The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1898-08-26
Wailuku, Maui, August 23.


The people of this town received a
letter on last Saturday morning noti-
flying them of the coming of the Con-
gressional commission. A meeting
was called and took place yesterday
morning. No formal program was ar
ranged, but a committee of the lead
ing men was appointed to receive the
distinguished guests. This committee
composed of Judge Kalua, A. N. ke-
poikai, G. NJ. Boote, George Hons,
railroad, Sheriff L. NJ. Baldwin and S.
Kaliinoi, was at the Kahului landing
when the Claudine arrived. Everybody
on board was up at an early hour and
no time was lost in landing. A spe-
cial train was in waiting and in few
minutes Wailuku was reached.
The party was driven to the resi-
dence of j. w. Kalua, where breakfast
was served. During the meal re-
marks were made regarding the small
number of natives who had offered to
greet the commissioners. EXplana-
tions were made to the effect that
the short notice received was the
cause of the non-appearance of the
Hawaiians. One man struck the key
note when he said they were in hid
ing and only awaited the word from
some prominent Hawaiian. 1t was af-
forwards proved that the word was
passed. When the party reached the
court house there was quite re-
spectacle assemblage; before the NEE
ting adjourned the room was simply
crowded with Hawaiians, who appear
ed to take a deep interest in the pro
ceedings.
1t was perhaps the most important
meeting ever held in this pretty little
town. Able addresses were made by
Senator Cullom, Congressman Hit
and Justice Frear. The native resi-
dents of this royalist stronghold were
talked to in the most friendly man
ner and We're given to understand that
Hawaii was linked to the United
States irrevocably; there was no turn
ing back. Senator Cullom in a burst
of eloquence declared that so long as
the American Union shall endure as a
nation; just SO long as the American
| flag shall wave, the Hawaiian Islands
will be part of the United States of
America" AS these words were ut
tered, there was silence for a moment,
audience were liberated and the hall
resounded with great and generous
applause.
In the minds of many the speeches
made have nearly wiped out the alb
surd idea that the annexation of the
Hawaiian Islands was but war mea.
sure and that probably the Queen
would be restored.
The memorable meeting was open
ed by A. N. Kepoikai, who introduced
the members of the commission, Sena
tor Cullom, Congressman Hit and
Justice Frear; Senator Morgan, who
was not feeling well, remained at the
residence of Judge Kalua.
Senator Cullom said: Fellow citi
zens: On the 18th of July last, the
United States Congress passed join
resolution anneXing the Hawaiian Is
lands to the United States of Ameri
: ca. Some time after Congress ad
journed a commission was appointed
to come to these Islands in order tC
become acquainted with the people
and report, in their judgment, what
legislation was necessary for the in
habitants of the Hawaiian Islands.
"For one, L am much gratified t
find such a worthy and intelligen
class of people and you need have M
fear that we will report any laws
which may work an injury to any Ha
vaiian. I have observed the agricul
tural interests surrounding this tow
and believe that the same should b.
fostered. We will also see what cal
be done to facilitate the shipping in
terests of this portion of the Island"