The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1870-07-09


pendence.
A characteristic feature of life in Honolulu has
always been the observance of the Fourth of July.
As far back as the memory of the oldest inhabit-
ant can refer, it was observed with the same
patriotic enthusiasm as has been shown in more
recent times. Some years ago, we published an
interesting account given to us by the venerable
Captain Adams, of the first public celebration of
the fourth of July, which took place in 1914
6fty-six years ago, and under the auspices of
KANEHAMEHA FIRST. 1t included a feast, which
was given on or near the premises now occupied
by Sherman Peck, Esq, on Beretania street, and
is said to have been witnessed by over ten thou
sand people. From that day to this, and under
the reign of FIVE of the K~amehamehas, it has
been each year observed with more or less public
demonstration. -.
Captain Adams, We may remark in passing, is
still living. We called on him a few days ago,
and found him enjoying comfortable health for an
old man. He is now 90 years of age, only four
less than that of the American Republic /, Though
his sight has failed, he still retains the active
memory and speech which he has always had,
and appears to delight in narrating events of
the olden time.
IN AOAA" yN HOhNoJ ohA
was as pleasant a day as could be desired. Sa-
lutes were fired from the head of Emma street at
sunrise, noon and sunset. At II O'Clock, the
American Minister Resident received the officers
of the Hawaiian Government, the diplomatic
corps, and citizens generally, and entertained them
at q b~ountiful collation., spread under the shady
trees which ornament the grounds of the Legation.
The following tOasts were given on the occasion
1.-The President of the United States.
liking Kamehameha V.
3.-The memory Of Washington--hrst in war, first
in peace, and first in the hearts Of his countrymen.
At half past l O'Clock, the American Consul
and his lady received the visits of their friends,
which included ladies as well as gentlemen. This
Isl new feature of national anniversary receptions,
and n very pleasant innovation on the old-estab-
lished custom, which restricts visits to the male
sex. There is every reason why it should become
a permanent custom, and it will surely be a most
popular one if established. About 9 O'Clock, in
response to a call from his guests for a toast or
something else, the Consul addressed them in the
following remarks:
FRIESps AND FELLow-C CITIZENS This sponta-
neous meeting is an evidence that you feel as / do,
that on this day Americans should meet together to
celebrate another anniversary Of the independence
Of that great nation, the name Of which calls up SO
many cherished remembrances of loved homes and
absent friends Of q country endeared to rs by a
thousand tender ties and, patriotic recollections, and
to many of us made doubly dear by her recent bap-
tism in bloOd-from which, thank God, our own
has emerged with her garments purified as
is the cloth OF asbestos after having passed through
the fiery furnace. g
1t is meet that we should thus assemble on the
day Of our motherland to offer up our
tribute Of thanks to the Supreme Ruler Of the
Universe for the blessings which our country has so
long enjoyed. to refresh our memories with the his
tory of the struggles Of that noble band Of heroes
who, under the leadership Of the immortal Washing