The Portland daily press., 1884-02-14
Hawiian Missory.

This was the title OF a lecture given last ey-
ening by Rev. Mr.. Hallock, at Williston
church. The speaker said the authentic histo-
RI OF the Islands begins in 1920. The group
was first discovered In ITS by Capt James
Cook. A year later, this intrepid navigator
lost his life on one Of these islands. The pop
ulaticn at this time was estimated at 100000.
Fhe ofncial census showed populationof130,-
600, which has now dwindled to less than 3d.
Co., Up to 1885, then eight islands were gov
erned by Independent savage chiefs In constant
war with each other. At this time Kamiham-
Ina, called the great, conceived the idea of
subduing all the pretty chiefs, and the way in
which he planned and executed this conquest,
was told in a graphic manner.
The government Is limited monarchy,
having senate of IA members and house of
rs representatives chosen By the popular vote.
The sessions, which are joint are held once in
two years. The king says "they sit from two
10 four months, according to their obstinacy,'
a man to be voter must have an income of
no per year, end be able to read and write.
Inc Hawaiian army consists of seventy men
all told, and their artillery of six four Founders
unnamed. Not keel of theirs floats cun.
and yet they discussed, and passed, few
years ago, resolution Of non-intervention in
sorry, good schools are provided by the govern
nent and ali learn to write. The Hawaiiapg
differ widely in character and habits from tbs
civilized people OF higher latitudes. With few
exceptions the people are naturally indolent
and easy going. A jolly, lazy, careless people,
they are like overarown boys and girls SO So
ciable that whole families go visiting their
neighhors and stay until everything is eaten
up. To be large and feshy is esteemed a
blessing, and in elections the man with the
largest body, other things being equal, stands
she best chance. They are generally sure to
have their great men in office. IA hint for
ul
Tho rainfall on these Islands is something
tremendous. 1t has been known to rain four
teen fset In year at Hilo. The cascades, fed
By thess rains, cannot be imagined for beauty
rs they pour over the sheer cliffs of lava from
700 to 1909 fsst in height. AT Hilo the speak
sr was tho guest OF the venerable Father Coan,
since gene to his rest, and from his lips heard
stories OF the scenes witnessed by him touching
the giant volcano Mauns Loa. In 1856 Mauns
Los evolved mighty eruption and asiid
glare and eubterraDean thunder, poured tor
rents OF molten layaefrom its summit crater.
This time 1t flowed straight toward Hilo
Seven months it flowed; now swiftly, now
hating for weeks to fill up some vast area of
low-lying plain. From Ave to 500 feet deep,
from half mile to three miles wide the tor
rent OF fire crept on toward the doomed city.
Ii was within two weeks of their doors; q day
OF fasting was set apart throughout the realm
Father Coan preached and led the prayers of q
vast assembly OF terror-stricken people 5000
strong. With small party he visited the on
coming stream and campsd that night near
its shores Slowly in terrible power it came,
he left 1t pouring over precipice into deep
pool OF boiling water. 1t filed that pool but
never overlooked and you cannot find a ma
tive who does not know that it was Father
Coan's prayer that checked the flow and
saved Hilo. The description of night spent
in the crater of Kilanea should be heard to be
appreciated; no brief extract can do it jus
tice. Mr.. Hallock may be requested to repeat
these lectures in some more central location.