The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-05-14

years OF his absence from If, until the SEN
ument in the end took the form of a blind
and satisfied idOlatry.
Engaging IN a mercantile business in
Honolulu, he soon amasSed a comfortable
fortune, which he invested in canefields on
the island of Hawaii. His plantations
were near Hilo, and he erected large and
cOmmOdi0us residence in that village,
which he occupied during the remainder of
his life ana where he dispensed a hospital
ity so lavish and general as to render the
Spencer mansion famous. But, for some
reason, the captain did not meet with sue
cess as sugar-maker. He lost the most
of his money invested in the business and
found 1t necessary 10 resume the occupa-
ton of a merchant, which he did in a
small way at Hllo.
He spoke the Hawaiian language flu
entity and was great favorite with the
natives. He was held in esteem by the
rulers, and his advice WAS frequently in
vited and followed by them. Whenever
he visited Honolulu room was placed at
his disposal IN the royal palace and in
private he always addressed the sovereigus
by their individual names. Many state
secrets were entrusted TO him, and he was
the last person who held in his hand the
heart If kamehameha III before il was
thrown into the crater of kiiauea as an
offering to Pele. He stoutiy assisted in the
elevation of Kalakaua to the throne, de-
claring that he WAS man of brains, and
by far ihe most eligible candidate of royal
blood on the Islands; in fact, as he casually
mentioned 10 the English resident Com
missioner. he was almost good enough to
be an Americana
Probably the most gratifying event In
the long life OF Uncle Tom Spencer was
his appointment as United States Vice
Consul at Hilo, a position from which
death alone removed him. The emolu-
menis OF the place were ncOnsiderable;
but that was of no consequence to Captain
Tom. The appointment made him an
acknowledged representative of the great
republic, the land Of his love, aud he asked
Tor nothing more. he had elaboIa ate signs
painted both for his residence and place of
business, and from the tallest staff on all
the ten Hawaiian Islands threw to the
breeze the stars and stripes. He also pro-
cured bronze eagle, about twelve inches
In height. mounted on pedestal, which he
always carried with him in his travels and
placed on the table before him while taking
his meals. This, on one occasion, he
politely requested the American Minister
to allow him to do while dining with MIN
at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel IN Honolulu
The latter would have avoided the display
Of course, but Captain Tom regarded it has
perfectly proper, and the eagle was q silent
witness of the repast.
As before intimated, the shelter of his
roof and a seat at his table were freely
offered TO all who crossed his threshold,
were made his guests without regard TO
their nationality and entertained with a
display and prodigality according to their
character and deserts. The officers of all
war vessels dropping anchor in the harbOr
OF Hilo were invited to his table and re-
celved al his door with welcome so hearty
aud suavity so unique that they could
never forget the circumstance
The visit to Hilo of the Duke of Edin-
burgh while he was making tour of the
world ana learning navigation, many
years ago, was a notable event in the life
OF Captain Tom. He promptly placed his
house and all it contained at the service of
the young Duke and his friends so long as /
they remained ashore. and they gladly
awaited themselves OF the hOspitable
tender. They made the house a pande-
monium for few days. and the captain
substantially assisted in the uproaT. They
had evidently learned something of the
character Of their host, and the style in
which they were received at his door salts
he'd them that they had made no mistake
IL accepting his hospitality.
Taking the Duke by the hand the cap
tam bowed courteously and said: Duke,
greet and welcome you and your friends
70 TINS humble habitation. Aloha null 1t
IS yours as long as you choose to honor ID
with your presence. You will be safe
under ITS roof, for 1t is protected by the
nag OF ihe greatest nation on earth. ! win
add the English flag il you Will provide
me with one. Do what you please with
the house and its contents. | only ask
lnal you VIII not set them on fire, unless
you ma 1t difficult 10 enjoy yourselves In |
any ctner way. One Of your great uncles, |
Duke' hlTed lot of Hessians to annoy |
some OF my ancestors while back. But |
t tias mas been forgiven long ago. Walk |
ii1lit ii ana III show you your quarters"
EhteIlhg and samplng the CAPTAINS |
stlmuiants two or three times which mt |
suel, "ll IN rolicklng good humor, the |
euests We're escorted through the house |
anu nhally TO large room on the ground |
n ~ VI con ing sunkeD stone reservoir |
~ OF 10 ieet square, filled with water In |
the depth Of or feet. which was Lant
pure ana cool by the constant passage |
Lhroueh II of rivulet of wafer 1tver,ed |
rom a mountain stream. The weather
e az 70. anu sultry and the great basin of |
cool water looked inviting. u
Gentlemen" said the CANAAN s,boro g
pain III lot King. 1t is the ONLY place in |
the mouse tnat am not ashamed OF. -
Lovely !! exclaimed the Duke, with ep-
t1uslasm. AS II Is sometimes the custom |
OF hosts to FIRST drink from a vessel hefora |
Offering ii TO their guests, as a guarantee |
against poison, II would not be ont ~ !
place, captain. for you TO take the frst
plunge" Then placing his hand on the
huge shoulder Of lis host and turning To
his comrades. he continued: 81 pron9se
lads, that we all unite In giving him Brit
fish baptism"
The proposal was received with rollick-
ing satisfaction, aud four or five of the
party advanced as if to seize and pitch the
captain into the reservoir. The latter
smiled grimiy and politely said:
Certainly, boys, If it will amuse You in
the least. pick me right up and throw me
in if you can. But as there would be no
fun IN il unless | made little friendly re-
sisfanee, you had better include in the
scu1iie the 200 or 300 marines and sailors
you've got aboard to make the game SOME.
what nearer even"
Rnnrs of lanphter 4nIinrrnh ond ,........