The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1869-01-02
Citizens Meeting.
fNDICNATioN At TIE ACTION OF THE BOARD OF
HEALTH.

On Saturday last plaeards were posted through
out the city inviting citizens, but more particu-
larry . true IIawaiians,'' to assemble in the even
ing at the Kawaiahao schooLhouse, for the pur-
pose of considering ways and means to prevent
the spread of contagious diseases.
At an early hour, when some sixty or seventy
had assembled, the meeting was called to order
by Mr.. Robert Charlton, who proceeded to state
the cause which had led to the call for the meet
ing, noting particularly the action of the Board
Of Health in permitting the entry into the har-
Dor of the steamer Idaho, with a well defined
case OF smallpox on board. The speaker also
detailed a conversation which had taken place he
tween himself and the Minister of the Interior.
to the following effect: MiRisier-Wlnt have
you called this meeting for? Mr.. ChGrhOH-To
propose means to prevent the spread of conta-
gious dhclscs. Miniaer-Don't you know that
thc Board lave tnll power to act in the matter.
However, perhaps You intend to instruct the
Board. Mr.. ChGrfOH-Oh, no, we hope to
direct tire Board. Here the speaker was inter
ruPted by loud and continued applause. At this
time tire number inside the building was doubled,
while crowds were assembled about the door and
windows. Order being restored, the Hon. Mr..
Kahalclyai was nominated as Chairman; Mr..
James Halai, Secretary, and Mr.. G.. j. Lyons,
interpreter; all Of whom were unanimously
elected.
The asscmblagc was composed of both foreign
ers and natives. Here we take exception to the
GGzcife's remark that :. the Office Of Interpreter
seemed unnecessary, rs the foreigners present all
understood the native language, so far as we OBJ
served We might instance the case of a for
cigner, n member of His AIajesty's Priyy Council,
who, when nominated upon Il committee to petit
ton His Majesty, found it very convenient to
have the services Of n skillful Interpreter to de-
fine the difference between a Hawaiian born and
Il true Hawaiian. Mr.. Charlton remarked that
he noticed some Government officers present, who,
for that reason, might be afraid to speak their
views; If so, they were not wanted there.
The Hon. Mr.. Kcawehunahala arose and re-
marked that though he might hold Offices under
the Government he was going to give expression
to his thoughts. The Hon. gentleman proceeded
Mt some length to define the rights of the people
under the constitution, and took strong ground
against the action of the Board of Health stat
ing that by their action it was clear that they
cared not for the lives of His Majesty subjects
that the time had come for tllcpcoplc to protest,
oNA li'lB"tA thAt WV hba5 ~ ltAaAAbh'L ~ Z
move them from Office. lie took his seat amidst
hearty applause. Other natives took part in the
and the remarks made, while cvincinc
the staunchest loyalty to His Majesty, denounced
in unmeasured terms the action of the Board.
ThcimTrcssion seemed to exist that the foreign
crs did not care what became of the natives, and
that the physicians rather desired the introduc-
tion of contagious diseases.
MIR. j. o.. Carter took the floor and asked per-
mission 10 make Il few remarks. and upon It's be-
ing granted, stated that lie wished To- correct the
which prevailed that the foreign resi-
Tents were Indifferent u the welfare of the ma
lives, and particularly To- the action % the Board,
for hc was satisfied that a large majority of the
foreigners were in full sympathy with the Hawaii
and proposed that Il committee DC appointed
draw up petition to Ills Majesty, and counselcd
in any action which the meeting
might take. The Hon. Mr.. Kcliipio then moved
n committee lie appointed to petition Ills
to dismiss the Beard Of Health. This
was supported and carried amidst loud
reclamation. y committee Of i've, eleven and
thirteen were proposed. but, the sense Of the
Meeting bcin. taken. IL was decided that the
'~JnIHittcc should consist Of five, and that it
hpull - appointed by tie clair. During the
discussion Ca the appointment OF the committee.
nj afterwards, several PARTIES were using every
means TO break up the meeting in order to defeat
he motion 10 give the m definite instruc-
u petition for the removal Of the Board.
he chairman proceeded to name the committee
: follows Il. g.. Davis. 30. Carter. :. y.
'astlc, upon tie latter name being called, the
e%ntlcman came forward and begged to be excused
n reasons which were certainly not very clear To
y 4. j. Lyons was then substituted for Mr..
la-tIe. J.. W. Kcawehunahala AMI \. VI. Ka-
alcwai made up the committee Of five. The
,cctinS then adjourned.
Tie committee met ON Monday and Tuesday.
nj the following petition WAS drawn up and
% His Majesty. through his Cham
rrllin. Col. Prcudcrelst, and returned the same