The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1863-08-06
For the Z. c. Adyertiser.l

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF Honolulu
Five and q half years ago the land for the Agricul-
tural Society's Garden was purchased, laid out and
planted for a public garden. New plants ard seeds
were imported from every country, far and near.
During a few years the garden was supported by an
appropriation from the government and by the Agri-
cultural Society, who managed the funds which q
generous public had contributed for the purpose of
creating a garden or park, open TO the public as a
resort, where they might, under the shade Of trees,
that are natives of foreign countries or perhaps. of
their own homes, breathe the cool breeze, fresh FROM
the mountains. Two years ago the appropriation by
the legislature was cut dowh one-half | was de-
prived of all salary as manager, and the sum which
was placed at my disposition to keep up the garden,
fell short of the actual expenses for labor. tools, &C.,
in the year 1861, to the amount of S156 so. and in
1862 to the amount of So %. This year. 1868, I
have been deprived not only of all salary but of all
assistance to bear the expenses OF the garden. The
funds of the Society, amounting to S1700, have been
deposited for the benefit of the bank of Honolulu.
My whole receipts from January 1st till June lst,
amounted to S92 874, and my expenses during the
same period to $92 70. leaving me a balance az sala-
ry and as a means of support of one rial for FIVE
months.
: During those last years l have expended in the
effort to keep the garden for the benefit of the pub
lie, the sum of $3.50, the saving of former years.
| have incurred debts and pledged what property
remained TO me TO live and to have labor. One of
my work oxen died, tools wanted renewing, houses
want repairing, Sc, &c. | have but II acre kalo
land, but could plant only a part for want of labor.
The strawberry season. my principal resource, is
closed. L might plant three acres sugar cane if 1
had the means. Such are the Affairs of your public
garden.
Some one perhaps will blame me for making these
plain statements in a newspaper. 1t is the only way
that L can reach the public ear. This garden is the
property of the public. For three years l have
received a salary from the public, and for two years
and \ half l have without salary tried my utmost to
take care of the property of the public. If | make
these plain statements, L speak as a public servant to
the public, and as plain as any man may speak who
has done his duty. You entrusted me more than five
years ago with the charge to change a wilderness
into a garden, and | have done so. You entrusted
me with the duty to make experiments in new re-
sources available for the country, and | have done so
as long as | had means ut my disposal. You gave the
garden in my keeping, and | have kept it to the LAST
firthing and beyond. | have declined advantageous
offers made me TO leave the garden, tut preferred TO
be true TO my trust, well aware that if L left the gar
den, the smaller plants would coon be stolen, the
larger be chopped down aud pilfered for frewoOd, the
walls broken and animals. horses and cattle would
in Il short time destroy every vestige of the ga'den.
There passes scarcely n fair day, that parties Of
ladies and children do not visit the garden. No man
of war or passenger ship enters our harbor, a part
Of whose officers or passengers do not visit the gar
den. Thousands OF flower bouquets have been culled
during those years. flowers have been culled for feasts
and professions, the peach trees have borne their
fruit for the little ones. | have never made a charge;
visitors always have been welt ONE and have always
found kind and respectful attendance on the part of
your humble servant. Is il so , then | have done
duty and more.
The walks begin to be obliterated by weeds and
grass. The flower beds become empty Of flowers and
weeds take possession. With heartfelt sorrow | observe
1ecay and neglect around me, unable TO hinder it.
The city Of New York expended two million of dollars
for a public garden. Can Honolulu not expend a few
hundred to keep q garden that is laid out, and plant
ID ut much expense and labor, from going to ruin and
gardens, strangers judge n community as regards
heir standard of civilization.
| am willing and anxious to place this garden in
a state that IT may be n pleasure TO the people
IF Honolulu and 10 strangers TO visit it. | ask neither
salary nor high recompense, [ am satisfied with
he means OF an humble living. If | can preserve
his garden for you and your children's pleasure, [
I'm fully recompensed. If [ am to see those trees that
planted grow TO goodly size and secure from de-
L shall feel happy in the thought, that this
,arden in after years will be a pride and ornament
Honolulu. II l had the means at my disposal, |
would willingly and cheerfully expend them in this
for the benefit of the public, but my means
ire exhausted, and as neither the legi lature nor the
lefunct society assists me in the least 10 bear the
expenses of keeping this garden from destruction,
here remains to me no other way open, than TO make
hese plain statements, and to leave it with the ladies
nd gentlemen of Honolulu, if the garden shall be
ontinued or must be abandoned to return into its
ormer state of wilderness.
Very respectfully, IIoLsTEIS.