Слике страница
PDF
ePub

AND HIS ASSOCIATES.

209

the achievement of this, he spares himself neither by day nor by night, but, in reference to it, is "instant in season and out of season ;" and, after a series of exhausting labors from the rising to the setting of every sun, trims the midnight lamp over the construction of books for the schools, and translations from the scriptures for the habitations and closets of the people. He has no policy in his measures not approved by all his associates, and exerts no influence over the chiefs and people differing from that of any other missionary, except such as may arise from a seniority of residence and the ties of long attachment.

Mr. Bingham, however, is not the only individual misrepresented. From the notices of this voyager, the whole of the missionaries are to be regarded as an ignorant and vulgar set of men, unfitted to instruct even the natives in the most common arts. They do not claim for themselves, nor would I claim for them, the name and reputation of accomplished scholars; nor do they affect the wisdom of the philosopher and devotee to science; but all the ordained ministers of their company (by far the greater number in the whole) have received regular, classical, and collegiate educations, and are as well informed, on most subjects, as persons of their profession in any country. They are accurate and intelligent observers of the phenomena occasionally taking place around them, and have furnished articles in such cases, that have been thought worthy the notice of men well known in the circles of science and letters. For amusement and useful information, they have, when on the VOL. II.

19

210

MENTAL AND MORAL WORTH.

shore, measured the altitudes of the mountains; and again when on the summits of these, have taken the bearings of the points of the islands, and from the data, projected maps more accurate than any previously drawn; and in their various tours for purposes connected with the mission, have furnished to correspondents descriptions of scenery, and notices of the habits and condition of the people, which for beauty and interest will compare with the writings of travelers of reputation.

Such qualifications of mind and of education must at least save them from contempt. But, even, were they less favored in this respect than they are, their principles, their personal example, their influence, and their aim, are such that, whatever the estimate now placed upon them may be, I am persuaded, that at last they will be accounted in the number of those of whom "the world was not worthy ;" and the drapery which M. Von Kotzebue has cast round me, as standing in his work in relievo to such men, instead of a mantle of kindness, must ever be esteemed by me, a BADGE OF REPROACH.

[blocks in formation]

ON Saturday the whole mission family were entertained on board the Vincennes. Captain Finch, after receiving the ladies, and welcoming them to his cabin, was obliged to excuse himself, and, with Mr. Bingham as interpreter, go on shore to meet the king and Governor Boki in a private conference respecting the claims of the American merchants upon the native government-to secure payment of which, he had tendered his services, through the American consul, to the respective houses interested.

The interview continued the greater part of the day; and, on returning to the ship in the evening, he expressed great regret, that I could not have been with him. The development of native intellect, and evidences of a capacity for the management of financial and governmental affairs, exhibited on this occasion, he considers decidedly the most interesting that have yet come under his notice.

He was greatly delighted with the dignified and business-like manner in which the king, as well as Boki, entered upon the exposition of their commercial relations; and with the intelligence and ability of both, in the discussion of the subject, during the inter

212

COMMERCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

view. From Mr. Bingham I learn, that the captain improved the opportunity of giving the king much important advice, as a private friend, in reference to his fiscal affairs: urged upon him the importance of keeping himself and government free from pecuniary embarrassments, of having a treasurer qualified to preserve his accounts, in an intelligible manner, &c. &c.

The conference was resumed yesterday morning, in the presence of all the chiefs; and an investigation of accounts took place, which resulted in the acknowledgment of about $50,000 due to different American merchants and ship masters, with a pledge, on the part of the chiefs, to liquidate the whole within the ensuing nine months. The debts are principally those contracted by the late king Riho Riho, and by Taumuarii of Tauai previous to his death.

Sandal wood, for the payment of the same claims, was collected after the visit of Captain Jones, but appropriated by Boki to new purchases, without the knowledge of the regent and king. The payment' now to be made is also to be in sandal wood, and Maaro of Maui, who accompanied Gov. Hoapiri and the princess to Oahu, has already, by the application of his arithmetic to the case, assessed the amount requisite, on the different Islands, according to the population and quantity of wood on each, to be collected by a general tax.

An American merchant, now in business at Honolulu, and who was here previous to the arrival of the missionaries in 1820, informs me, that the advance in the commercial importance of the islands within

AND INCREASE OF TRADE.

213

the ten years past, has not been less than seven hundred per cent. Upon this point, however, I will refer you to the following official letter of Mr. Jones, addressed to Captain Finch.

Dear Sir,

United States Consulate, Sandwich Islands,
Honolulu, Oahu, October 30th, 1829.

In your communication of the 19th inst., received at this Consulate, you have requested me to give you such information as I may be possessed of, relative to the state, extent, value, and wants of the American commerce of these islands, in consequence of the government of the United States having evinced a lively interest for its better protection, and more successful prosecution.

In complying with this request, I shall endeavor to be as concise as possible; and give you such information only, as shall be conceived most desirable for our government to be informed of. Since the discovery of the Whale Fishery on the coast of Japan, and the independence of republics of the western coast of North and South America, the commerce of the United States at the Sandwich islands, has vastly increased; of such importance have these islands become to our ships, which resort to the coast of Japan for the prosecution of the whale fishery, that without another place could be found possessing equal advantages of conveniences and situation, our fishery on Japan would be vastly contracted or pursued under circumstances the most disadvantageous. The importance, also, of the Sandwich islands to ships bound from the western coast of North and

« ПретходнаНастави »