The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1864-07-23

does not the same doubt apply much more strongly
10 n question so grave as this
We are told, however, that the Chief Justice has
decided that a Convention, properly called. might
have the powers which are claimed for this one. But
how is it possible Judge Allen can have given any
decision whatever which can be used to certify the
legality Of this strange assumption Of power; The
Convention must necessarily derive its powers from
those who appoint il, aud can claim no others than
those expressly delegated 10 it; how then can it be
claimed that Judge Allen has decided a Convention
TO be possessed of extra-constitutional powers, of
whose history he knows nothing! If We are told
that he was acquainted with the tenor of the pro-
clamation by which the Convention was called; l
reply that it was not issued until after his departure
aud vas subsequently modified; and how can decision
based upon the first proclamation be Construed TO
apply TO the second, which was another and q very
diferen Mt thing? If il is claimed that it vas the
modified proclamation which Judge Allen approved,
| leave those interested in the matter TO explain why
the first proclamation was put forward at all, as it
would then look to common men very much like an
attempt 10 impose upon the people after a style TO
which honest men can never descend.
1 think, however, that IT IS very certain the opinion of the
Of this convention and L believe II Is not Claimed that any
Icritten opinion has ever been given by him on the subject.
As To the First Associate Justice, he Is understood to admit all
the Convention claims, but has wit enough not to commit himself
Court in the land could consent to give any expression of his
opinion upon a question so important as this, without taking
ample time to reflect upon it in al. its relations. and have that
opinion carefully written out. His course. however gives very
little real cause for surprise-a somewhat notable exploit in
posturing in another line has prepared the public to expect re-
markabe achievements OF this sort from him, and although
with mary others l hoped he would be firm on the side of his
constituents-a hope which his course in the early stages OF the
Convention did much to justify feel that we have no right to
complain of beng disappointed. The Second Associate has Civ
en- an opinion in wruing-as he should do if he gave any at all
and Of course it is on the side of the Ministry. 1t was becom-
ing In hin to DO so, as he has only recently been appointed to
Office. is apparently anxious for a reputation, and in a fair way
to obtain one that will not be coveted.
For the poor Delegates who have backed out on the right and
left, ! have no heart to say much it might have been antci-
patei on the part of some of the natives, but when we see the
members OF foreign extraction, whose most important interests
are involved in the stability OF our laws. whose families and es-
tates are here, whose proudest boast has been their frmness
and Lackbone-when we see Such MEN not only skulking
themselves, but doing their best to turn the native Delegates
also, We are reminded Of the soldier who declared that he was
brave enoIgh Oh the battlefield, so far as head and heart were
concerned, but mis- cowarlly legs would run away with him in
spite Of all he could do. l have shown how much support
their conduct derives from any decision of the Supreme Court,
and commend them to all the comfort they can obtain in trying
to throw the responsibility Of their course upon it. 1 can only
explain the performances of such of them rs claim to repre-
sent the opinions Of the foreign community, more especially that
views and impressions while standing on their heads let any
one try this simple experiment for himself, and ne will see at
once what a curious and abnormal appearance things will pre-
sent under such conditions.
In speaking thus of the DELEGATES, let not the honorable mi
nority be forgotten. Four men have stood by their constituents
truly aud well: let their names appear in large letters, let them
have all the moral support which a hearty expression Of conf
dence and approval can give, and let them be always remem-
bered when the country wants men 10 " stand in the gap"
Yours, &C.. {. d. II.