Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-08-09
independence Day at Honolulu.

Hon. John l.. Stevens, United States
Minister to the Hawaiian Islands. favors
the JorRxAL with copy of the Daily IA
clfc Commercial Advertiser of July .,
containing full account of the celebration
of July 4, in that far off island of the Pa
cific, where our distinguished fellow towns
man represents the interests OF TINS great
Republic. The exercises consisted of mass
meeting at the Opera House, yacht races
in the harbor, games of base ball sports
on board the United States flagship
San Francisco in the harbor,
a retention at the American Minister'S, and
a grand ball in the evening. vt the mass
meeting there was vocal and instrumental
music; PRAYER by Rev. +. G. Beckwith;
music by the band of the L. 5. Flagship,
San Francisco; reading of the Declaration
of independence by w. X. Van Reypen,
Medical Inspector L. S. NJ; an address by
r. X. Hoes. Chaplain L. S. Navy, and an
Grafton by His Excellency. Hon. John l..
Stevens, L. s. Minister. Mr.. Stevens
Grafton is published in full, and is a pro-
ducton of deep thought, able and eloquent.
1t is devoted to a consideration of the princi-
pals of foundation of a republican form of
government, and gives a graphic survey of
the history of the three great modern Re-
pubics of France, Switzerland and America.
In his conclusion Minister Stevens said /;
Let me urge Americans always to stand
by their principles and their institutions.
Yet. when you are in other lands than your
own. it becomes you to respect the laws and
the authorities existing where you chance
to be- In so doing you best respect your
selves and honor your own country But do
not PROSTATE yourselves before any false de-
tiles 1t demoralizes to worship idols of
wood stone or brass. Keep your heads
erect, your souls pure. carefully feed the
| fires on the affairs of your fathers, and from
them let the pure incense of Republican pa
triotism constantly ascend to Heaven, and
to them may all Americans come for inspi-
ration even to the fftieth generation
Describing the reception at the American
Legation the Advertiser says From ) to
!, 80 O'Clock in the afternoon His Excel
lency j l.. Stevens, the American Minister
Plenipotentiary, held public reception in
his hospitabe home on Nuuanu street.
The house was beautifully decorated
,sl. Nd
flags If many nations, loaned by Capt.
Watson, of the Flagship San Francisco,
were tastefnlly festooned upon the front
piazza. our resident American families
were largely represented among the guests,
and Minister Stevens and the ladies of bis
household received the visitors with their
usual grace and dignity. The members
of the Hawaiian cabinet were present, as
were also many naval officers from
the Flagship San Francisco. Refresh
meuts were served most profuselv, and
everybody seemed to be in a happy frame
of mind and ready to partake of the genial
minister's hospitality on the next anniver-
sary of American Independence. In clos
ing the report of the days proceedings tie
same paper remarks:
1.-The Fourth of July is over. and, II is to
be hoped, has kindle.i the fervor OF Amer
lean patriotism with new fires. Honolulu
has always been so American in spirit that the
American holiday has always been AS much
of national holiday as any OF our own
The eloquent addresses of the American
Minister and of Chaplain Hoes must have
struck responsive chord in the heart OF
every man of American birth or citizenship,
and have made every such one, and others
too. feel how good a thing il is to have a
share 10 the honor and pride of all who
have home under the tag of the great
Republic.