The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1897-08-04
ENGLAND AND HAWAII.

Of in the name of the King Of Eng
land by Capt. Cook on their discov-
cry by him in ITS. The formal an.
nexation OF the islands took place,
however, in 1894 by Vancouver, who
wrote, in explanation of the steps
which he deemed it his duty to take,
that, although on we'll understood
principles mo dispute could have
arisen as to the priority of claim
that England had to the Sandwich
Islands," he yet considered "that the
voluntary resignation of these terri
tories by the surrender OF the King
and people to the power and auth
GRITTY OF Great Britain might prob
ably be the means OF establishing an
incontrovertible right and prevent.
ing any alteration with other States
hereafter. Under these impressions
and upon due consideration of all
circumstances, l felt it an incum-
bent duty to accept for the Crown
OF Great Britain the proffered ces-
sion" What followed upon this
resolution ID told in some privrte
and imprinted letters OF the late
Admiral Sir j. Walter Tarleton, X.
G. b., A. D. c., which have been
placed at our disposal. Lieutenant
Tarleton writes that the formal ces.
sion OF th islands were made by King
Tamaahmaah and his principal
chiefs on board the Discovery on
February rs, 1894, in the presence
of Vancouver, Lieutenant Paget,
commanding the Chatham, and all
the officers of the Discovery. He
proceeds;
"Mr. Paget landed, accompanied
by some OF the officers, displayed
tho British colors, and took possess
sion of the Island (Owbyee as It was
then called) in Fl. Ms name in con-
formity to the inclination of Ia
maahmaah and his subjects. On
this ceremony being finished salute
was fred from both vessels, and an
inscription on sheet of copper
commemorating the event was
placed in conspicuous situation on
the Kings house. Those fond OF
finding out condolences have been
pleased at the discovery that the
late provisional cession was made
on the anniversary Of this to Van
couver, viz, Feb. 20, 1843"
1t should here be stated that
Lieutenant Tarleton's letters were
written in the year just named. He
was at that time a first lieutenant,
on service in the South Pacific, and
32 years Of age, and had, even then,
the reputation Of being very smart
officer.
The American missionaries, from
whom the Sandwich Islanders had
received instruction in Christianity,
appear to have used their influence
among them against England. Lieu
tenant Tarleton mentions particu-
larry certain Mr.. Judd, "a man Of
low origin, but consummate cum
ming, and concealing under the most
abject exterior excessive ambition,
who," he saye, "holds completely
the reins OF Government, directing
the King, who is a weak creature,
in any course he thinks proper"
"This," he adds, "was the state of
affairs when we arrived here. Gross
acts of oppression towards British
subjects and OF Partially towards
Americans whereby the English
were placed below the footing OF
the favored nation, had long called
for the presence of a man-of. war"
Mr. Charlton, the British Consul,
went to England to lay the griev-
ances OF the British subjects before
Lord Aberdeen, then Minister Of
Foreign Affairs; but "no sooner had
he departed than his property was