The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1895-07-05
LITERARY EXERCISES.
Grafton by Attorney E. P. Dole.
Firebrand Of Rev. Joseph Cook.


the Presidential party. AS the Preei-
dent entered the pavilion the vast
| assemhlage arose. Three mighty
| cheers were given in honor of Ha-
waits first President. Every availa-
BILE inch of space within the mann
moth building was crowded with
eager, expectant people of all grades
even the doorways were filled. The
decorations were far more elaborate
than before, especial care being taken
to make them conform to the celebra-
ton. This was particularly noticeable
in the arrangement of designs in and
around the platform-only American
colors being used.
On the platform were Minister Will
lis, president of the day; E. p. Dole,
Esq, orator OF the day; Rev. ID. p.
Birnie, Rev. Joseph Cook, G. J.Whit-
ney, L. S. Consul Mills, Geo. p.
Castle, Geo. w. Smith and Ed Towse
OF the literary committee, and mem
bers of the press. The choir occupied
a position close to the platform, the
front circle of seats being occupied by
President and Mrs. Dole and friends,
Japanese Consul ShimiZu and others.
George w. Smith introduced Minis
ter Willis as president of the day. Ia
assuming the duties Of chairman OF
the occasion Minister Willis spoke
impressively of the celebration. It
gave him great pleasure to preside. In
five minutes speech the American
Minister clearly and distinctly re-
ferred to the days commemOration,
closing with a strong and sympathetic
reference to American institutions.
The chairman announced that slight
change was necessary in the program
in order to hear the address of Rev.
Joseph Cook, who would depart by
the MOnowai. Reference was made
to the ability and standing of the Bos-
ton lecturer. The address of Rev.
Joseph Cook was from start to finish
political harangue, entirely unsuited
to the occasion. He Tehashed past
events in the history of the islands,
making numberless references to
" northern principles - as predomi-
nant in formations of republics,
especially in the tropics. The speaker
drifted along on this line, to the utter
disgust of every one present, until he
reached the point touching registra-
tion of voters under the Republic.
He wished to correct the erroneous
impression prevalent abroad regard
A great many refrained from register
ing on account of an administration
in the United States and the possible
Interference. Minister Willis, who
followed the speaker carefully, arose at
this point and, in remarks not to be
misunderstood, stated the impropriety
OF such language. The celebration
was distinctly American, and the oc-
casion not fitting one for criticism
Nf - Nn1f ke, . Il.
He construed the words OF the speaker
as an insult to his government and
the American people, appealing to the
Intelligence of the audience for the
stand taken. loud and prolonged
sheers Continuing, Minister Willis
said that it i'll became the speaker to
come from the exclusive circles of
Boston to the cosmopolitan communi-
ity of Honolulu and make use of such
language. (Cheers.) Rev. Cook re-
torted by saying that Boston had as
sisted in maintaining the Union, and
asked the chairman for an expla-
nation of the objections. In reply
ing, the American Minister recog-
niZed the right of criticism, but
cOntended that the time and occa-
sion were inOpportune, and on that
ground solely was Objectionable and
unlike insulting to both Hawaiians
and Americans. The Boston lecturer
concluded his remarks by reference to
beneficial results likely to accrue in
event of annexation. At the conclU-
sion of his address, Rev. Cook shook
hands with Minister Willis and left
the hall, stopping long enough, how
ever, to bid adieu to Rev. Macarthur,
who was in the audience. Not a cheer
greeted the Boston divine as he left
the hall, the auspicious occasion alone
preventing shower of hIsses.
Notwithstanding the unfortunate,
though deserved, occurrence, the result
of Rev. Cooks untimely remarks cast
a damper over the proceedings.
G. J. Whitney read the Declaration
of Independence. Music by the choir
followed in singing COLUMBIA the
Gem of the Ocean" and Keeler's
'' American Hymn" Wray Taylor
presided at the organ.
The Grafton of the day by Z. p. Dole
came next in order. 1t was master
ful address of patriotism, Orim full of
references fitting to celebration OF the
birth OF the Great Republic. Mr..
DOle's manner was genuinely impress
sive, the audience acknowledging ap-
probation by cheers whenever the
speaker would pause. Mr.. Dole spoke
as follows:
Mr.. PRESIDENT, FELLOW AMERI-
CANS, LADIES AND GENTLE
MEN:
It is one hundred and nineteen
years since the declaration of Ameri-
;an independence. 1t is eighty-one
years since Englishmen and Ameri-
:ans last met at the cannOn's mouth.
For eighty one years Gods holy bene-
iictiOn of mutual peace has rested on
England and the United States
mother and daughter. The passions
If 1776 and 1872 are forgotten. The
men whose hearts were stirred by
hem have long been sleeping in the
grave. There is no longer any sense
IF wrong, any lingering bitterness,
any exuItatiOn of victory or any