The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1865-08-05
THE PACIFIC
Commercial Advertiser.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5.
Restoration Day.

restoration Day
MoSDAY last, the 3lst July, was the twenty
second Anniversary Of the Restoration Of the
Hawaiian Flag by Rear Admiral Thomas, and
as such was celebrated with becoming joyousness.
The day opened warm and sultry, but by nine
o'clock the trades set In and before noon were
blowing half a gale. Sa!utes were fired NOM
ing, noon and night, and the shipping and town
were gaily dressed with bunting. The grounds
AZ Hushue were arranged for the feast and ac-
conpanying services, Accommodations having been
prepared for two thousand persons. His Excel
lency NJ. kekuanaoa was President Of the day.
AZ the hour appointed q prayer was offered by
the Rev. II. II. Parker. of the Kawaiahao
church, which was followed by singing after
which the orator Of the day, the Hon. David
Kalakaua. delivered an Grafton in the Hawaiian
language. After more music and singing, the
guests were invited to eartake Of the dinner,
when appropriate sentiments were proposed, and
responses made by Prince w. c. Lunalilo, Hon.
f. III. Allen, Chancellor Of the Kingdom the
Second Associate Justice of the Supreme Court,
r. q. Davis, Esq; W. L. Green, Esq, Ii. B.
NJ. Acting Commissioner and Consul General
A Caldwell, Esq, United States Consul At
torney-General c.. e. Harris, Esq; DR.. G.. P.
Judd s. y. Castle, Esq. A1essrs. Kamakau and
Hassinger. Mr.. W. p. Ragsdale translator and
interpreter, acted in that capacity on this occa-
sion, and acquitted himself in 4 very creditable
manner.
After the dinner the company were entertained
with native games. The spear-throwing was
admirably done. This entertainment broke up
between one and two o'clock.
During the afternoon boat and canoe races
took place in the harbor, the result of which we
have not obtained.
In the evening a grand ball and supper was
given by the Committee Of arrangements ut the
New Hall, which was very generally attended,
and passed off in a most happy manner. The
Committee, the Hawaiian portion particularly,
deserve great credit for their attention TO their
guests, and the general decoration Of the hall
and supper-room. We were struck particularly
with the ease, grace and selfposse>sion with
which the native and halfcaste guests acquitted
themselves in the dance.
We have space but for one speech, the one
delivered in English By Prince VIM. C. Lunalilo
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN To-day is the Ami
veTsary of the Restoration OF the Hawaiian Flag
bv Rear-Admiral Thomas. twenty-five years have
elapsed since that officer came 10 these shores to
restore the flag 70 our King and nation. How our
hearts were HiIeO Win JOY on mat ever memorable
day, and how many tears were shed. not of sorrow.
but OF gladneSS what 4 contrast. 10 the 18th Of
February preceding. Wen do l remember the
scene when standing within the walls Of the Old
fort with his present Majesty. and his two late
brothers. We witnessed the lowering of our flag.
On that day. the Islands were coded TO the Crown
Of Great Britain, and on that day the meteor flag
Of Albion waved tTiumphantly over the group.
There are many, no doubt, here present, who heard
the short address which his late Najes,y EAMEHA-
NEHA III. on that occasion spoke:
where are you, chiefs. people and commons from my ances-
tors, and people from foreign lands! Hear ye l make known
70 you that 1 am in perp'sxity by reason Of difficulties into
given away the life of our land, hear We. But my rule over
you, my people, and your privileges, will continue, for 1 hs '
is just6ed."
1t was q short but impressive address of his
Majesty 70 his people, IL showed also the anxiety
of mind he then experienced. There were tears of
sadness in that day. Dark and gloomy indeed
were those DAYS; how the nation mourned dur
ing those few months of trial. thinking the govern
ment was gone perhaps forever II the hands OF 4
foreign power. FO- FIVE long lingering months.
things rem4i9sd'as they then stood, until on the
31st day ofHTxiy. the day we are now coInmemo-
rating. we saw the flag that " had braved = thou
sand years the battle and the breeze lowered by
the hand Ct one Of Eugland's sous.
As DT. Gulich truly remarked, American
Independence was not an accident. not a mere
bdvble on the course OF time. l. was an event.
which many centuries had been maturing. and
which viii affect all the coming ages 80 il Is
with respect 20 this our restoration day II was not
&A NN44N . lAAAii ntAAlGS hNA ~ LphC h-L
by accident and ind matters as they then were be
had heard Of the proceedings done between this
Government and her subordinate through some
one in high official standing he had carefully con-
sidered aud investigated the matter before be
came here 70 restore the country 70 its rightfui
Sovereign. How careful. how cousiderate, and
how cautious were those II may say one) who were
then IN the service OF the Government. lestby some
ilcOlsiderate words or deeds they would arouse
the wrath OF their opponents. Ii Is a well known
fact that during the existence of the commission.
rnN awT nNsTF nrgnawfE vwaZ not nzT1awA off
books and documents Of every description and of
great value were transferred from the different
offices to q secret place-they were even taken to
the Royal tomb, there to be deposited amongst the
silent occupants o. that hallOwed place. For days
and nights business was transacted there. and the
coffin OF the good kaahumanu was used as q
writing desk.
But a brighter day dawned at last. Kauikeaolli.
the good and kind hearted. you viii not have for
gotten his short and touching address 10 his pe0-
pie on the day the country was ceded 10 Great
Britain, and his hope that, when his conduct was
justified, his Kingdom would DO restored 70 him as
before,) had his hope ful6Ilsd. We are now m in