The Hawaiian gazette., 1882-10-04

OF the nineteenth century, might appear
IN a very ridiculous light, is acquiesced in
by sober and sensible men simply on the
ground of tradition. The people who are
most concerned would gladly dispense
with the stupid show, but custom keeps
them from resenting what is known to be
irksome to them.
An argument has been brought before
our notice within the last few days, which
we desire strongly to deprecate: that is,
that the opposition have themselves forced
the Coronation: that there is nothing but
to carry it out, now that so much laughter
and nonsense have been poured on it.
With all Difference to all who hold such
views, we must consider their position as
untenable. The only thing that the Ha-
waiian people had to do in the matter of
Coronation was to protest and that vigor
ously, and there is no doubt but that pro
test has been most vigorously expressed,
both in the native and English papers: it
is the height of folly to advance, that in
consequence Of this storm of opposition,
those in power feel themselves obliged to
go on with their foolish schemes: that
now. in the face Of opposition, it would
be undignifed on their part If they give
way: it is simply saying that once having
embarked on a course of folly, their, so
called honor, pledged them to continue in
it, no matter how disastrous the conse-
quences might be. Heavensl how abso-
lutely ridiculous 1t seems to be to say the
opposition have forced this point: what
was there to be donel unless vigorous
protest had been made, it would have been
represented that the measure was popular;
now. thank goodness, it is well known to
those who care to trouble themselves about
our very minute State, that the measure
is highly unpopular with the whole of the
tax paying population.
It is sheer nonsense to say that after
the strong opposition that has been made,
there is nothing for the King to do but to
90 on with his Coronation: as well might
il be said. that in face of the strong agita-
ton in Its favor the Reform Bill should
never have been signed: as well say that
the Confederacy of the Southern States
were right in the position they took, because
public opinion of the north was against
them. and having taken their view OF the
situation they were bound to stand by it
unreasoningly This is the kind of argu-
ment that the advocates of the present
state of affairs in Hawaii delight to bring
forward.
The whole of this is built on false
foundation. There is no doubt but what
the opposition. have driven the so called
Palace party hard, have forced them to
their last entertainments and are even now
on the point of capturing those. The cry
raised,by them is only a derHier resort, sort
of something to say before the inevitable
sgdre gii pcn, which will be echoed later
on 1t is the argument of men who hay-
ing pinned their foolish faith to chimera
are striving to make others join them in
their chase after the slippery shadow.
We may well ask, who it is that is chas
ing this chimera The reply is, it Is
Walter Murray Gibson This whole Coro-
nation scheme would have been given up
long ago, but for him: we have the very
best of reasons for stating that those who
are most interested in the poor pageantry
of the show, who might be considered as
fit subjects to be dazzled by the glitter of
this tinsel spectacle, would gladly have
given it up if it had not been for the per
sistence of this man. In season and out
OF season he is bound to support this
absurd scheme: his plant tongue is ever
ready to take every opportunity to i'm
press the necessity of this silly vanity
upon all who come within the influence Of
his honeyed words There is no doubt
that this Coronation scheme in its present
form, is the child of that Eastern imagin-
alton so often alluded to in these columns.
Our citizens undoubtedly feel on the sub
ject that were there the slightest chance
of adding to the dignity of the Hawaiian
Kingdom, were there the slightest chance
of attracting favorable notice of other and
important States, were there any dignity
about the proceedings, some good might
be gained; but they feel sure that far
from anything like this, there will be
nothing but flood of ridicule cast on the
whole affair Is it worth carrying on such
an affair, when it is distasteful, nay hate
full toa community, unpopular as we ksaor
with members of the sovereign's family,
pitiful and ridiculous as it is in the sight
of the world, simply to satisfy the silly
whim of man who by carrying it out,
hopes to get eoia with the master he is
serving so badly.
That the opposition should be strong is
not surprising, that under the circum
stances the opposition is not louder
mouthed than It is is very surprising; it
only goes to shew how very long suffering
the people of this community can be.