The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1883-03-10

THE presence of Il British Admiral with
his flagship in our port recalls to mind the
visit of another British Admira with his
flagship, which visit is identified with polit-
ical associations of the highest interest to
the Hawaiian people. A subordinate Com
mander, acting hastily in accordance with
an eIpdrte influence, inflicted an injustice
upon our little State, caused the national
flag to be hauled down, and virtually abro-
gated the independence of the country. He
sought the confirmation of his acts, by his
commandments Admiral Thomas, at
that time on board his flagship the Dublin,
in the harbor of Valparaiso; but, the Ad-
miral as soon as he received information of
the injustice done to the Hawaiian chief
and his people, fastened to make reStOra-
ton without one hours delay. With a gen.
erous haste, it may be said, the gallant
British Admiral got up his anchor and
made all speed for the port of Honolulu.
And Immediately Oh arrival he sought an
audience with the good King Kauikeaouli,
(Kamehameha 1II.) acknowledged his in
dependent sovereignty; and subsequently,,
coming ashore with officers and men, did IN
a most signal and honorable manner,h honor
the restored Hawaiian flag on the 2Sth OF
November, 1873. This day has ever since
been especially cherished in the memory of
Hawaiians, and known and recognized as
the Restoration Day, the celebration of
which always awakens in the Hawaiian
min a most grateful and generous remem-
brance of mira Thomas. Mr.. Wyllie,
JIG OOlIlluCLLlSl i vi hGtDlSlldltSlld
I'LL, often said, that it was the desire of his
Sovereign, and his own special wish that
some monument should be erected to COM
memorate the noble action of Admiral
Thomas, and it has often been mooted since,
that some distinguished mark of national
gratitude should be set up in this cOun-
try in memory of Admiral Thomas.
There is what is acknowledged to be a good
portrait of the Admiral at our Foreign
Office, showing features indicating a Just
and generous nature. We trust that, at
some future day, when it will be in order to
consider the question of adding to the hon
orary monuments, already raised in this
country, to provide for a statue of the good
and enlightened Admiral, to be placed, per-
haps, in the square which has received his
name, and thus the person of u generous
benefactOr of the nation, being set up in
everlasting bronze or marble, will be Il
constant reminder of a deeply interesting
event in our history, and ever awaken in
associated with a brave and generous ac-
ton. 1t may be sale that diplomacy
would have settled the matter somewhat
as it was settled, but this does not alter in
the least, the national appreciation of what
was done by Admiral thomas, who, with
out waiting for heintrvention of diplomacy
and in accordance with his own generous
sentiment as a man and responsible nava
Commander, took upon himself the act OF
restoration.
We might also recall to mind many
pleasant incidents connected with visits OF
other British Adnlirals in our port. We
need only Mention the names Filyar,
Cochrane and De Horsey, to revive a null
titude Of pleasant memories, and, we doubt
not, these Will be increased by the visit OF
Admiral Lyons and his flagship Swiftsure.