New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-06-08
HAWAIrS SHIP THERE FIRST.
AN EXCITING RACE WITH THE BRITISH
CRUISER TO NECKAR ISLAND.
THE HAWAIIAN CoLoRs PLANTED ON THE
HIGHEST POINT OF THE BARREN LITTLE
ISLE. AND PRESIDENT DOLEs PROCLA-
NATION READ-AN ANCIENT PLACE
OF HUMAN SACRIFICE.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.1


Honolulu. May 81. via San Francisco, June 7
The Hawaiian steamer Iwalani returned to port
two days ago having successfully taken possess
sion of Neckar Island and hOisted over 1t the
Hawaiian colors 1t will be rem membered that the
last mail contained accounts of the race for this
island between Hawaii and England, the British
cruiser Champion leaving port only two hours
after the Hawaiian steamer departed Captain
King, who In charge of the lwalani, Is also
Minister of the Interior; and to him President
Dole had intrusted the proclamation formally
taking possession Of the island. Kings instruc-
tions were TO crowd on all steam and by every
means to reach the island before the English
could anticipate him.
In giving an account Of the voyage. Captain
King said that the first day and half were eX-
citing. as the Champion was constantly In sight
and seemed to be making full speed. AS night
came on II looked as though they might he over
hauled on the following day. But at daybreak
no trace Of the British pursuing vessel could be
seen They still kept up full speed. however,
and when they reached the island promptly made
a landing and hoisted the Hawaiian coors. No
trouble was experienced In making a landing. as
they entered by big natural roadway. made by
an old volcanic eruption Had it not been for
this natural bay. the landing would have been
difficult. the cliffs all around. direct from
the water to a height Of 260 feet The island
which is only about quarter Of mile wide and
a half mile long, is barren mass Of lava. with
little vegetation.
The captain and his crew proceeded to the
highest point Of the island carrying the flag
staff AMI colors. The flag was securely fas
tened 10 the staff and the latter was firmly
planted in a crevice in the lava and further Sc
cured by blocks Of lava piled around It. Then.
when the flag hoated free. all removed their
hats and the captain read the proclamation of
President Dole taking possession OF the island
Three cheers were given and the party pro-
ceeded to explore the island. No living things
were found except a flock of penguin Fish
abound near the island and the captain shot n
hair seal. the skin Of which he brought back.
The most curious discovery was that the island
had been used evidently years ago. as place OF
human sacrifice by the Hawaians. Near the
spot selected for the planting OF the flagstaff We're
found several large stands. thirty feet long by
three feet in height and width, upon which were
mounted heavy slabs OF lava. These were ev-
IDENTIFY sacrtfcial tables. for upon one was found
a fragment Of a mans leg. petrihed so that az
first sight II looked like stone. Nearby were dis
covered number OF curious idols, made IN
human form, roughly carved. These idols, which
were brought back by the captain and which
will be placed IN tho Bishop Museum. at Homo
lulu. are extremely interesting, because they
differ materially from any idols Of Ike nature
found the Hawaiian Islands.
The island is worthless for any practical pur-
poses. the strong winds which blow over It
constantly have removed even the deposits Of
guano which cover most Of the other islands
nearby Its possession by Hawaii. however was
a good stroke. as there is little doubt that Eng
land expected TO seize the place for a cable
landing Hawaii claims possession now OF the
whole group OF islands stretching TO the north
west. OF which Neckar Island is one This claim
is made on the strength Il an expedition sent
out I'm 1857 by Kamehameha N This expedition
was under command Of Captain Patty He
touched at Neboa, Neckar. Gauder. Laysan ana
Iis!ansky islands The farthest island in this
group known as Midway or Ocean Island, he
did not visit. This island in 1868 was occupied
by the United States. and attempt was made
10 establish there a cOal!ng station for the emma
steamers but this was abandoned.
The cruiser Champion returned 10 Honolulu
Yesterday. Her officers declared that she had
been out simply for gun practice; but this does
not seem credible she would not have gone
SO far from the coast she did. The more
reasonable suppos;ion is that the captain aban-
doned the chase when he found that the Imalan
was able TO keep ahead OF him.