The Hawaiian gazette., 1897-07-06
IN old HONOLULU
Meeting of Members of
Historical Society.
Interesting Paper and Sketches
BY Late Warren
Coodale.

c. a. last night, there were presen
some 50 Of the members. The minute
Of the previous meeting were read ant
approved.
N. Louis Vossion, French Commits
sioner; United States Minister Sewal
and Messrs. W. W. Goodale, of Ono
mea, and Searle, of Kau, were unani
mously elected to active membership
in the society.
The first paper of the evening was
an uncompleted paper by the late War
ren Goodale on facts in relation to
Honolulu in the early days. There
were ranged along on the front of the
sage six large Autograph pictures, each
being a large view of the city, sur
rounded by a number of small views of
houses and other interesting things.
Mr. Frank Damon was given the
paper TO read. In this, the late War
ren GOodaIe first dwelt upon the pic
lures. which he had sent back to the
States, knowing how much value they
would be to the Historical Society.
They were done by Paul Emmett, an
artist, who came to Honolulu during
the early sos to make a number of
sketches. These had been drawn on
stone by the artist, Burgess, and lith-
ographed in San Francisco.
The writer deemed it strange that
the artist had failed to make any
sketches Of places east of Punchbowl
street, undoubtedly one of the most
interesting spots, historically, that
Hawaii has ever possessed.
After this introduction came a sum-
mary of events between the years 1S47-
G., which the writer claimed he knew
as much about as any one who had
lived in Honolulu at the time, deny
ing, of course. any egotism. In this
part of the paper the various Offices
the writer held under the Government
were mentioned. Very interesting was
the description of the high-handed ac-
ton of the French troops from a man
of-war in port. The destruction of the
Governors home and the fort were
graphically described.
In the very midst of the paper the
narrative stops-a stop caused by the
death Of the writer, who was prepar-
ing the paper at the time.
The society voted that the paper be
published in the next report.
The next and last paper of the even
ing was one written and read by Pro-
fessor Alexandra summary of the
events that led to the serious consid-
Grafton of the Treaty Of Annexation to
the United States in 1854. The great
number Of valuable facts presented
and the logical arrangement of the
same. showed stupendous work and
careful preparation. The materials
We're collected in 1889, and the paper
was practically finished four years ago.
Since that time more facts had been
collected.
In considering the causes which led
to the application of the Hawaiian ISL
ands to the United States for annexa-
ton. il was first necessary to go back
few years.
The matter was first considered in
1851. when trouble occurred with
France. The King and Privy Counsel
searched about for some means of pro-
lection from what promised to be a
great menance and found annexation
the only open road. The Government
of the Islands had previously made ap-
plication to the British Minister, but
had been refused, the relations with
France making it impossible; at that
time the attitude of the French was
decidedly obnoxious. Later on, both
houses supported the action, the King
and the Privv Council had taken in the
matter Of annexation.
Under the head of filibusters, Pro-
fessor Alexander mentioned the fact
that the Government was very much
troubled by reports of filibustering ex-
petitions from California One did
actually come to Honolulu, but the
members were given cold reception
and left
Professor Alexander then traced the
growth of sentiment in favor OF annex
alton, emphasizing the Kings anxiety
to be Joined to the United States on
account Of troubles that threatened ev-
cry moment to descend.
Alexander Liholiho, the heir appar-
ent, was opposed to the Annexation
Treaty The mass of native popula-
ton had not been consulted in the
matter, and were, of course, totally ig-
norant on the subject.
In February of 1854 the annexation
matter took more definite shape, and
active steps were taken.
July 4th was celebrated with great
enthusiasm. Later on, a feet of
French and English men-of-war, on
the way to besiege Russian port, ar
rived at Honolulu, and the King was
threatened u pursue the annexation
scheme no longer, under pain of some
action on the part of France and Eng
land
In December of 1854 the King died,
and Alexander Liholiho assembled the
throne. All negotiations for annexa-
ton were broken off by his order
Professor Alexander then read two
editorials-one from the New York
Tribune and the other from the Her
ald-both dealing with the annexation
question in those early days.
Professor Alexander's paper was or
dered printed in the next report, and
the society adjourned.