The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1863-12-10

who had brought about the change, and eI-
ceeded the Kings wishes, were not contem-
plating something beyond simply supplying the
King with a chaplain, the young Prince with
a tutor, and resident citizens with stated service;
in short whether it was not a political institution
that was to be introduced aud built up, instead
Of a religious.
Fifteen months have elapsed. and how far
these forebodings have been confirmed by sub
seduent events, we leave others to judge. As
long as our government rests ON the broad plat
form of religious equality, as long Us an estab-
lished church is unknown To our laws,-so
long, we trust, our King and government will
not be committed to the support of any one
faith or creed. to the detriment of others.
Happy indeed is that nation whose Sovereign is
a meek and faithful disciple of the Redeemer
but better is it for any nation that her Sover-
eign be an atheist or infdel, who knows how to
treat his religious subjects with equality, than
u bigoted sectarian who turns his heels and
frowns on every creed but his own.
Il 1t has been reported during the past week
that an effort is being made to secure the admis-
sion of Bishop Staley to Il seat in the Privy
Council. Like the thousand and one rumorS
that are ever floating around, We cannot believe
there is any truth in it. Yet the mere fact
of the report being in circulation is enough To
warrant 4 few remarks on this subject of clergy
men aspiring to Office. After all that has been
said and written here during the past twenty
five years concerning American Missionaries
holding office under the government, after the
bitter denunciations of their enemies and the
deep curses heaped on them after every one of
them has been elected sby fair means or by
FOUL let us have no more " black cloth and
white cravats'' dabbling in the politics of
this nation, or c~oveting Office high or low. If
it is a heinous sin for an American Missionary
to hold Office or participate in the administra-
ton of the government, is it any the less a
sin for an English Missionary? Both came
here for a different purpOse-the spiritual bene-
fit of the people. Let both adhere, then, to
their calling, even though in doing SO they may
choose to compass sea and land to make
proselytes.
But though the above rumor may be wholly
incorrect, and we trust is so, it as true that
Bishop Staley has been admitted to the Board
of Education (as Il member of a -sub-committee.)
But by what right OF p~ropriety is he there,
when it was announced, on the decease of Mr..
Armstrong, that no clergyman should in future
have any connection with the Board? No doubt
Bishop Staley is n good man, but he is a com
parative stranger here and not half SO we'll quail
fed for that position as many others protestant
and Catholic) who have long been resident :.
here, and are much more familiar with the
wants of the natives, and far more capable Of
advising judiclously in all important matters
pertaining to the schools.
In due time-perhaps during the present week
Majesty will announce his appointments.
He should be allowed to make them free from the
opportunities of those who affect TO be his only
friends. This continual running to the King
Queen, soliciting personal favors, which has
been so frequent of late, is disgusting to them,
and ought to be publicly rebuked. 1t is in bad
taste when done by men, but when women
stoop to it, no language can convey the feelings
of contempt excited by it. The King should
choose and send for his own counselors, and be
permitted to direct his OWE line of policy. His
honor and the welfare of his people depend
on it, and these are sufficient guarantees that he
strive to do his best for his people, to lead
hem with but one course-ku ka tca-and
With that disinterested, independent course, all
lis subjects ought to be satisfied.