The Hawaiian gazette., 1900-03-06
Letter From Ponape.
Ponape, Nov. LIST, 1893.
Rev. o. =. Emerson.


Rev. o. +. Emerson.
Respected Sir: | have much pleas
ure in reporting that our bitter enemies
IN religion have taken their departure;
only three priests and as many cooks.
or brothers, as they are usually termed,
have concluded to remain on the ISL
and. OF course we have nothing TO fear
now from them, as their arbitrary and
despotic power is now broken. The
German man-Of-war, accompanied by a
transport ship, arrived here on the 18th
day of October last, fired royal salute
and the Governor came on shore with
body OF marines, who marched up to
the Government house and without any
ceremony hoisted the German flag amid
hundred hearty cheers. Our new
Governor and ruler is very plain and
unassuming gentleman, and seems to
know his work thoroughly. and is very
firm and steadfast in his purpose. Even
whilst the Spaniards were here he COM
menced to reform some of those evil
and perniclOus habits that the Spanish
had introduced into the island. The
liquor business was his first measure
to reform, the sale and use OF all in
toXicating liquors to he strictly pro-
hlbted. The Spaniards jeered at this,
and told the natives Governor mucho-
malo, no more gin, wine, nor brandy
for Ponape man" The Governors next
best measure was to guarantee free and
and absolute religious liberty to all
sects and creeds; and If there are any
who prefer to be nothing. well, let him,
or them be nothing. Catholic priests
must not cause any further trouble in
religious matters or they will at once
be removed from off the island We,
as you may naturally suppose, are high
ly pleased at this liquor traffic being
put stop to. Poor Mr.. Doane tried all
he could to put it down, but alas for
nm, he was powerless to do so. Gov
ernor says that all merchants and bust
ness people are to be taxed but not so
the natives until further orders from
his Government. The Governor very
wisely suggests that "he will not trOu-
Bile the natives for their firearms. so
long as they behave themselves and do |
what is right; but If not"-then he |
paused. Which speaks volumes. The |
Governor Is a great traveller; he has al |
'eady footed over the greater portion of |
he island. He says he wants to come
n contact with the people. 10 hear, and |
o see things for himself He saws also
hat he has no use for an interpreter.
hey only tend TO lie, and mislcad. 81
I'm going says he, ITO study the Ian
,uage and DO my own thinking. and
NY own talking" | have had several
nfe!Y!eWs with the Governor, and |
vas quite astonished to note the differ
nee between German Governor and
Spanish Governor; the one so calm,
ignitied and respectful, and the other
o proud. naughty and overbearing.
Hitherto we entertained sort of dread
Il coming in contact with Germans.
ut now we are beginning to realize our
listake We have every reason to be-
leye that our present Governor will |,
ule wisely and we'll: but woe betide
hose who cross arms with the Ger {
lans; they will certainly annihilate
Id and young on the island Every in |
anttve is held out to the natives to be
ood and 10 do good. They are guar :
nteed protection. and every other {
ling that will make them a better, and !
happier people so long as they con- .
'rm TO the laws and rules laid down |
= the German Government. There Is q
ne thing certain, that the Governor
rs already gained and secured the
BOD will and respect of the people, a
ling which the Spanish could never do
thousand years. Why this Gov ,
nor has done more real good for the
land and its inhabitants in Just few )
eeks, than the Spanards did in thir- j
zen years. The Spaniards never tried g
, help our people: people who were |
nnering with liberated sore legs or
ny other disease were afraid Of their
citing made worse, or poisoned 1t ia
ot so with the Germans. The Gov
rnor invites all who are suffering with 5
ny complaint to come and get cured n :
osslble. And II Is truly wonderful
o witness the miraculous cures This q
octor has made; running sores OF ten G
nd fifteen years standing are now I'm I
fair way OF recovery: amputation OF {
ags, taking out eyes. and replacing by {
lass ones is truly wonderful sight for I
atlyes 10 behold. There are quite !
undred people in the hospital; doctors {
free gratis. II was a pleas 3
re 10 the Spanish 10 see the people die {
n. We are very hopeful OF having |
ome good American missionary d
mongst MS soon 10 help carry on our 4