The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1894-06-19
ORIGIN OF OUR ENSIGN.
The Union Jack, win Eight stripes,
Representing the Islands OF the
Hawaiian Group.

The following interesting and valu-
able information regarding the origin of
the Hawaiian flag was compiled by
Prof. w. ID. Alexander from books and
papers now in his possession, and is per-
haps, the first full and really authentic
report upon this subject that has ever
been published in this country. Profess
sor Alexander says:
In Russian book entitled "a Tour
Around the World" in the Sloop-of-
War, Kamchatka, in 1917, 1918, and
1919, 10y Capt. Goloynin of the Russian
Navy" October 1881. occurs the follow
ing passage, at page 334 "He tKame.
hameha) received an English flag from
Capt. Vancouver, and always displayed
it, but during the last war between
England and the United States, an
American in "a joking way told him that
the United States might rightfully
make war with him. and take his
islands from under the British flag. The
King understood the significance of a
flag, and told the American that he was
not fool, that he had many flags of
different nations, and that if one would
not do. he could easily change it for
another.
"He expressed, however, a desire to
have flag of his own, which an
Englshman designed for him. The
English union jack in the corner
signifies friendship for England, as the
first European nation he had become
acquainted with. The seven stripes
refer to the number of Islands under
Kamehameha's rule. -Four other islands
belong to the chief of Atuai (KauaD,
who is a vassal to the King, and pays
him an annual tribute of ship-load of
sandal wood"
On page 3l4. in foot note, the flag is
described having "seven stripes, viz:
red, white. blue, red, white, blue and
red, denoting seven islands, together
with the English union jack"
In Thrum's Annual for 1880, page 25,
we find the following statement:
Vancouver in his last visit O793),
when he assured Kamehameha of
England's friendship and protection,
gave him an English flag, which we
find by Archibald Campbell, in his
Voyage Around the World, lS06-lS12,"
arriving at these Islands in December,
1903, that the English colols were used,
for he says, The Kings residence,
built close upon the shore, and SUI
rounded by a pallsade upon the land
side, was distinguished by the British
colors." This agrees with the state
ment of Captain Golovnin.
Capt Alexander Adams journal.
quoted by Mr.. Thrum in the article
above referred to, says: April, 1916.
The King of these Islands, having II
strong passion to purchase the brig,
Forrester of London) and expressing
the same. my self and Capt. Ebbetts was
accordingly deputed to treat with him,
but he would not purchase her without
l would enter his service. | resultingly
acquiesced, the brig being given up to
him at Kealakeku, and called by him
Kaahumanu. was accordingly honor
ed on taking command, with the flag of
His Majesty and a salute of eleven
gins.
The lady who compiled the Voyage
of the Blonde" 1925, from the chap
lain's papers, must have been mistaken
in her statement that "On all days of
ceremony the Sandwich flag is hoisted
on the forts; it has seven white and red
stripes with Union Jack in the cor.
ner" page l2D. The present flag has
eight stripes, representing the eight in
habited islands, with the Union" in
the corner.
The Hawaiian flag in its present form
was unfurled at the formal opening of
the Legislature, May 20, 1915, at which
time it is nearly certain that the eighth
stripe was added. Captain Hunt of
H. B. NJ. S. Basilisk, is generally
credited with having designed the roya
standard at that time