New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-01-02
An Extinct Royal Family.
Death of the King or the Sand witch IsIands-
An ln,erregnuni until January.

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 25.-Adyices from
honolulu received here state that Kips
kamehameha V. died in that city Decembei
ii. lie was the last Of the royal line, anC
named no successor, which leaves an inter
reSnum, during which the people are sover
eign. The Legislative Assembly meets on
January 3, when, it is expected, that body
VIII nominate successor of the late King
The Hawaiian Gazette favors a popular move
ment for the purpose of securing free con.
stitution, and a revolution is expected. Al
the latest date all was quiet.
HISTORY OF TIE HOUSE OF KAMEuAAiEHA
The first Of the now extinct house OF
kamehameha, who reigned over all the Sand.
witch Islands, was born about the middle Of
the eighteenth century. Io was personally
remarkable for characteristics which dis
tinguished him and all his SUCCESSORS from
his subjects and seemed to indicate that he
came from distinct tribe. He was of inn
mense stature, and the imposing appearance
which he presented contributed greatly to
securing power over the people whom he
ruled. In the early part Of the present centu-
ry each Of the Sandwich Islands was gov
erned bya sovereign and several other chiefs.
The first Kamehameha was one of these
chiefs. He succeeded in conGuering all of
the islands except Atauai and Nihau, which,
however, gave their allegiance to his sue
cessors. AS Europeans had aided him in his
conquest, he favored their settlement in the
islands and placed his kingdom under the
protection of Great Britain. He was sue
ceeGed by his son, Kamehameha H., who, in
1919, abolished idolatry and introduced
Christianity. The brother of this King as
cended the throne in 1924, and assumed the
title of Kamehameha III. During his reign
he brought his country into conflict with
France, by banishing the Roman Catholic
missionaries. The French Admiral protested
against this measure on behalf of his Govern
ment. The King, in order to protect him
self against the attacks Of the French Ad-
miral, appealed to the British Government,
which maintained body Of troops in the
islands.
In 1874 the independence of the country
was officially recognized by Great Britain
and the United States, but by treaty a pre-
ponderating influence was given to the
former. Hostile demonstrations were made
frequently by France, after one of which,
made in 1851, the King strengthened the al
lance with the United States. Chiefly under
the advice Of American residents the King
introduced a constitutional form of Govern
ment. This king was succeeded in 1854 on
his death by his son Alexander Liholho,
who was called kau!ehameha w. The new
King received an education superior to his
ancestors, which was partially owing to
journey he made to Europe. In 1896 he
married Emma Rocker, daughter of an Eng
lish physician who was residing in the
islands. He was Of IN ungovernable temper,
and once caused great CONSERVATION in his
dominions by attempting murder in fit of
jealousy toward his wife. On his death in
1868 he was succeeded by his brother the
lately deceased King Kamehameha v.
The last heir to the throne was born in
1928; he was distinguished by an easy life
which caused him to be we'll known among
the islanders as a boon companion. Like all
of his ancestors he possessed the tall form
which distinguished him from his people.
He manifested some inclination to promote
reforms in the island, and favored foreigners
in order to increase commerce and industry.
He formed Cabinet composed of foreigners
of different nationalities who had long re-
sided in the territory. He died childless.
srr,i, fe.nsoinsy Dispatch rnuicstes, nd
failed to avail himself of the privilege, con-
ferred by the constitution, Of naming his sue
cessor. Public opinion recently pointed at
Prince Lanaliko as the person who would
probably be selected to ill the throne of the
King. He was considered tho rightful heir
previous to the accession of Kamehameha ",
but was set aside by the old King. His claim
comes from the female side of the family, he
being son Of the sister of Kamehameha II.
He has attained the age of 81 years. He is
popular with the people Of his own race, is
well educated, and has fine personal adj
dress.