The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1881-07-30
"REMINISCENCES.
WV. L. llOEnONrA.

We take pleasure in putting on record some
"reminiscences Of one Of the best Hawaians Of his
day Major Moehonua, no doubt fills promi-
neut niche in many memory. He was man
Of noble, and commanding presence dignifed
and courteous faithful 10 his duty, yet aiable
90 all who approached him he was indeed
gentleman Of style and tyIe that would have
been eminently acceptable in any society in the
world
Weare not now venturing upon the biography
Ol this worthy Hawaiian but merely recall a
few points Of interest in hIs caTeer,-especialIy
relation to his patriotism and bis 6delity his
sovereign MOehOnua the trusted friend OF
Kamehameha " and v, Of LunalilO, and Of His
Majesty who reigns and we wish to speak es-
pseially Of some particulars OF his devotion To
King Kalakaua.
During the stirring times Of tie candidacy for
the Throne in 1874, MoehOnCa was the leader Of
tie partisans OF the Prince who won the election.
When tine members Of the Legislature arrived
from the different islands, % take part IN the
election Of February I2th, Moehonua displayed
ability as a leader and organizer in bringing
members together, IN holding conferences with
them; and in inspiring those who had come with
adverse views. with some Of his own appreciation
Of, and devotion to his candidate. The
skilGul management, and jealous and faithful dis
cussion OF MOehOnua had no doubt n very large
influence in determining the succession. This
was recognized by the disappointed and angry
partisans on the day Of election, after successor,
not their choice, was proclaimed from the steps
OF the old Court House: (now Haekfeld i Cos.
building. The chief intensity Of the angry pas
sion Of that occasion was poured out on Major
Moehonua As lie was leaving the building,
proceeding as the chairman OF n Committee to
walt upon the King elect, to announce his choice
by the Mobiles Of the Kingdom, and the Repres-
entatives Of the Hawaiian People, the mob of
disappointed partisans. and we are sorry to say
his own eountrymen, assailed him with savage
fury. They dragged him out Of a carriage into
which he had just stepped; they heat him with
elubs improVised out Of the legs Of broken chairs
and tables, and evidently would have then closed
the career Of the gallant Major if resolute hands
had not interposed in his defence At this uncture
g. q. Harris Esq who had been endeayoring to
dissuade the mob from further violence TO various
members Of the assembly that had been assaulted
now Interposed his courageous spirit and resOlute
strong in behalf OF the PROSTATE and bleed
ing gentleman-Iarris pulled away Infuriate
men and Tended of upIifted blOws-And here 1t
n well 70 mention one peculiarly Of this riot,
famous in Hawaiian annals that the mob. hOwey-
er furious directed its asaults exclusively against
offending native members, who had voted against
their choice and made not the slightest demons
tration Of attack against foreigners who had been
80 conspicuous promoting the canvas Tor the
successful candidate. In consequence OF the
Intervention Of Harris, and other assistance,
Moehonua was rescued from the hands OF the
mob and ultimately was carried 10 his home,
badly bruised and wounded man. At n late hour
on the night Of the riot, when foreign troops
were stationed at various points IN Honolulu, and
apprehension prevailed everywhere, and party
of adherents OF the new King were assembled IN
the Palace Grounds at kinau Hale 10 discuss
events and 20 provide f0= the Kings security.
His Majesty expressed 20 one present, that his
sole anxiety was to know the condition OF his
friend M6ehonua, and to have him brought, it
possible to move him, 10 the Palace at once The
party appealed 20, proceeded at once, then nearly
midnight, 10 procure q carriage, and drove 20 the
house Of Moehouua. The wounded man was on
his bed. be very feeble; he had bled proiusely
from several wounds, especially from large cash
on the head, which DIR. McGrew was then eng
aged in sewing up. The message Of the King
vas communicated % the weak and PROSTATE
hero. lie reused up mt the words bis face was
aufused with Joy 10 be assuredsOt the kind and
anxious remembrance Of bis Chief. Bot he gently
declined having anything done Tor hIm;-said
he 80 am 20 near dead, that do not appre-
bend that the bitterest Of my enemies, will come
10 moIest me; or strive 10 take what little life is
Left Bot there are two members OF the assembly
hiding in my house, am only anxious Tor their
safety; get them away 10 a more secure place.
they are true friends or the King; and tell my
King that I thank him for bis kind thought Tor
me, that am happy to die now, knowing he Is
veil, and chosen 20 his Tightful place lie was
n nFzsd to allow friends TO remove him to the