Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1915-04-02

that Mr. Robinson backed b. r. Dill
lingham strongly to build the Oahu
railway. enabling him to carry out
the scheme, when that gentleman. dis
Couraged and disheartened. was ready
TO sell his franchise to an English syn
dictate
Mr. Robinson was one Of the found
ers of the First National Bank Of Ha.
vail at Honolulu and the affiliated
First American Savings and Trust
Company Of Hawaii Ltd. which were
started as soon after annexation as
their charters could be obtained and
at his death had for years been vice
president of both institutions.
Lively Interest as Citizen.
Although not politician OF the
machine" type. Mr. Robinson always
took a lively interest in the welfare
Of his country and its institutions.
When the reform movement. provoked
by the Samoa and other incidents Of
Kalakaua's jubilee year uSS6l. was in
augurated he gave it his support. He
was an active member of the PXeCu
tive committee of the Hawaiian league
during the agitation that eliminated
in the revolution of 1897. when a new
constitution by PRONUNCIATION was
gained. and served as one of the
mobiles elected under that instrument
in the special session Of 1887 and
the regular session of 1883. He was
again elected to the upper house in
1892, and near the close of the mem
orable session Of that year was called
into the cabinet by Queen LiliuOkala-
nj This ministry was expected to
weather the storm until after adjourn
ment, but fell under a vote Of want Of
confidence carried by a majority Of
only one. It's fall on the eve of pro-
rogation. together with other disturb
ing causes. precipitated the overthrow
Of the monarchy within week after
the close of the legislature
Mr. Robinson in 1877 married an
American lady, who died about II
years later, leaving him with three
children. BY integrity and trustworth-
mess in all his dealings Mr. Robinson
has always held the confidence and
respect of all classes of the commu.
nifty, ever being regarded as. one of
those entitled to the proverbial enco-
miGm, that, his word is as good as
his bond" In addition to his bust
ness capacity he was possessed of gen
erous impulses, as many an unherald-
ed act of kindness would testify. He
was also devoted to the promotion of
art and refinement, one evidence
among many others in that regard be-
ing his possession of a magnificent
collection of rare volumes.
The Robinson library at the Nuuanu
avenue residence has for years been
considered as the finest collection Of
splendid literary works in the Hawai-
ian islands. Three sides Of spacious
room are lined to height of Is feet
with cases filled with editions de luxe
and many autograpnfe works. 1t was
the pride of the financier and repre-
sented a large investment.
About three years ago Mr.. Robinson
was in negotiation with mainland
booklovers who wished to buy his IL
brary. 1t was popularity appraised at
that time as worth at least $4,000
and some estimates reached 100000.
The negotiations were not closed and
he remained in possession of his Ii.
brary, to which he had since added
Mr. Robinson last night attended a
meeting of Rose Croix chapter. Scot
fish rite Of Masons, when he appeared
in excellent spirits. On entering the
rooms he stepped up behind George
W. Smith and giving him friendly
clap on the shoulder, greeted him with
"Halloa. old boy, how are YOU"
John A. Mcguire, the well-known
rancher of Kona, Hawaii. who hap
pens to be in town, was intensely
grieved at the death of Mr. Robinson.
In express<n5 his profound regret to
a Star-Bulletin reporter who met him
on the street, he said that Mr.. Robin
son and he had been close friends
from their small boyhood. Mr.. Ma
guire shares with his dead friend the
credit to Hawaiians who have made
good in big business.