Celebration of the 4th of July, by American Citizens in Honolulu.
Source: The Friend. Honolulu: July 16, 1845.
"When in the course of human events it becomes, the duty" of American citizens to emigrate to or visit foreign lands, they ever cherish in grateful remembrance, their country's birth-day. No matter how far they may roam over the land or sea, yet the annual recurrence of the fourth or July, awakens in their bosoms emotions pleasing and patriotic. "I have somewhere read," writes Addison, in the 135th No. of the Spectator, "of an eminent person who used in his private offices of devotion to give thanks to Heaven, that he was born a Frenchman. I look upon it as a peculiar blessing that I was born an Englishman." A Frenchman or an Englishmen may have occasion to give thanks for their national birthright, but a native born citizen of the United States ought not to fall behind either in cherishing an unfeigned love of his native land, or on a suitable occasion, such as the 4th of July affords, fail to give expression to his patriotic emotions. The birth-right privileges of an American citizen, at home or abroad, are second to none which it is in the power of any nation on earth to confer.
American residents at the Sandwich Islands have usually celebrated the 4th of July in some manner becoming the day, and in consonance with their own feelings. Here, as at home, different views have been entertained in regard to the most appropriate manner of observing the day. This year, at whose suggestion we have not been informed, it was proposed to have a temperance celebration. The right chord was now struck; it found a response in many hearts. We were absent at the time the movement was first made, but on our return to Honolulu, “the 4th of July " fever for a temperance celebration ran quite high. The following arrangement we learned had been made, to carry the proposed affair into execution. At a meeting of native Americans, there were appointed—
George Brown, Esq., President,
Wm. Hooper. Esq., 1st Vice President
C. Brewer, Esq., 2d “ R.W.WOOD, M.D., 3d “
Messrs. H. Grimes, C. Brewer. E. C. Webster, D J. Perry, and William H. Warner, Committee of arrangements.
J. F. B. Marshall, Esq.. Toast Master.
F. W. Thompson, Esq. Caterer.
Messrs. H. Cheever, William Baker, and G. D. Gilman, Committee to provide a salute.
On the morning of the 4th, the good people of Honolulu were aroused from their slumbers by a salute of 18 guns, for the "Old thirteen Colonies." At 12 o'clock a gun was fired for each state now composing the Union.
The hour appointed for the company to assemble was 2 o'clock. The dinner was provided at the residence of the U. S. Consul. Mr. Hooper. A more convenient and pleasant location could not have been selected. The long table was spread under the clustering branches of a spacious grape vine, forming a beautiful arbor, to which was added an awning, so that awning, vine, and numerous shade trees together, formed a cool and pleasant retreat. At the upper extremity of the table, the U.S. ensign was displayed, exhibiting the American eagle surrounded by stars and stripes. The natural and artificial decorations rendered the whole scene one of rare beauty. Every thing combined to remind the guests, that though far away from their native land, yet they were within the precincts of refinement and civilization. As the company was assembling, the utmost good feeling seemed to prevail. Every person's mind was apparently filled with the one grand idea, "We are American citizens, and we have met to celebrate our nation's birth-day."
The table was handsomely provided with the choicest meats, vegetables and fruits, that the Honolulu market would afford. Cold water and lemonade happily took the place of every kind of intoxicating drink. Much credit is surely due to Mr. Thompson and the committee of arrangements, for the order, neatness and propriety that was every where apparent. It deserves to be mentioned, that among the fruits upon the table, were 19 peaches, furnished by Capt. Brewer, from a tree in Nuuanu valley, planted by Mr. H. Pierce, of Boston. So many were probably never before seen on a table at the Sandwich Islands.
Between sixty and seventy American ladies and gentlemen took their seats at the table. Mr. Brown, the U. States Commissioner, presided, assisted by Mr. Hooper, Capt. Brewer, and Dr. Wood, Vice Presidents. It was really a delightful spectacle to behold American missionaries and residents, gathered on the festive occasion to celebrate their country's birth-day, gathered, too, not within the limits of the "Old thirteen colonies," or the present ample domain of the great North American Republic, but on the far off shores of an isle in the Pacific, unknown to the civilized world when the "sons of freedom " hailed with rapture the Declaration of Independence.
The Rev. Samuel C. Damon was called upon to invoke a blessing upon the entertainment. While the several courses were successively brought forward, the Band played numerous "airs." It was not intended that the bond should perform their part until the time arrived for the regular toasts to be given, but play they would! They were told to wait, but it did no good; they did not seem to play for hire, but because it was the fourth of July! They showed an enthusiastic and patriotic feeling!
The Rev. Mr. Gulick returned thanks. Then followed the delivery of the regular toasts, by Mr Marshall, who spoke in a most clear, distinct and audible voice.
1st. THE DAY WE CELEBRATE. —The day when freemen rose in their might, and tyrants trembled on their thrones. Tune, " Yankee doodle."
2d. OUR NATIVE LAND, AND THE DEAR ONES WE LEFT BEHIND US:
“Though other fields may be as green,
And other skies as blue,
And other faces fair be seen,
And hearts be found as true;
Oh be it ruled by mildest rule,
Or swayed by lawless hand,
With joy, with pride, whate'er betide,
We'll love our native land."
Tune, “Hail Coumbia.”
3d. THE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON.—It will be embalmed in the hearts of freemen, while time endures.
Tune, " Washington's March."
4th. THE HEROES OF THE REVOLUTION. May the sons never forfeit what the fathers bled for.
Tune, "Scots wha' hae."
5th. THE PRESIDENT OF THE U. S.—His official greatness consists in being the chief among the servants of a nation of freemen.
Tune, “Presidents March.”
6th. KAMEHAMEHA III, And The Land We Live In.—May prosperity be their portion.
Tune, “God save the King.”
7th. THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER.—May its bright stars ne'er be less effulgent, and its stripes, like those of the rainbow, prove a bow of promise, to all the oppressed.
Tune, “The Star Spangled Banner.”
8th. OUR FAIR COUNTRY-WOMEN.—Likethe mother of the Gracchi, when they are asked for their jewels, may they be able to point to their children.
Tune, “Home, sweet home.”
The foregoing were followed by numerous volunteers. Not having taken full notes on the occasion, it will be impossible lo insert the several sentiments, according to the order in which they were given. Some of them were introduced by appropriate remarks.
VOLUNTEER SENTIMENTS.
By the President of the day,
The
Patriot.—Whether his birth-place be the land of our forefathers, or the land of
our sojourn:— “The man that's resolute and just,
Firm to his principles and trust,
Nor hopes nor fears can bend.”
Mr. Hooper, 1st Vice President, being called upon, observed that it was with feelings of no, ordinary gratification that he found himself in the presence of so large and so respectable a number of his countrymen, assembled literally under his own vine and fig tree, to commemorate the anniversary of the day on which the United States of America were declared free and independent. He observed that Americans had been called a wandering, restless people, ever on the move, and that if such was the case, and if in their migrations they carried with them the principle which was exhibited here to-day—THE TETOTAL PRINCIPLE, then he would say God speed them, they were the best missionaries that could so abroad. Mr. H. concluded his remarks by giving as a toast,
AMERICANS ONCE, AMERICANS ALWAYS.
OUR NATIVE LAND.—In preference to all other lands,
“We love thee still.”
By the 3d Vice President.
THE PATRIOTS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, AND THE FAIR PARTNERS OF THEIR TOILS AND THEIR SUFFERINGS. —May their descendants guard with jealous care the rich inheritance bequeathed to them.
By a Lady,
THE KING OF
THESE FAIR ISLES. —Long may he live and reign. To him our gratitude is due for
the courtesy with which he receives us, strangers in his realm, and his
generous assurance of protection to the extent of his power.
“An Angel could no more.”
By a Lady,
Our Father
Land.—May our affection for it never be less than on this day. (*The table was spread under a grape wine and a fig tree was in bearing only a few feet from it.)
By Capt. Spring.
THE HAWAIIAN
NATION.—May its officers be peace, and its exactors righteousness.
By Rev. L. Smith.
TEMPERANCE
PRINCIPLES.—May they spread and prevail the world over.
By Rev. S. C. Damon.
THE AMERICAN
BIBLE, MISSIONARY, AND OTHER BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. —Noble fountains, which have
sent their fertilizing streams over these Hawaiian shores. May they continue to
flow.
By Capt. Warner.
THE MEMORY OF
VAN WERT, PAULDING, AND WILLIAMS.—Examples of fidelity and patriotism; men whom
neither the threats of a tyrant's minions could intimidate, nor a tyrant's gold
corrupt. May they ever find imitators.
By Mr. Perry.
THE MOTHERS OF
THE REVOLUTION.- May their daughters be worthy of them.
By Mr. Tobey.
THE GLORY OF
'76.—May it continue to be celebrated with as cheerful a company, and under as
fruitful a vine as the present, as long us these Islands exist.
By Mr. Grimes.
THE DESCENDANTS
OF THE HEROES OF '76.- May there be but few found willing to relinquish for a
price the noble land purchased at such a price, aye, sealed with blood.
By Mr Gilman.
THE OBLIGATIONS
INCURRED BY THE HAWAIIAN NATION TO AMERICA.—May they be cancelled by gratitude.
By a Lady.
AMERICANS IN
THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.— May they be second to none in their efforts for the
welfare of the Hawaiian race.
By Mr. Norton.
May the spirit
of patriotism which animates us this day, never cease.
By a Lady.
AMERICA.—The
home of our affections. May her sons and daughters at home and abroad, prove
true to the principles of her institutions.
By S. N. Castle.
THE BIRTH-DAY
OF OUR COUNTRY'S INDEPENDENCE.—May the celebration of every future anniversary
be characterized by the sobriety and good order that reigns on this occasion.
By Mr. Marshall.
OUR FAIR
COUNTRY-WOMEN.—May all our celebrations of this glorious anniversary be
conducted in such a manner as to deserve the charms of their presence.
By a Lady.
THE MOTHERS OF
THE REVOLUTION. Mr. Brown, the President of the day, exhibited much “tact” in calling upon the guests, both ladies and gentlemen, for sentiments, many of whom were taken by every unexpected surprise, and yet there was shown a ready aptness in most of the replies, which produced much merriment on the occasion. We very much regret -not hiving it in our power to have retained more. One of the guests, (we think it was Mr. R. A. S. Wood,) being called upon for a toast, proposed
THE HEALTH OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE DAY.
It having been
drank, Mr. B. rose, and thanking the company for the honor they had done him,
proceeded to say, “That nearly three centuries and a half had elapsed since a
new continent had been given to the civilized world. Two centuries and a
quarter have nearly passed since a body of noble spirits—themselves inhabitants
of a nation at that time considered one of the freest, if not the most free
under Heaven— believing that the privileges that they then enjoyed, were not
all they inherited from their Creator—left their native land, for the purpose
of finding some other, in which they might worship their God according to the
dictates of their own consciences. After submitting to deprivations, and passing through sufferings and trials, at the recital of which the sou' shudders, they colonized a land afterwards to be the freest on Earth.
Sixty-nine years ago, a nation sprung into existence; a nation peopled with those, animated by the same spirit and love of liberty that had governed their sires, and this day, on an isle of the ocean—thousands of miles from their homes—some of the descendants of those noble men are met to celebrate the anniversary of that day when their fathers “rose in their might,” to assert that freedom which was their birthright. But why came they here to this distant clime? To impart to the benighted and ignorant, the blessings they themselves had acquired, to teach the knowledge of that God who had been the God of their fathers—and of that Saviour, in whom they had not put their trust in vain. A glorious enterprise, and nobly fulfilled.”
Mr. Brown closed by giving as a toast,
THE AMERICAN BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES.—Worthy descendants of noble sires.
These remarks of Mr. Brown drew forth a reply from the Rev. Mr. Bishop, of Eva, Oahu. In behalf of his brethren and for himself, Mr. B. remarked, that they come under the belief and they had acted upon the principle, that Christianity must precede civilization— the history of the world had shown this to be the order of elevating a nation. He then spoke of the benefits which the people had derived from commerce, and closed with the following sentiment—
AMERICAN COMMERCE.—May it prove beneficial to the Hawaiian race.
No sooner had Mr. B. taken his seat than a brother missionary, Mr. Armstrong, at the other end of the table. arose and offered the sentiment,
AMERICAN LADIES.—Decidedly the best American commodity ever imported into the Sandwich Islands.
It was either before or after these sentiments were offered that a guest sitting near the lady of the American Consul, proposed the following,—
AMERICAN LADIES ABROAD. —Among the most amiable of Uncle Sam's daughters and brother Jonathan's sisters.
To the foregoing was made the following reply, by a lady sitting on the left of the President of the day.
OUR PARTIAL BROTHERS.—Know they not that flowers quite valueless where many bloom, when found upon a foreign strand, most lovely seem, because they tell of home.
When Mr. Titcomb, of Kauai, was called upon, he replied, “Success to American agriculture at the Sandwich Islands.” The Rev. Mr. Dole, teacher of Puanaho School, proposed as a sentiment, “the rising generation,” which called forth the following, from a lady,
CHILDREN.—The young Olive plants— may they never be found wanting around our tables.
Mr. Brown, after drawing much upon his ingenuity, succeeded to draw from Mr. Drew, of Plymouth, Mass, the sentiment, “Plymouth Rock.”
On the health of the lady of the American Commissioner being given, Mr. Brown, in thanking the company for their kindness, remarked that if any thing could have made him forget the dear ones left behind him, it would have been the unvaried kindness and attention he had met with from all his country-women, on the various Islands of this group, since his residence here, and closed by giving as a toast,
OUR COUNTRY-WOMEN ON THESE ISLANDS. —May not only the seventh son, but the tenth daughter rise up-and call them blessed.
At one period of our being seated at the table, for a moment the flow of animated remarks ceased, and that no time might pass unoccupied, the Seamen's Chaplain took the opportunity to remark nearly as follows,
It was with no ordinary feelings of pleasure, I learned that the American residents in Honolulu, were making the necessary arrangements for a temperance celebration, on the 4th of July. I feel as if a very high compliment had been paid to the principles of total abstinence. If I have been correctly informed, those interested in this affair, decided upon a temperance celebration, because after several plans were proposed, it was conjectured more could he found to unite upon the total abstinence principle than upon any other.
Our thoughts on this occasion are naturally turned towards our native land and its glorious institutions. That most memorable state document, the Declaration of Independence appears before our minds. Among the venerable signatures thereto affixed, is that of John Hancock—there it stands; you have all seen it for the thousandth time. We are this day, also reminded of the remarkable temperance reform. In connection with that reform, the name of John Hawkins stands prominent. He was one of the original signers of the Washingtonian Pledge, in the city of Baltimore. Permit me to give as a sentiment,
JOHN HANCOCK AND JOHN HAWKINS— The memory of the former, and the labors of the latter.
This was followed by a sentiment from Capt. Spring, of the American-bark Allioth.
THE AMERICAN TEMPERANCE UNION.— May numbers be added to it daily, of such as shall be saved.
The limits of our sheet would not suffice to publish all the pleasant, witty, pithy, numerous and entertaining remarks that were uttered by ladies arid gentlemen on the occasion. We can only hint at remarks about “jewels and diamonds,” “absent friends,” “rosebuds,” “blossoms,” “and withered leaves.” Mr. Cook observed that his sentiment was to be found in 1Peter, 2:17, “Fear God, honor the king.”
To which we will only add, that when the President of the day called upon the youngest person at the table, a son of Capt. Spring, for a sentiment, the youth replied,
OUR MOTHERS, ALL!
It was pronounced one of the best of the day. The involuntary expression of many was, “yes, our mothers all.”
Between the hours of five and six o'clock, the company dispersed. The remark of each and all was that they never had been present at a more pleasant, and in every respect appropriate fourth of July celebration. The presence of the ladies, and the absence of all intoxicating liquors, were thought to have contributed in a most important sense to the happy and satisfactory termination of the celebration.
If any apology is necessary for having devoted so large a space in our columns to the publication of the foregoing account of the temperance celebration, — we would remark, that in our estimation, it forms a most important epoch in the history of convivial entertainments, and 4th of July celebrations at the Sandwich Islands. The experiment has now been meet successfully tried, and the point established, that intoxicating liquors are not absolutely necessary to make a public dinner pass off with pleasure and satisfaction. To all who may think of “getting up” a public celebration in future, we would make the suggestion, never think or harbor for a moment the idea of excluding the ladies, or bringing forward intoxicating liquors— Whenever such shall be the case, let the guest beware, or they may have occasion to make the mortifying remark, “we were caught, but you don't catch us again?”
On the evening of the 4th, there was a display of fireworks in the town and valley, a national salute of 21 guns having been fired at sun down. After the dinner, it was the design to have sung (and we know not why they were not sung) the following patriotic and soul-stirring lines:
My Country! 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing:
Land where my fathers died;
Land of the Pilgrims pride;
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring.
My native country! Thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and hills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills.
Like that above.
Let music swell the breeze.
And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom's song:
Let mortal tongue awake,
Let all that breathe partake.
Let rocks their silence break.
The song prolong.
Our father's God! to thee,
Author of liberty!
To thee we sing:
Long may our land be bright.
With freedom’s holy right,
Protect us with thy might.
Great God, our King!
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