The New York herald., 1869-03-20
SANDWICH ISLANDS.

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Enrtlauakcs-volcnnic Erupti6ns-Drought-
Business Dull-NTisccIlaneou Items.

EnrtI,amakcs-volcanic Erupti6ns-Drousht-
Business miscellaneous Items.
HONOLULU, Feb. 8, 1869.
Since the sailing of the last steamer but little has
occurred OF suficient importance to warrant making
q note Of Our harbor is bare Of shipping and trade
is extremely dull, auction sales being the only fea-
ture noticeable.
On the 10th ult., at haf-past nve O'Clock p M,
many residents OF this city were startled by shock
OF earthquake. The swaying motion was northwest
and southeast. 1t did not last long, apd was much
more distinctly felt on line between the beach and
the range OF hills back OF the city than in other oca
ties. The same shock felt the opposite side
OF the island and was much more severe. Fears were
entertained that the sugar works on the several
plantations would be seriously damaged subsequens
examination however, proved the contrary.
During the week ending January 20 the island Of
Hawaii experienced succession OF shocks, too light,
however, to occasion alarm. On the date last men-
toned the terminal crater Of Mokuaweoweo on
Mauno Loa was very active. In the darkness, just
before the break Of day. the sight was magnificent.
Numerous jets Of red hot lava were thrown high
into the air. estimated at 500 feet above the mouth
Of the crater The dense volume OF smoke emitted
at the same time, together with daylight soon
brought the display to close. No reports have yet
reached here as to the fiery stream having found
outlet at a point on the slope Of the mountain.
ferng from drought. The supply of water has always
been OF the most precarious nature Their being no
outlay build tanks or ciserns varying from 100 70
1000 barrels capacity and depend upon the rams
filling them. The dense smoke incident 70 the vol
canlc eruption OF 1858 parched the vegetation the
mountain slopes, and this, together with other
causes has had the effect to prevent the usual rain
fell. Cattle suffer excessively for want OF water.
The dews, which are always heavy, and upon which
animals depend mostly are OF rare occurrence. The
more improvident residents OF this coast are so
n m M
probable as It may appear am aware OF the fact
that casks OF water have been sent from here to
supply the wants OF such parties may be in need.
The Pacific Cbmmercfdl Advertiser has repub-
lished the extravagant stories which recently ap-
The statements were evidently written by or based
upon facts furnished by Walter Murray Gibson. To
parties residing these islands they read like the
stories OF Munchausen, and create much mrth,
the only parties who Vince being members OF hrs
Majesty's Cabinet Gibson gave out to some parties
here that he was accredited agent OF this govern
ment going TO Washington In the interests Of the
reciprocity treaty and also 10 encourage emigration
from the Southern States and the East Indies. see
that he has also stated the same to the New York
editors. Thls is stoutly denied by some members OF
this government. Those who are most anxious for
the treaty claim that his statements Will have q
damaging effect. They are doubtless In wide con-
trast 70 the statements made by the Envoy Extra
ordinary while in Washington, and Senators and
Representatives will naturally conclude that soma
one doing some lying. 1t Is the opinion here thaa
handled tns matter much more adroitly than the
party who was entrusted with IL. = 6r.
Ills Majesty mas been on q tour 10 the n0rtn emu OF
this island q strictly business tour. IL seems that
the lands pertaining to the crown were sold some
years since TO natives who have been improving
them to some extent, although they could not get
fitle Having paid for them however, the commis-
sioners were in duty bound to see them secured in
possession, but hIs Majesty did not care to lose
them, and 30 has purchased them back. paying the
sum originally paid by the natives - ~
II Ia limited that the extensive purchases Of land
by the King would indicate thar he anticipates rise
In the value OF lands, which could only be
HANGED by annexation TO the United States. Con-
siderable sickness prevails In this community. II is
said, with how much truth ! cannot say, that
diphtheria smallpox and scarlet fever exist.
A Mr. Savldge mas lost two children the past week,
from what the attendant physician calls malignant
sore throat. The United States steamer Osslpce viii
leave for lilo, Hawaii, on or about the 18th ins;.