Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-04-29

of the noble band of missionaries And
still another couple from the valley of the
kennebec had willingly left native LAND
to make life time devotion to the better
education of those who were just emery
ing from the degradation of idolatory
and paganism. These, and their associ
ates, sought to found a true kingdom that
should be a light to those dwelling in the
greater darkness and abasement OF
heathenism in the island world beyond
them where cannibalism and cruelty were
constantly practiced.
ne seed sown fell in good ground and
has born fruit-a fruitage that to us as
sons and daughters of Maine brings no
blush of shame but rather one of pride
and thanksgiving-for that fruit, is repre-
scented today by Sanford Ballard Dole
first president of the republic of Hawaii,
and the union of hearts is complete when
this son of Hawaii weds the daughter of
Maine from the PenobscOt.
Again, does Kennebec. the heart OF our
old Pine Tree State, contribute gentle
man whose influence was continuous
seed sowing of Republican principles The
editors of the good old Kennebcc Jour
selves record which brings no discredit,
but in which we may all take pardonable
glorying. Hon. Luther Severance, the
first U. S. commissioner to the Hawaiian
Islands, did well his duty in the upbuild-
ing of the true foundations of govern
ment. Once in a stormy time, when the
life of the little nation was in great peril,
the Hawaiian and American flags were
sticked together and placed in his hands
hy the King and council to be raised as
a protecting sign, that no other nation on
earth would dare disregard, or order to be
hauled down.
While Mr. Severance was serving his
country abroad, there was in the editorial
chair in Augusta. a young man who was
gifted to swerve the hearts of his country
men in later years, rs few If any other
have done.
He was preparing for larger sphere in
the great management of national affairs
and when James Ct. Blaine was called to
Washington as secretary of state, he was
fully equipped with an American policy,
for Americans, and by Americans, for
American protection.
Mr.. Blaine was one of the truest, best
friends of American principles developing
in Hawaii that we have over had. If his
plans had not been thwarted by English
influence, (f not by British gold) Hawaii
today would have been under the protec-
ton of the star spangled banner Of the
United States, and that by the consent of
the native rulers.
One more of the faithful sons Of our
dear mother State has done her honor
at home and abroad and he too came
through the same editorial chair. i
name revcrently and with profound re-
poet and regard, Hon. John l.. Stevens,
the preacher, printer and patriot n man
of the people and for the people. No more
sincere, devoted follower of the truth 0s it
is inculcated in our holy religion, and In
the immortal declaration Of rights of
our Constitution, ever took service for his
country, Christian of the gospel of 1.-THE
Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood
OF Man, he believed that the great, etSf-
nal principles, taught by the Bible and
our Constitution, were the only true foun-
dations, for any kingdom, state or repub- |
lie. l have the wish in this brief address
to remind and impress you, sons and
daughters of our State what Maine has
done for Hawaii. We claim for the Pine
Tree State, that she is the Maine State
in the Union. Hshe has not been "the
mother Of Presidents" (shc ought to
have been allowed to be at least once, lshe |
has contributed to the country's service |
men whose names shall live long after |
some Presidents have been forgotten. |
Other sons and other daughters have |
gone out to fair Hawaii ana contributed
to the progress of intelligence in the up
rearing OF the principles of good govern
ment. How could it be otherwise to them
who have breathed the tonic d. our pine |
trees, grown on our hills Witt tho very |
spirit of liberty THAT rings through all +
the trees sweet freedoms song" w
You may rightly ash one question How
about Hawaii of today 40 what is its fruit?
1 answer without going into details but
give you undeniable facts. In 1887, the
people wrested from dissolute King as
did the English barons from King John a
fair, just, honorable constitution, which
gave representation with taxation, a voice T
In the government. by those who sus-
tanned it by the sweat of the brow" Re-
peated efforts were made by the King
and his countries to nullify it, and there
were five revolutions. SO called, political
ones. bloodless with one exception, in the
short space of six years. The country was
weary of this trifiing. but bore with all
patience possible 1.-THE powers that were. /"
our poet has written: T.,