The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1874-05-27
Fiiian Politics.


The following sketch of the recent political
changes was prepared by Mr.. Darcy w. l..
Murray, Hawaiian Consul ct Levuka and ad-
dressed to His Excellency w. L. Green, Hawaii
an Minister of Foreign Affairs, to whom we are
indebted for it. Mr.. Murray has resided in the
Fits during all the period referred to by him. and
is therefore fully competent to write on the sub
ject:
"Since my last communication was addressed to
your predecessor, great aud important changes
have taken place here. You are probably aware
that it is now nearly three years since constitu-
tional monarchy was established since the
Kings flag was hoisted and since Fijian Parlia-
ment first met to conduct the affairs of this coun-
try. In conformity with my instructions / have
always las was indeed my pleasure and duty,)
given the government whatever little support and
influence l had at my disposal. was elected
Member of Parliament for the Metropolitan Dis
trict OF Leyuka. And in Parliament and outside,
l helped every administration that has been
formed.
But from the outset, as any locker on could
not fail to observe, all the support that could be
supplied was insufficient to make popular with
the foreign residents government that was com
menced under extraordinary difficulties No
! popular movement amongst the white residents
inaugurated it. 1t came from the Kings imme-
date advisers, supported by the chiefs alone
Certainly the men who formed the opposition in
the first and second sessions of Parliament, were
not capable of overthrowing Government that
had the most able men for its component that the
country could produce But amongst the men,
bers of the Assembly all white men, the exclu-
siveness, if not autocracy, which Ministers main
tanned led to great dissatisfaction. The necessi-
ties of many members inspired desire for office.
And when the last session Of Parliament met !
now eight months since, Ministers found them
selves in a decided minority. They resigned
their seats. which resignation the King declined
to accept. A dissolution of the House followed. |
Under the Constitution of this country framed
in 1871 Parliament consisted of two Houses /.
The Lower House or assembly of thirty white |
members, and the Upper House fifteen native
chiefs. The latter having no veto upon and sim |
ply sort Of supervision the acts OF the form
er, and holding their seats for life; the former
elective by the various constituencies. Immediately
following the dissolution writs were issued for 4
general election, aud as by our Constitution Minis
tiers could only hold offices, who had the confidence
Of the Assembly, several persons who had an eye
toward supplanting those still in power, presented
themselves for election
rigid Interpretation Of the Constitutional Act
~
cies natives had the power of voting as well as the
whites. The whites having up to this time exclu-
sivcly exercised the suffrage Ministers, who still
possessed the confidence Of the King and natives
publicly proclaimed this And every preparation
made for receiving the votes of the latter in the
election Of members for the coming Parliament.
Now amongst the whites, arose a tremendous
cutlery They declared that the natives should not
vote for the election Of white members. Public
meetings were held in every direction throughout
the country, and fixed determination expressed to
prevent what termed an indgnity to civilized
people.-who certainly forgot that they were living
10 country that belonged TO the very people they
so likely deceived. And it was iutimated that should
the elections proceed, of races would com
mence, and that the natives would ii Ct arms he
prevented from exercising the suffrage
At this crisis and in order as believe to prevent
a temporary measure ministers sus.
pended the elections and withdrew the writs that
had been issued. An amended Constitution was |
framed by which Nominee Ministry was TO supply
tue place of an elective one. This passed the King
in Priyy Council. But it never came into force al
the request of Capt. Simson OF Il B. NJ S Blanche
who had arrived in Levuka, and was assisting the |
government with his advice, and under menace Of
bis guns, keeping the people-(the English resi- ,
lents) temporarily quiet
The British residents principally were disafected,
although some German residents here, took lead
ny part in the disturbances which followed
The setting Parliament having as | have stated
been dissolved the period for which taxes had been
eved expired. And it was held by the disafIected t
hat they could no longer be collected. According
Y Mr.. Hedeman the head OF a German firm pro-
seeded to break open bonded store in which duti.
be goods of his had been held, aud elected an Of
iceI that had been detailed to make a seizure of his
property for nonpayment Of taxes a warrant was 1
ssucd tor the apprehension OF the parties who had
.eeted the officer. And Mr.. Hedeman made pre-
'aration for defending his store and preventing the
rrest de fortified his stores, mounted cannon :
procured a number OF fighting men whom be sta d
Toned at various points Of defence and defed the
government TO arrest any person upon his premises =
he authorities on the other hand were equally deter
mined. They detailed large body OF natives under n
Ommand OF Englishmen, TO execute the warrant ] q
Aud a sanguinary contest seemed imminent Mean
While the German and British Cousuls proceeded to
be scene OF conflict, and the parties being Germans
Who commenced the offensive operations Deaceabiv -
urrendered TO their Consul, who banded them over .
the authorities. Thus ended this the first near
pproach TO hostilities.
On the next day a deputation Of white settlers II
roceeded TO the Government buildings and having ,
breed themselves into the presence OF His Majesty q
Tho was seated in the midst of His Chiefs and Min
ters, stated that they had come to ask him to dis Ri
Hiss the latter. Having vented torrent Of abuse
pom their uuctionares and particularly upon Mr. -
Wood, the Premier, and Mr.. Thursion, the Chief
ecretary they expressed determination repeat re
ler visit on the following day for a reply'' TO OF
ier request and the leader of the depuaton said