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CHAl’TEE XA"I.
F u r t h e r R em a rk s o n th e In h a b i ta n t s— T r e a t y o f A llia n c e— C lim a te— M e d ic in a l P ro p e r t i e s
o f tlie A v a— 8 iip p lie s— D e p a r tu r e— P a s s a g e to C h in a— L a d ro n e a n d B a sh e e I s la n d s—
A r r iv a l a t M a c a o— T r a n s a c tio n s t l ie r e— D e p a r tu r e— B o te i T o b a g o X im a— A r r iv a l a t
th e G r e a t L o o C h o o .
O n the return ot the ship to the Santhvicli Islands the chiefs were
very anxious to learn where she had been, and to be informed whether
in some of the countries she had visited the produce of their dominions
might not find a favourable market. Kahumana, in particular, was so
much interested in these inquiries that she condescended to direct her
attention to them, and laid aside a missionary book with which she had
been instructing her mind while the back part of her body was undergoing
the soothing operation of beingpinched by one of her female attendants.
The conversation happening to turn upon Bird lsland,Boki on hearing
it was so near to the Sandwich group, meditated its addition to the
dominions of the king, no doubt under the impression of its being similar
to one ot the Sandwich Islands, and was greatly disappointed when informed
that the island was not worth his possession. The account of
the high price of sugar in California quite put him in good humour
with his sugar.müls, which for some time past had been a subject of
annoyance to him, in consequence of the expense incurred by their
continually breaking. All parties were evidently desirous to extend
their commerce, and a spirit of enterprise appeared to have diff'used
itself amongst them, which it is to be hoped may continue.
During our absence two important political events had occurred—
the negotiation of a treaty of alliance between Caj.tain .Jones, of the C H A F .
United States’ slooj) I’eacock, on the part of America, and Boki, the
regent, on the part of the Sandwich Islands ; by which the reception of
American vessels in the Sandwich Islands, on the footing of the most
favoured nation, was guaranteed to America in the event of that nation
being involved in hostilities with any other jiower. T'lie other was the
resig"iation of Bitt, who, being aware of his approaching dissolution,
retired to Dwyhcc, and left his brother Boki to act as regent. Boki,
who, it may he remembered, accompanied the late king Bio-Kio to
England, appears to have derived much benefit from that visit, and on
his return to the Sandwich Islands to have become very desirous of
improving the condition ofhis countrymen. He was, however, a less
active governor than Pitt, and less capable of effecting those changes
which experience had nevertheless convinced him were necessary for
their advancement.
The town of Honoruru had now a more cleanly and hvely appearance
than on our former visit, and the streets, occupied by happy
little children w'ho had resumed their games, wore a more cheerful
aspect. There w-as an improvement also in the society of the place,
arising apparently from the arrival of some Europeans, particularly of
the consul’s family, which was of very great advantage to the females of
Woahoo, who seemed anxious to imitate their manners, and were so
desirous of becoming acquainted w ith the method of arranging their
different articles of dress, that it required an unusual share of good
nature to avoid taking offence at the rude manner in which they gratified
their curiosity. The females of Woahoo are shrewd observers
ofthese matters, and on great occasions endeavour to imitate foreigners
as nearly as they can ; but the powerful influence of fashion has not
been yet able entirely to get the better of that other powerful principle,
early habit, and the women of the Sandwich Islands in retirement
still adhere to their old customs, affording as curious an instance as was
ever beheld of barbarism walking hand in hand with civilization.
The lower class of the inhabitants of Woahoo have varied their
dress very little from its original style; though in Honoruru some
females may be seen clothed in the cotton of Europe, and even in the
silks of China, w ith green and red shoes, and sometinies with parasols.
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