Honolulu 1863: The Friend Reports

The Fourth of July.

Source: The Friend. Honolulu, July 1863.  

Published by Rev. Samuel C. Damon.

“The 4^th.”

“All men are born free and equal,” so declared the Signers of the American Declaration of Independence, eighty-seven years ago. Washington and his compatriots vindicated and established this great truth during the Revolutionary War, with reference to the Anglo-Saxons, or white races, scattered over North America. Unfortunately, the negro, or black race, was not included among those to whom this principle was applied, that, “all men are born free and equal.”

The time has now come when the negro race must be admitted into the enjoyment of the same rights as the white man. This we honestly believe to be the decree of Heaven, notwithstanding Jeff Davis and his fellow rebels declare that negro-chattel slavery is, and shall be, the cornerstone of the Southern Confederacy.

Here lies the grand secret of this fearful struggle. Some writers may throw dust in the eyes of the people and the reading public, by declaring that this is not the cause of the war, but facts speak, in language not to be misunderstood.

We are glad that Americans in Honolulu are disposed to observe the day, and we hope, in the midst of their festivities, they will remember their countrymen who are struggling to maintain the flag of the Union.

Agreeable to a programme, which we have seen, the following Order of Exercises will be observed at the Fort Street Church, at 10 o’clock, A.M.

Voluntary                        By the Choir.

Prayer                              By Rev. S.C. Damon.

National Ode                   “America.”

Oration                            Rev. E. Corwin.

National Ode                   “Hail Columbia.”

Benediction                     Rev. R. Anderson, D.D.

Picnic at Oahu College.

-Raising of United States Flag

-Singing, “Star-Spangled Banner.”

-Reading, “Declaration of Independence.”

-Singing, “Charleston Ode.”

-Impromptu, “Flag of our Union.”