The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1911-02-10
HISTORIAN CONTRIBUTES TO
THE HAWAIIAN HULA CONTROVERSY

influence
The gfeat chiefs of that time. who
had been brought Up under che old
regime, on embracing Christianity, re.
nounced the hula Ga an Sc forms, ~
too closely identified with idolatry and
vice Such women ~ Kapiolani, Kas
ahumanu and Kinau, and such men ns
Hoapili, Keikloewg and John II wero
incorporating in their opposition
to It.
From that time, though not entirely
suppressed, IL was like kahnnaism,
under a ban for many years, until at
length both emerged from their hiding
places under royal patronage. Foreign
influence has also helped to keep it
alive in its worst forms.
Probably Mr.. Gulick had in mind the
series Of Coronation hulas given in Feb
uary. 1883. The printer and publisher
of the program, which contained the
subjects and opening lines of the ac-
companying songs, were prosecuted on
account of their gross obscenity. As
these worthy gentlemen were not aware
of the nature of the document in ques.
tion, Judge Bickerton only imposed a
fine Of fifteen dollars and costs
To conclude an unpleasant subject,
although some of these dances may be
in themselves merely graceful calls
THEME exercises. yet they are in the
minds of most Hawaiians so closely as
ISOLATED with demoralizing accessories
that, in the writer's humble opinion, it
is better for the sake of these people,
to leave them severely alone.
w. d. ALEXANDER.
w. R. Castle Defends Dances.
Taking quite another view of the
matter, w. R. Castle writes to the Star,
as follows:
Editor Star:-In view of the I'M
selfish life led by Mr.. Gulick, no one
can possibly deny to him the possess
sion of the purest and highest mo-
tives. But is it not possible that he
may be mistaken, in pant at least,
as to some of these danees2 Those
who have read Doctor Emerson IS work
are assured that in many respects the
, hula is as interesting and free from
harm especially if looked at in an
artistic and historical sonse-as the
Greek and Roman dances of old. The
hula is quite as worthy of study as
similar customs of many other nations;
and for one who is looking, not for inn
purity, but for national symbols, there
win be found much to repay study.
This is true of many of the Japa-
nese dances. What can be more beau
tiful and artistic than the cherry or
chrysanthemum dancesf While in
Japan recently 1 saw several of the
former, and should have lost much not
to have seen them. / was then, and
am now, assured by Japanese of the
highest Observation-Disclosures as well
as non Notwithstanding the dances 1
saw, as well as many which 1 did not
see, are not only poetic and attractive,
but absolutely harmless and pure. 1t
was admitted that oftentimes girls of
questionable character were engaged to
take part in these very beautiful
dances; but L was assured, also, that
the attempt is being made today to
keep the geisha girls as clean and as
good as possible. l visited one of the
schools where geisha dancing is taught,
and, so far as such a view could show
anything, was satisfied that strict
chaperonage was maintained over the
girls, as had been stated to me. Nothing
in sight was Objectionable; the girls
were modest and well-behaved.
y If the hula and geisha dances, as
well as others, are to be condemned
SSShAoN INV iASipdhNS HUI al
ways what they should be, Just think
what smashing work the application
of the same rule would have with the
theater, the opera, and many other
! forms of amusement
As / understand it, these dances are
to be introduced at the Kirmess, to
illustrate customs and 'amusements of
different nations. They are for con-
trast and comparison, as well as for
amusement, and, for these purposes, are
quite properly placed on the program.
Of course, it goes without saying that
nothing except unobjectionable forms
will be shown.
Mr.. Gulick speaks of the Palama
Settlement as semimissionary' and
"as the center of missionary work -
If by missionary he means the
agency for doing work which the whole
community owes to its less fortunate
members, all will agree. But if he
means an agency for the propagation
of any particular form of religious
faith, few, if any, will agree with that
view. The Palama Settlement is doing
far nobler work than propagating
I denOminationalism. 1t is putting in
practise the example set by Christ, and
thus leading men to the highest and
best life.
This is not written to condemn Mr..
Gulick; for every one respects his
opinions and admires his life Of self
denying service. But is seems to me
worth while to have the public, whose
patronage is solicited in support of Pa
lama Settlement, understand that 9th
ers, who were brought up as strictly as
was Mr.. Gulick, look at the facts Of
life from a different standpoint and
therefore see something else than the
results which are so painful to him.
w. R. CASTLE.