The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1896-03-05


unroled each paper was found to have
number on it, there being cores
ponding number on each package
brought for distribution. Some of the
presents were quite costly and others
cheap. The calling off OF numbers OF
packages and distribution Of presents
caused quite little futter Of excite
ment, as there was considerable incon-
gruity in the directions they went,
many grown men drawing tin horns or
sewing baskets, while some ladies re-
ceived cavalry spurs. My prize was
set of doll dishes, while Mrs. jenkins,
from New York, who was on her way
on missionary tour to Japan, drew
boys sword. asked her if she pro-
posed 70 take Japan with the sword IN
the way Mahomet established his faith.
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 almost as sacredly kept as
the Sabbath, and | have never been IN
any land where the Sabbath was SO sa-
credly observed. Honolulu has saloons,
but there is little visible drunkenness.
| don't remember having seen any
man under the influence of liquor, ex-
cept few sailors. The enemies of the
present government contemporary
call it the "missionary government, )"
because most Of the officials and heads
of departments are the sons Omission
aries.
During the latter part of Christmas
week a rumor got abroad that PresI-
dent Dole was going to begin the ne"
year by granting free and full pardon
to all the remaining political prison.
ers. He had pardoned seven on
Thanksgiving Day, but eight Of those
who had been the most dangerous reb-
els in the outbreak OF January, 1895,
still remained on '.The Reefs" as the
prison here is called.
The rumor proved to be well foun-
ded. President Dole, who is one of
the kindest men l ever met, had deter
mined to set free the remaining prison
ers, who were Chas +. Gulick, W. +.
Seward, John F. Bowler, Robert w.
Wilcox, John H. Wise, Joseph Clarke,
]. w. Bipikane, and John Lilikoi. At
nine thirty on New Years Day, the
eight prisoners were called from their
cells into the prison yard, aud there
heard their pardons read with great in
terest. The government was represen-
ted by Minister Daman, Attorney
General w. O. Smith, and Judge ]. A.
Magoon for the Board Of Prison In
spectors. The encouragement read
the pardons, and made few remarks
in kind tones, which were answered by
Major Seward with sentiments ofregard
for the clemency extended by the gov
eminent, the others showing their APP
probation by grasping the hands of the
officials. A large crowd of interested
natives we're gathered at the outside
gates, and when the Hawaiian prison.
ers emerged from their confinement
of eleven months, they were greeted
with loud cheers.
"The Republic is stronger to-day
than ever it was is the uni ersal opinion.
That act Of clemency on the part OF
Dole will heal over the old sores, and
we will soon be united people, said
one Of the spectators.
This statement was borne out by the
number of royalsts present at Presi-
dent Dole's New Year reception, the
hearty congratulations and wishes of
happy New Year, and many of them
both to the head of the Republic and
the Republic itself.
President DDle's New Year recep-
ton, just referred to, was held in the
Council Chamber of the Executive
building, and was one of the most i'm
portant and magnificent events in
Honolulu society the writer has had
the pleasure of witnessing. President
and Mrs. Dole showed that courtesy,
dignity, and at the same time denoc
racy due from the heads of republic
and leaders in society. Mr.. and Mrs.
Dole are in the prime of life, gifted
with strong common sense, and what
he possesses in executive ability she
is as leader of society. Mrs. Dole is
a graceful and beautiful lady, noted
for kindness of heart, and is as much
admired as her excellent husband.
Like him she is one of the few people
in this world whose head cannot be
turned by high political or social posi-
tons and honors.
Surrounding the President were the
staff consisting of Colonel J. II. Soper,
Major George c. Potter, Major &. P.
Ienkea, Captain ]. w. Pratt, Captain
M. A. Kinney, and a number ofladies
representing the beauty and fashion of
the city, making altogether a brilliant
company. Among the distinguished
visitors were the foreign ministers and
consuls in the city. During the after
noon Mrs. Dole, Mrs. Paul Newman,
Mrs. Lawrey, and several other ladies
received the young men of Honolulu
in the Y. NJ. &. a. hall. Refreshments
were served from twelve to two, and
from three to five hundred persons
were present, including the principal
business man of the city.
In the evening concert was given
in the same building, which was at
tended by large and appreciative au
dlence, and was in every way a sue
cess. The Y. NJ. G.. A. orchestra of
twenty members rendered some excel
lent music.
On the whole, holidays in Honolulu,
alter al do not 50 materially differ
l,,,1,