The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-08
THE HAWAIIAN PEOPLE
Not Barbarians by Any Means, but Refined
and Cultivated.
(For The Times.)

(fOr Inc IlmeS.)
AS an act OF common justice toward
country and people but little known
here and commonly misunderstood, | feel
called upon TO state some facts The
Memphis Commercial evidently does not
know whereof IL speaks when II states
that 1.-THE population OF Hawaii is largely
made up of barbarians, in whom there
is no hope Of progress and improvement,
considerable number Of Chinese and
lot Of crafty, bold and INSCRIPTIONS ad-
venturers." The differences it draws are
likewise mistaken.
| have lived for a year in the Hawaiian
Islands. at two periods, separated by an
interval OF ten years. l have Travelled
extensively about the islands Ohere are
thirteen in the group. two being very
smalD. and l have met all sorts and
conditions Of people. l have no business,
political or sectarian interests I'm the
Islands, and am thoroughly an American
in the truest sense OF the word having
lived North, South East and West and
having sincere pride in every section.
| must most vigorously protest against
the statements in regard to the popula-
ton. Barbariansl Even twenty years
ago there was no native under the age
Of sixty years on the Islands who could
not read and write Almost the entire
native population were Christians In the
Evangelical sense of the word. That they
have vices Is true of them as OF every
other people l have known. but they are
the most peaceabe and hOspitable people
In the world. Among Hawaiians murder
is almost unknown. The manufacture
and use Of intoxicants are regulated and
controlled by the Government, and sugar
refuse capable Of being converted into
al Hrip fG HaGtrnVp1 The II A.
waiians themselves, who are Polynesian
race entirely distinct from the negro, are
OF pliable disposition, capable OF great
refinement and considerable culture.
Very noble and strong characters have
been developed among them Owing TO
the insuificlency OF native laborers to
conduct the industries Of the country
Chinese labor was imported under care
full supervision, and Portuguese immi-
grafton was encouraged by the Govern
ment. people OF that nationality being
found TO be best suited TO the climate
and needs Of the country as permanent
resident labOrers. An unruly element
may be found among the immigrants. but
1t is small The foreign population (white)
IS of a very high average degree of cul-
ture. AS this is an Independent Govern
ment. having an important location po-
hticaly "a Government modelled after
that OF Great Britain, whose sovereign's
power is limited by a ParliamenD, IL is
Of Importance to every country that its
Minister resident should be a man OF
ability. of social qualities and a good
diplomat. since matters requiring prompt
and wise action might at any moment be
brought forward
Society in Honolulu Is thus constituted
OF picked representatives, of the strong
nations. and shows a degree of refinement
and savoir-faire not always met in
much larger places.
The Ie-heartedness and self-sacri-
flee OF the noble band OF missionaries who
first went to Hawaii no one has ever
yet doubted. How could he? These peo-
pie went TO an unknown and distant
country in the face Of great danger and
privation to carry the Christian Gospel.
Their success was marvellous. The entire
population was converted. I once spent
week at the house OF one OF these
missionaries at Kealakakua bay, Hawaii
Nhe vessel being delayed by contrary
Winds. who was Virginian A finer type
OF the Virginia gentleman / have seldom
met. He did honor TO his native State,
physically mentally and spiritually He
had lived on Hawaii with his family for
years. completely Isolated. spending his
life in unsefish Christian work-high-
minded. cheerful and always the gentle
man. Now the children OF these mis-
sionaries were not all missionaries. Two
generations have grown up since that
early day. Some came 10 America and
made fortunes as merchants or profess
sional men; some became planters, mer-
chants or shippers In Hawaii, and as they
were frugal. temperate and Industrious.
the wonderful soil and climate gave them
competence. and they lived In comfort.
loving Hawaii with all their hearts.
few Adventures from time TO time
have come to the islands. and. OF course.
they have meddled disastrously with poli-
ties and have brought shame upon honest
people. But be Il remembered, such men
as they are very few. There Is a very
limited area I'm the islands which can
ever be made available for sugar culture.
and the United States Government Is
perfectly capable OF making laws which
shall prevent any injustice to our
American sugar planters by the acquisi-
ton OF more land suited to sugar culture.
We now import sugar from other places
besides Hawaii. That seems TO be the
only point where any objection to annexa-
ton can be made. The Hawaiian Islands
have the finest climate In the world and
most wonderful scenery. The largest ac-
tive volcano in the world Is on the Island
Of Hawaii, easily accessible and often