The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1888-05-09

mainly through his own personal effort,
a recognition of Hawaiian independence.
Now, in doing this, Mr.. Brinsmade
acted voluntarily. He was under no
contract obligation to do such diplomatic
work for Hawaii. He acted from pure
good will; for he was now satisfied that
the French were peacefully inclined. He
wished to allay the fear prevailing in
Hawaii.
When the Hawaiian Government
heard of Brinsmade's success with Louis
Philippe, DR.. Judd, high political off
Ger and an adviser of the King, said of
Mr.. Brinsmade "that the Sandwich
Islands Government is under everlasting
obligation to Mr.. Brinsmade and they
ought and shall remunerate him hand
somely for his services in Europe" AS
soon as it was known in Honolulu that
the Belgian contract was signed, the
King and his Government-no longer
dreading French invasion-were
seized with a new fear. They had
studied closely that great lease OF 100
years to Laid & Co., and now they
seemed to think they had discovered
that the lease transferred to powerful
and rich Belgian company, vital SOW
ereign powers and great wealth. Yet
there really was no ground for fearing
evil. The Belgian company would be-
come great benefactors to the nation by
introducing extensively the appliances
of Christian civilization - such as
skilled laborers, with machinery and
capital for widespread developments.
But the fact confronted the King and
European syndicate had possession of
that 1OO-years lease. What can be
done? Can the Belgian contract be can
celed? That 1OO-years' lease to an
American company is no longer needed
to keep out the French. Has the Gov
eminent no remedy? That the Belgian
syndicate is composed of strong and
honorable men, who would have no as
sociates except those of unimpeachable
commercial standing and financial
ability They would be displeased ii
any cloud should rest on any OF their as
sociates. But surely the Government
will open negotiations for compromise
if their dread of Belgian influence makes
the cancellation of the 100-years lease so
desirable to them. But possibly those
Belgians may think they have a good
thing and feel able to maintain their
rights.
Here was a dilemma. So the Govern
ment sought legal advice. But the only
lawyer in the Islands was the United
States Commissioner, Mr.. Ten Eyck.
He seems to have suspected that wrong
would be done his countrymen, Laid &
Co., and expressed himself in a manner
not pleasant to the Government. A
complaint reached Washington, and Mr.. !
Ten Eych was recalled. But just then
there arrived at the Islands one John
Ricord, who called himself a lawyer.
The Government was satisfied with him,
and, Notwithstanding his record, ap-
pointed him Attorney General for the
The lease for 100 years to |
Laid & Co. was laid before Mr.. Ricord |
and his opinion of the ''legality and eff |
feet" called for. His reply was senten-
tious. He said "The lease absorbs |
largely the powers of the Government"
He was asked what could be done. He |
replied: "You must do one of three
carry out the contract, I
it, or break it." The At
torney General also said of the lease
that, either the Islands or the con-
tract must fall"
Go be continued to morrow