble man, and if not too old to learn, we hope
to hear better reports of him hereafter
The following incidents may serve to illus.
trate the character OF this Eb0nite politician
aud prime ministes On our first interview,
surprising intimacy and familiarity was man
ltest on his part. Mr. Doane introduced us as
''the mIkinari at Oahu to the foreigners and
seamen." Kaibnke replied, "Mikinari Oahu,
Mikinari very good" His eye caught our
black coat. He took hold of the sleeve saying
"me like very good" Remembering the pre-
cept that He that hath two coats let him im~
part to him that hath none" we gave to it
literal Interpretation. Various were the inter.
views which he had with this Ebon official.
Sometimes We eonversed upon matters grave
and solemn, and at others we carried on trade
in small way, e. exchanging fish hooks
and jack knives for the curiosiies of the coun-
try. AT the interview alluded TO above, when
we called at his residence, it SO happened that
after long walk, we were exceedingly thirsty
hence we asked for little water. He said,
twill you not have a cocoanut." We assent.
ed, oil course. One of his attendants was i'm
mediatcly sent off and up one of those graceful
waving trees adOrning the coral islands of
Micronesia. Soon the cocoanuts were brought,
one for each Of us present We passed ous
to his eXceilency, but he declined. When we
all had quenched our thirst, Kaibuke very
politely utimated that fish hook apiece would
he acceptable for the nuts We (including our
two companions) paid his eXceency, Kaibukc
three fish hooks for three cocoanuts, and took
our departure. We only mention this fact as
an illustration of kaibuke's remarkable char.
acter. If hereafter, in the progress OF learn
ing, he should ever acquire knowledge of
the English language, and these remarks upon
his character should fall under his eye, he may
be assured that "the mikinari OF Oahu" has
followed Othello's parting Injunction
"And naught set down III malice"