The Portland daily press., 1874-08-27
Honolulu Correspondence San Francisco Chronicle.
An American Protectorate over the
Sandwich Islands.


believe that an American protectorate is
now virtually established over these islands.
The Benicia remains, until relieved, as a per-
manent marine police in the harbor of Homo
lulu, and the general impression is that if she
went away there would be Immediately big
row kicked up between the partisans of Queen
Emma and the loyal Kanakas attached TO
King Kalakaua, and the impression of this
community is very decided that if the Ka-
nakas had fair and uninterrupted field for
an emeute, jolly Kalakaua would go under
and Queen Emma would mount the throne of
the "Plnhead Kingdom" Now this opinion
is based upon the indications OF the temper of
the Kanakas of this capital, which is about as
disloyal as capitals usually are. There is no
doubs but that Kalakaua, who received forty
two out Of forty-eight votes when elected
king, is sustained by a great majority of the
people outside of this town, and is fairly king
by his election and the wish of the majority
OF the Hawaiian people; and if he had any
advisers or ministers" about him, as they
are called, who were something also besides
old women, lie would make good and unques-
toned his authority in this town and be able
to say to the United States government that
they need not be at the expense of keeping a
man-of-war here to watch his people TO keep
them in order.
Epauletted gentlemen are waltzing and
driving about, and placing their fair red and
white Caucasian skins alongside Of very
swarthy and spotted surfaces, which they
would not dare to do and hope to preserve
caste in Washington, Philadelphia or Annap-
ols-all for the sake of hobnobbing at this
miserable, paltry Hawaiian court 1 hope a
reminder may wake them up to sense ofthe
self esteem and dignity that American officers
should wear abroad, especially in this little
country, which ought to be controlled by
American influence; or that it may happen
that others may be sent out to take the place
OF some American officers here (not all OF the
Benicia, as few are evidently very worthy
gentlenen) who will better sustain the gem
tlemanly tone and character of their coun-
try.
The Kanaka legislators, who have been
now in session about three months, have had
some high legislative jnks, and would not
make bad lot of congressman. They are
certainly higher-toned and more dignifed as
legislators than our South Carolina sable
Solons, from all accounts The Kanaka leg
islator is first-rate parliamentary tactician,
and generally better up in the rules Of the
house than the Kings white ministers. They
had the late Attorney General Hartwel,
thoroughbred Massachusetts lawyer, out of
order every day. The smart Kanakas just
walked over him and outgeneraled him in the
most ridiculous manner, and they are now
doing the same thing with the present
Hawaiian premier, the English produce bro
ker, W. l. Green. He has been trying 10 boss
the ranch, but the Kanakas evidently won't
have him either, and so there is considerable
inquiry and anxiety at this time in respect
to Kalakaua's choice OF a new and strong
cabinet, that will command the confidence
Of this little community. He has one man
who suits the people, and that is the new
attorney general, b. H. Stanley, and he no
doubt will stay in the cabinet; but we expect
new deal and new departure for Hawaii
in shcrt while. The native legislature has
passed bills to provide for a system cf immi-
grafton, the renewal of negotiations for re-
ciprocity with America, the negotiation of q
loan of $1,000,000, submarine cable to
touch here and system of irrigation.
And it is expected that with new, energetic
men, entirely free from the old conservative
influences that have kept the country bound
up and inactive, this archipelago may take a
start that will make her marvel of pros
perity. This country has, from all l can
observe-although have not yet seen the
larger island-a fine basis for prosperity, and
when, either politically or commercially, an
nexed to America, she VIII have tremen-
dous export and exert great influence on the
Pacific coast. have no doubt that free trade
with America, and loan, have become ne
cessities, and the United States must grant
them on such terms as they may think prop
er, or they must permit the Hawaiian people to
go and seek relief in some other foreign quar-
Ger and say nothing about the application of
the Monroe doctrine to this archipelago. 1
have no doubt but that King Kalakaua is dis
posed TO treat with the United States on such
terms as will satisfy the political aspirations
of America in this quarter. 1 don't suppose
be wants to sell his country, and L don't sup
pose that America wants to buy il; but
should really think that America and these
islands would come to that understanding
that they could work harmoniously together
! for their mutual interests and for the domi-
nance Of American interests in the Pacific
forever hereafter. From what little have
seen and heard, Kaakaua is a man of liberal
ideas and of some political ability, but has no
firmness of character like his predecessor, the
absolute Kamehameha V. He 20 doubt will
come under foreign influences and adopt a
more enlightened foreign policy during his
reign, which may not last his lifetime.