The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1902-07-11


road which is very fine, made OF
macadam, rolled down by heavy
steam roller, tall the streets here are of
that materially leads by gradual ascent
from sea level to height of 1900 feet
while the mountains ON either side
tower up over 1900 feet. The distance
is six and one-half miles The valley a
mile wide at the city, contracts to about
200 feet at the head or Pail with towering
cliffs on each side. This is at the
opposite side of the island. The view
from here beggars description, un-
equaled for wildness and rich coloring.
Standing at the edge of the guarded
parapet you cling to the rail. The wind
which constantly rushes through with
terrific force almost tears off ones cloth
ing. Just below is level tract covered
with rice and sugar plantations and be-
yond is the Pacific decked in the most
brilliant coloring imaginable, and on
the intervening coral beach the ocean
which stretches its unbroken breadth to
the western shores of America, forever
thunders Standing on this spot one
can realize why Kamehameha the
Great chose this valley into which to
drive the last of his foes one hundred
years ago. This was the decisive battle
which united all the islands under one
head. The enemy occupying the present
site of Honolulu sought safety in fight
up the valley, running fight ensued,
and hundreds were driven over the
precipice, certain method of annihila-
ton as none ever returned to tell the
story. We now begin our return trip
and this was the ride of my life:
Distance six and one-half miles, descent
1900 feet, time twenty minutes, very
good time around sharp curves and
edges of precipices, etc. My friend
being a good horseman and having the
fastest and best trained team in the
islands felt quite safe. Among other
places of interest visited is the Palace,
the former home of royalty, now used
for government offices, the throne room
now used for court room. The Statue
of Kamehameha, known as the Napoleon
of Hawaii, stands just beyond. Another
landmark is the "Old Stone church"
built in 1887.
The Bishop museum, containing the
finest collection of Polynesian curios
and antiquities in the world, was
opened for our special benefit. Among
other things we noted the feather robe,
priceless affair used by the monarchs,
also big wooden chopping bowl in
which human chowder was formerly
made. This is said to have been re-
garded as a great delicacy and held in
high esteem in former times. Luckily
the tastes of our ancestors do not prevail
at the present day.
At noon Of my second days visit l had
luncheon with Jno. Eagan, formerly of
Corunna, who wishes to be remembered
to all the old boys, Miner, Watson,
Hoyer and the twins. In the afternoon
drove with Mr.. Eagan to the Punch
Bowl, an extinct crater about half a
mile across and probably one hundred
feet deep, and all covered with vegeta-
ton. The soil here is all disintegrated
lava and very fertile. Was nicely
entertained by Mr.. Eagan at his beauti-
full home. He is in the real estate bust
ness and interested in number of
enterprises. Would recommend any
one who has friend here OF anyone of
whom he has ever heard to call on same
as he is sure of a royal entertainment.
His money will be no good while here.
There is a great deal of wealth here
made from sugar, probably more
millionaires to the acre than any city in
America. In the evening a swell ball
was given TO the officers at the leading
hotel, the band music very fine was en-
joyed by all.
The Kanokies here all live on what
they call poi, starchy mixture made
from the root of an aquatic plant called
toro. 1t tastes about like sour mucilage
On the morning Of May LIST we raised
anchor and sailed out again, all on
board regarding this visit as one of the
bright spots in their lives.
Sincerely,
DIR. E. T. WILSON,
US. Army, Manila, p. l.