davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune., 1899-10-26
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
Visit to Our New Possessions
in the Pacific.
cy OSCAR F. SAMPSON,
1sr n. Y. Vols, Spanish War.

Castles have altogether disappeared
with idoiatry. 1t is very difficult TO say
which We're the more 10 be feared IN
years past-the priests who enforced the
worship and rites of the great idol goddess
Pele (or Peli), or the mythology and power
of the chiefs. The native word Pele means,
literally, hair. and was the name given to
the supposed supernatural being thought
to reside in the craters of volcanoes (prin-
cipally in kilaucal, from which cause the
fires of these thrones biazed forth in fury.
The name was given because there comes
from the crater fine filaments resembling
human hair or slag-wool, which float in
the airdunng the eruption.
Before 1920 this was the only religion
known in the islands, and to-day III the
Bishop Art Museum at Honolulu may be
seen specimens OF grotesque and 1epul-
siye wooden figures of animals and
bones which We're years ago objects
of worship. The rites were cruel and
bloody Human sacrifices were offered
when a temple was to be dedicated o. -
chief was sick. war 10 be waged, OF even
prayers and fastings for the lanch OF
proa, or the testing of new tishing-tackle.
heathendom can give TO woman 10 the
common marriage rites Christianity holds
sacred. Notice that so insignificant an
act as the mere lanching of a new boat re-
uuired the life of Il maiden as a sacred rite
to Pele; but 50 important and lifelong event
as marriage was of so little moment to
them that they held no social ceremony.
Such is the state into which idolatry forced
the women Of these islands.
Christianity entered these islands in
the face of martyrdom. To-day their
history is very changed; pagan rites have
given way to broad Christian views and
progress so wonderful that these islands
arc no mo-e the Sandwich Islands Cook
and Vancouver visited, hut the new Ha-
waiian Islands OF the United States.
TIE OVERTHROW or IDOLATRY.
Nations n.rst have their heroes and
heco.nes; Hawaii has her heroine, and
of many lives given or offered 10 n good
cause. this one stands out clear and strong.
Alexander says: "Kapolani was one of
the noblest characters of her time. Though
at one time incorporate and dissolute,
Kapiolani became an example to her coun-
try-women of virtue and refinement"
In December. 1924 (about four years
after the landing of American mission
aries) this woman determined 10 break
the spell of "PeIi" (or Pele), the dreaded
goddess of the volcano. IN spite of all
opposition of her friends and people, even
of her husband. she made journey OF
nearly $50 miles, mostly on foot, from
Kealakekua TO Hilo, visiting the greatest
of cratere (kilaWeaO in order 10 defy the
wrath Of Peli. and TO prove that no such
being existed. AS she approached the
crater OF the volcano, after taking leave
The National tribune., 1899-10-26

known among Hawaiians as q "lunau'';
although the title properly belongs to public
gatherings rather than to a gathering of
friends, yet the preparations are the same.
All great occasions. such as births and
marriages, arecelebrated by the Hawaiians.
Numerous dishes must be made-roast
pig, fish Cooked and raw. poi, yams, nuts
and fruit, and in some cases a certain kind
of moss and other delicacies. The method
of cooking this "lunau" is very peculiar
will speak first of the 'imu" of the Ha-
waiian. The best and most improved cot
tage or hotel range. patented and fully
equipped, cannot furnish more deliciously-
cooked meats.
First, the ''imII' or place for cooking must
he fixed. A hole or pit is dug in the earth
large enough for the occasion. Next, the
meats and fish are wrapped in leaves,
usually of banana, ii, or taro, and placed in
the pit upon a pile of stones previously
heated red-hot. The native cook throws
upon them n mass of grass and earth which
| is well soaked with water, and the hole is
| then left for a number of hours. When it is
again opened our food will be found cooked;
the meat is well favored and very tender.
Mats are now spread upon the ground,
decorated with flowers, and we begin our
| feast. We are without knife fork, or
spoon; but imagine You are a boy again,
and deXterously you must use your fingers.
| OF course you don't expect TO be as handy
as your brown host, who smiles good
naturedly as you try for the seventh time
to get the POI into your mouth uIon your
| fingers, but you are excused for your
| awkwardness and you may yet become eX-
pert if you will but perseverc. Your poi is
served in calabashes or large bowls made
| from gourds. while fish and meats are
The National tribune., 1899-10-26

ANCIENT CUSTOM OF SHAVING THE
HEAD ON THE DEATH OF THE
CHIEF.
was, until a few years ago, done by the
native. but is today largely manufactured
by Chinese; although the great secret the
native has for making AL poi the trades
men are slow to learn.
Coming through the open door of the
shop, saw three or four men at work over
two long and rather large stone troughs.
In these was the taro root. At either end
of these troughs sat worker; beside him,
on the left, if he was right-handed, sat a
bucket of clean water. into which the wSrker
wet his hand while the stone pestle was held
aloft in the right, which as soon as it struck
the root was turned by quick motion and
the watered hand wet it with a crack like a
pistol, and started it again on its upward
Journey. while the hand returned 10 be again
wet and again serve the water to the peStle-
After the root has been pounded To a moist
paste it is taken from the troughs and placed
in tubs containing water for As hours to
ferr1ent. after which it is taken out and put
in kegs for sale.
A native cannot live without his "poi." :"
and even Americans and other foreigners
are becoming attached To it as a food. 1t
has a bitterisII sour taste which one easily
gets used to- and in fact learns 10 like.
The plant from which poi is made is
extensively cultivated throughout Hawaii
1t is properly known as Arun, esculentQm,
and has broad liiy-like leaves. The beds
are made in rich, soft mud and inciosed by
a wall of earth; the plants are propagated
by setting out the top of a ripe root. A lot
40 feet square it is claimed Will supply the
average family a year. The root may be
eaten after being baked, boiled, or fried, and
the leaves are nearly as good as spinach.
Quite large amount of taro flour is now
exported to the United States.
(To be continued.)
The National tribune., 1899-10-26

of her friends below. she met priestess Of
Peli, who warned her not to go near the
crater under penalty of death.
who are your demanded Kapiolani
"One in whom tne goddess dwells," she
replied.
Kapiolaui tien quoted passages OF
Scripture, telling the character of a true
GOO, until the priestess was silenced and
confessed that the Akua or deity had left
her. Kapiolaui then went forward, and
The National tribune., 1899-10-26

food. Though simple, the process is none
the less interesting, and not small amount
of work is required to manufacture the
"taro" root into the food for sale. First,
upon coming from the taro patch it is dried,
and afterward is baked. 1t is then ready
for the poi-maker. This part of the work
The National tribune., 1899-10-26

came change of dress. Barks and fibers
gave way to cotton and silk, later to be
in company with linen, until to-day we
find the native Hawaiian dressed as nearly
after the fashion of his American neighbor
as circumstances and climate will allow.
The chief article of dress worn by women
is a holyku, or loose wrapper-like gar
ment. The quality of these is varied by
circumstances and position to suit the
wearer, from a calico to a brocade. The
The National tribune., 1899-10-26
A Change of Air.

Williams name for mine in your will.
Uncle George" said Augustus. 81 have
not been all that | should be, but who has,"
mo one, my dear boy; no one. But
thought that, considering my health,
change Of heir would do me good. You are
q trifle too sultry for me-"
The National tribune., 1899-10-26
The MAGAZINES.

The Boston Cooking School Magazine.
Published at Boston, Mass.
Capt A r. Mahan, L. S. N. has an
article in the North American Rerie1o fol-
October entitled, "The Peace Conference
and the Moral Aspect of War"
The National tribune., 1899-10-26

in full view Of the inner crater she ate the
berries consecrated to Peli, and threw
stones into the burning lake. saying:
Jehovah is my God. He kindleth these
fires. and fear not Peli. If | perish by
her anger, then YOU may fear Peli; but
if | trust in Jehovah, and He preserves
me while / break her charms. then you
must fear and serve Him alone"
This grand pen picture closes by
saving that there was offered the first
prayer to Almighty God in full thanks
and submission from the natives TO new
God. Hymns of praise were sung, and
alteration given to the Creator and Gov
ernOr of the Universe.
So far as Kapiolani had ever known,
aside from the words of missionaries, her
act meant instant and awful death TO her
as a Judgment upon one who should dare
venture a look into Pcli'S sacredness.
Search the annals of history for a more
noble deed All that Hawaii may boast
of to-day in the beauty of morality and
Christianity is in a great degree due to
this act Of a princess; 10 her is due the
entire rescue OF her sex in the overthrow
of the old and evil practices of supersti-
ton and polygamy, and the greater evils
growing out of these; 10 her is also due
the overthrow of idolatry in 1922 and the
conversion of kaahumanu, favorite Queen
of kamehameha.
DRESS OF THE HAWAIIANS.
In the early days of idolatry the only
dress worn by men was breech-cloth.
Women wore a garment Of tapa (cloth
prepared from the inner bark of treel,
which reached from the waist to the knee.
Upon the entrance of better civilization
The National tribune., 1899-10-26

From pho Tor, rph.
ROYAL ROBE OF KAMEHAMEHA.
served upon platters. The feast usually
closes with course of fruits and nuts.
Pol.
While engaged in the United States Post
Hospital on King street. in Honolulu, we
were next door to Chinese poi shop, and
one day while passing | went into watch
the manufacture OF this chief article Of
The National tribune., 1899-10-26

men dress quite like the Americans, except
they are more than likely to be seen bare
foot and bareheaded on week days. Sunday
dress is usually white duck, as it is cool
and cheap.
No Hawaiian woman considers herself
well-dressed unless profusion of flowers
decorate the body, and in this she observes
good taste 1t is difficult to imagine any
thing else so becoming to her dark skin as
these wreaths of flowers. This habit has
given occupation to a number of girls and
women which is quite unique and inter
esting. Our large cities have numerous
fower-grls who seek patrons among
strangers, and so Hawaii has her flower
girls.
The National tribune., 1899-10-26
FLOWER-GIRLS.

Coming up one of the main streets in
the city Of Honolulu short time after our
arrival. curious sight met my eyes. Seat
ed upon the broad stone pavement close to
the buildings We're a number Of native
women and one or two men. Beside them
on one side was q basket partly filled with
flowers, while at the other was the finished
'leis" or wreaths Of flowers; and yet each
one was busy in the preparation Of more
wrcaths.
Usually the native women are very
bashful and reserved toward strangers, es-
pecially on the street but the flower-girls
are oftimes an exception to this rule; prob
ably because they expect the stranger TO
buy their wares quite as readily as the
regular customer. For this reason, | pre-
sumo, ! was able to enter into conversation
with these people.
My first discovery was that while these
flowers were being made into wreaths, the
Evening star., 1899-03-29
Message, without Wires.

The successful test of the Marconi sys-
tenn of wireless telegraphy which has just
taken place with the English channel as a
barrier between stations will probably dem
onstrate to most observers that the science
of electrical manipulation is entering upon
new phase. the ultimate development of
which no man can now foresee. The Mar
conf method of sending messages may not
acquire much commercial value for some
time. Despite the success of this first long
distance test. 1T is apparently still in the
experimental stage. But it is a distinct gain
TO prove that words can be sent by cur
rent without the of conductor over
considerable space. The distance in the
present instance was thirty-two miles. 1t is
too much to say that in the present stage
of the system this distance can be indefi-
nitely extended. for it is stated that as far
as the experiments have gone success comes
only when the instruments and the vertical
conductors are elevated high enough at
each end Of the line to clear the horizon
In other words, account must be taken of
the curvature of the earth, as the existing
methods permit only horizontal transmits
Evening star., 1899-03-29

President and are now to be considered for
the time as public enemies. They are put
ting up very stiff fight.
Some of the dispatches indicate that much
of the stubbornness of the Tagal troops is
due to the efforts of the commanders, who
belabor the men in the ranks with their
swords. This may be true in some in
stances, but it can not very well be true of
the entire body of the Tagal troops, whose
fight thus far has not been that of an un-
willing army. 1t is known that Aguinaldo
dominates the troops as dictator and his
influence among the men in the field is un-
doubtedly great, whatever it may be in
other parts of the archipelago. But in any
event, this great mob now being dispersed
by the American soldiers, is acting with a
certain degree of discipline and much
bravery. The Tagals are making, indeed,
a better fight in the defense of Malolos
than did the Spaniards in the defense of
Santiago. There may be Europeans among
the natives directing their general move
ments and planning engineering works. If
so their technical skill, added to the native
disposition to resist stubbornly, gives the
American commanders a harder PROPOSE
ton than may be imagined by some OF
those here at home who continually bewail
the dreadful spectacle of the slaughter OF
the innocents on LuZon.
Evening star., 1899-03-29
TaEal aIor.

" hile praises are being bestowed upon
the American soldiers now on duty in the
Philippines il is in order to remember the
Filipino troops confronting them, who have
shown qualities of soldiery which assuredIy
deserve at least admiration. The defense
which they are offering is truly remarkable
IN view OF the character of the men in the
ranks and Of the state of culture in the
Islands in general Unfortunately one phase
Of the advance Of civilization has been the
qutckening Of the ability of man to put an
end 70 his fellows in battle. Some philoso-
piers accept as al accurate standard OF
progress the military efficiency of people
However this may be 1t remains true that
the advent of civilization brings with it
machinery for warfare and a capacity for
organization and control far superior to
those OF savage or barbaric peoples. Moth
ing In this particular progression material
ly affects the disposition of the people them
selves. They retain in general their tradi-
tional traits of foreCity or cowardice de-
spite the advancement of the so-caIIed arts
OF war although racial tendencies and ma
tional temperaments may alter somewhat
result of educational or political or
sociological conditions and changes
When two naturally brave people con-
front each other. therefore, while the VIC
tory may rest with the side employing the
most advanced materials and following the
most modern methods-Napoleon said the
heaviest artillery-it does not necessarily
follow that ali personal yalor or fighting
capacity will be found on that side. Had
the Filipino disposition for war been as
weak in comparison with the American as
the Filipino equipment is weak in contrast
with the American, doubtless the campaign
on the island OF Luzon would long ago have
been ended with American success In all
directions. But the natives have stood to
their task of repulsing the American forces
with logged persistence which is worthy
OF word of praise even though they are in
revolt against the proclamation Of the
Evening star., 1899-03-29

sion. The towers or masts from which the
messages were sent across the channel in
these demonstrations were. according to the
dispatches thus far received in description
of the affair, one hundred and fourteen feet
high, permitting range of thirty-two miles
or perhaps more. If it should follow in SUBJ
sequent tests that the curvature of the
earth must be taken into account at all
times 1t is clear that 1t will be practically
impossible to telegraph without wires in
this fashion over such distances as hun
dreds of miles, for those ranges would re-
Quire masts thousands of feet in height, or
beyond the mechanical possibilities Marco
nj has never claimed to be able to accom-
plish such results. Indeed. he has been
slnSularly modest In his promises and has
worked with quiet persistence which has at
last wrought the wonder which has startled
the electricians and upset many popular
theories of electricity. Tesla has done a
good deal In the way of laboratory expert
mentation to show that the current does
rot absolutely require metallic conductors
for illuminating purposes, and it may be
that the twentieth century, about to open
VIII witness the revelation of marvels of
wireless electrification for all purposes now
accommodated by the mysterious element
and perhaps for very many others which
are now beyond the most sanguine dreams
of practical men.
Evening star., 1899-03-29
Currency Reform.

The question of currency reform is full
of difficulties and has already developed
a variety of opinions as to what should be
done and when it should be attempted.
There are two schools of reformers, so to
sneak One is composed of those who in
sist that bill should be passed at the next
session of Congress: the other of those who
hold that nothing should be attempted un-
til after the next presidential election. Both
agree that the currency laws need revision.
The argument of those who urge imme-
date action is that the time is ripe, and
that the republican party, now in control
of both houses of Congress, is pledged to
action. Complaint is made that tae mat
ter was not disposed Of so far as the House
was concerned, at the regular session OF
the F'ifty-fifth Congress. But now there
must be no further delay. The country is
prosperous, money is plenty, and the COM
phcated currency system can be simpilfied
without causing alarm or much incouven-
ience.
On the other hand, there are some prom
inent republican leaders holding to the
opinion that the whole subject should go
over until after next years presidential
race. They also quote the countrys pros
perity and the treasury's easy condition
in support of their view. Free silver, as
they believe, will show its head again next
year. 1t may prove to be still very strong
Prudence demands that it be met by the
solid sound money sentiment of the country,
as in 1896. A second defeat will be likely
to finish it. But until that has been accom-
plished no steps should be taken making
certain possible divisions in the sound
money ranks.
This latter view of the question is forti
fed by the fact that among the more clam
orOus of those demanding immediate action
by the republican party are sound money
democrats who are already ia liking of
third presidential ticket for next year, with
Mr.. Cleveland or somebody else at its head.
They insist that the republican party
should revise the curI ency laws, and they
are Offering suggestions of their own as to
measures, and yet they are preparing to
knife the party IN the following November
when it will be appealing to the country
for an Endorsement of its record. In other
words, these men, should they get their
views adopted by the republicans ana writ
ten into law. will then turn and indirectly
play into the hands of Mr.. Bryan. Their
position is not very strikingly logical.
Evening star., 1899-03-29
The IHyou GBmpaign.

Among today's cabie dispatches from Ma
Mia * a statement to the effect that ac
cording TO late information Aguinaldo has
moved his headquarters from Malolos
which the American troops are now rapidly
approaching. to the town of San Fernando.
about five miles TO the north If this be
true it is of considerable Importance. as
perhaps indicating the policy which the
rebel leader will follow in case his strong
hold at Malolos is captured and his army is
driven farther north. 1t has been feared
for some time that in the event of con-
JiUued American progress up the island
Agunaldo would persist in his tactics of
personal evasion and steadily retreat up
III" island, retaining enough followers to
enable him to continue a sort of guerrilla
warfare, to the annoyance of the American
commanders ana preventing the complete
pacihcation Of the island. thus delaying the
establishment Uf civil government.
II SO happens that if Aguinaldo should
pursue this course he would have an ample
field for his operations. for the greater bulk
II the island of Luzon lies north of his
present position. To check him, therefore.
and force him to stand for a decisive bat
lie it would be necessary to flank him COM
p!etely and drive him TO the sea. or to
where he may be and SO hem him in be-
tween two lines. To do this Gen. Otis will
need many more troops than are now under
his command. 1t is reported that steps are
already being taken TO call for volunteers
TO bring the army up to the provisional
standard set by Congress. in order that ad-
ditionaI forces may be sent to the Philip
pines while providing for Cuba and the do
mestic service.
II is well TO recognize the size of task
as soon as il can be seen clearly. The cam
paign in the Philippines may last longer
than was at first anticipated by some. But
that the task can be successfully and thor
oughly accomplished in the near future
there can be no doubt nor can there be any
question that the American people will
back up the government by supplying all
the men and money needed for prompt
and vigorous prosecution of the war.
Evening star., 1899-03-29
A Democratic Forecast.

From tho Mobile Register.
The people are marching slowly but surely
out of the gloom of 1896 and are entering
the land of the sunlight once more BRYAN
may stand on the hilltop confronting the
great lumnary of national greatness and,
with closed eyes, cry again and again that
1t is night and that those who say 1t is day
are traitors to the cause; but, hour by hour
there are more and more of the deiuded
ones whose souls are pierced by the rays of
truth and find that they must move forward
or lose step with the march of the ages
We can easily foresee the end of Bryan.
He can never change. With him there is
conviction similar to the inspired ones
of old. His sincerity Is his worst trait; II
prevents his ever seeing what others see,
ramely. that the world lives and learns.
The wise man lives with 1t. and he, too,
learns. The political organization BRYAN
leads Will go up once more, but in greatly
diminished numbers, to the sacrifice on the
mount, and will again be cast down. This
Is inevitable. Even the most enthusiastic
member can give no reason for the slightest
hope of a contrary result. They go, how
ever, as devotecs of a holy cause and as
such are ready to suffer martyrdom. Then
will come the dissoIution-Br and the
faithful few still standing in the clouds of
their own creation, shouting to the disband-
ing horde to come back and fight again for
the sainted fiction of bimetaiiism There
will be no answer. The party organization
will be dead.