The Sun. — 1841-05-21 (London, England)

THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.  A file of the Polynesian, issued at Honolulu, to the 10th of October has been received at New Bedford, in the United States. A sum of between eleven and twelve hundred &liars has been raised for the benefit of the Oahu Charity School, by the sale at auction of donations received from Europe and the United States.  The Polynesian of July 4 says :—Since the arrival of the King and his suite at this place we have been gratified to learn that his Majesty and most of the chiefs of the island have spent considerable time in consultation, for the purpose of forming new laws, and effecting a revision of the laws enacted about a year previous. The new code is intended in some degree to limit the power and define the duties of the King, governors, and all other chiefs. The form of trial by jury,- which heretofore has been adopted 'in capital offences, we understand is to be extended to all high crimes and to some civil actions. There are to be different classes of courts, though it is said the higher court is to have no jurisdiction except in cases of appeal. The art of engraving appears to be practised with success at the high school of Mr. Andrews at Lahainulana. Several views of Hawaiian scenery, executed on copperplate by pupils of the seminary, are spoken of as manifesting strong native talent fir the art. _ .  The bark bark Flora sailed from Honolulu, Aug. 3. for New York, with a cargo of upwards of 200 tons of sugar and molasses of Sandwich Island produce ; some of which was raised by and shipped on account of the natives; 16,000 goat skins, and the first shipment of raw silk, from the plantation of Peck and Co., Koloa, were also freighted in the same vessel.  A plantation had been commenced by Pikoi, William Harebottle, and some other young Hawaiians. The plantation includes, at the smallest calculation, two thousand acres, including mountain land, and is secured for them for fifty-five years. They first planted sugar cane, but the soil proving, too dry and not rich enough, they have now turned their attention to raising corn, beans, 8.x., and live stock. Coffee also thrives well.  The Polynesian of Oct. 3 contains an account of the trial of Kamanawa and Lono, captain of the schooner Kooikaika,,for the murder of Kawakuiki, wife of the former, by poisoning. Gov. liekuanoa was the presiding Judge, the King and high chiefs being present. The accused were allowed to challenge the jury, which consisted of twelve of the most inelligent Hawaiians, all of high rank. They were also allowed to select counsel.  Kamanawa and his accomplice confessed their crime. Lono also confessed a; previous murder, that of .the former commander of the Kooikaika, whom he poisoned in a similar manner, a few years since, at Hawaii. Besides their (mil. confessions, the testimony of the witnesses was full and ample. The jury brought in their verdict against the two, as guilty of wilful murder,' and they will soon undergo the penalties of the law. Such deeds are said to have been quite common in the days of heathenism ; but, since the introduction of Christianity, this, we believe, is the first case of conviction. Kamanawa is one of very high rank by blood, and trial and condemnation by his Peers show in them a commendable determination to assert the supremacy of their laws, however high the rank of the offender. The trial throughout was conducted in a very respectable and dignified manner, and made a favourable impression upon the minds of the strangers present. .