The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1896-03-20


and loaded with pretty presents. The en-
tertainment began by singing by the Jap
anese. The music was familiar but the
words were not. Then X. Kahashki, one
of the Japanese workers. read chapter
from the Bible in his own language. This
was followed by prayer from ). Nishi, an
opening address by A. lwamoto, hymn,
Yves. Jesus Loves Me-" by seven Japanese
boys; this followed by Rotations in Japan
ese and English by several little boys. ID.
Nakano, a boy not over twelve or fourteen
wears of age, delivered an address in Eng
fish to the Americans present, which might
have done credit to one much more advanc-
ed in years.
A fter the benedictiOn came the presenta-
ti0n of gifts. This was novel, amusing and
expensive to congregation as small and
poor as the japanese, as in addition to the
snecial gifts on the Christmas tree for lndl-
vidual friends, they provided gifts for visit
ors and all, and the house was well crowd
ed with visitors. The pastor of the church,
Rev. Ii. Kihara, delivered an address TO ms
peOple in Japanese, and he was followed by
Rev. II. w. Peck, of the Methodist church.
Then four young Japanese went through
the audience and distributed little rolls OF
paper about the size of pipe-stem. When
unrolled each paper was found TO nave a
number ON it, there being corresponding
number on each package brought TOT dlstrl-
button. Some of the presents were quite
costly and others cheap. fhe calling on OF
numbers of packages and distribution or
presents caused quite little flutter or eX-
cltement, as there was considerable neon
gruity in the directions they went, MANY
grown men drawing tin horns or sewing
baskets, while some ladies received caVaiIy
spurs. My prize was set or doll dishes,
While Mrs jenkins, from New York, who
was on her way on missionary tour 70
Japan, drew boys sword. aSkad ner II
she proposed to take Japan with the SWORD
in the way MahOmet established his faltn.
Hawaii is truly missionary country
The influence of the missionary Is felt on
the streets. in the stores, shops, and offices.
AS consequence Christmas is holiday al
most as sacredly kept as the Sabbath, and
have never been in any land where the Sab
bath was so sacredly observed. Honolulu
has saloons. but there is little visible drunk
enness. don't remember having seen any
man under the influence of liquor, except a
few sailors. The enemies OF the present
government contemptu0usly call 1t the
''missionary government because most OF
the officials and heads OF departments are
the sons of missionaries.
During the latter part of Christmas week
a rumor got abroad that President Dole was
going to begin the new year by granting
free and full pardon to all the remaining
political prisoners. He had pardoned sew
en- on Thanksgiving Day, but eight OF those
who hod been che most dangerous rebels III
the outbreak of January, 1895, still remain
ed on ''The Reefs" as the prison here Il
called
The rumor proved to be well founded
President Dole, who is one of the klndes
men | ever met, had determined to set fret
the remaining prisoners, who were Cnas
Il. Gulick, W. L. Seward, John f. Bowler
Robert w. Wilcox, John II. Wise. JOSEPH
Clarke, j. w. Blpikane and John Lilikoi
At nine thirty on New Years Day tn
eight prisoners were called from their cell
into the prison yard, and there heard thei
pardons read with great interest The gov
eminent was represented by Minister Da
man, Attorney General w. D. Smith, an(
Judge ]. A. MagOon for the Board OF Pris
on inspectors. The encouragement reat
the pardOns, and made few remarks II
kind tones, which were answered by MaJo
Seward with sentiments of regard for thu
clemency extended by the government, tn
others showing their appreciation by grasp
ing the hands of the officials A larg
crowd of interested natives wer
gathered at the outside gates, and when tn
| Hawaiian prisoners emerged from thel
confinement of eleven months, they wer
greeted with loud cheers.
1.-THE Republic is stronger to-day thar
ever, was the universal opinion. That &C
| of clemency on the part of Dole will hea
over old sores. andwe will soon be uniteS
people," said one of the spectators.
This statement was borne out by the mum
her of royalist, present at President Dole
New Year reception, the hearty congratu
| lations and wishes of a happy New year
| and many of them both to the head OF TN
| Republic and the Republic Itself.
President Dole's New Year reception jus
referred to. was held in the Council Cham
her of the Executive building, and was on
| of the most important and magnihcen
events in Honolulu society the writer ma
| had the pleasure of witnessing. Preslden
and Mrs. Dole showed that courtesy, dign
| ty. and at the same time democracy dn
| from the heads of republic and Leaders Il
society. Mr.. and Mrs. Dole are in the prlm
| of life. gifted with strong common sense
and what he possesses in executive aunt
she has as leader of society. MIS-. Uole
A graceful and beautiful lady, noted 10
kindness of heart. and is as much admire
as her excellent husband. Like MIN sne
one of the few people in this world wnos
head cannot be turned by high pontical Q
social positions and hOnors.
Surrounding the President were the sta
consisting of Col. }. II. Soper, Major Georg
q. Potter, Major c. +. Iankea, Captain .
w. Pratt. Captain NJ. A. Kinney, and
| number Of ladies representing the oeaut
and fashion Of the city, making altogelnt
A brilliant company. Among the uistll
: guished visitors were the foreign minister
and consuls in the city. During the ate