Bw uthoritn.Defartment or Foreign Relations.

Be it known to all whom it may con-

cern, that GUSTAV CORNELIUS MEL-CHE- RS,

Esquire, having on the 22d tnst.,presented to this Department his Commis-

sion from the Senate of the Free HanseCity and Republic of Bremen, which isfound to be in due form, he, the said GcstavCornelius Melchers, Esquire, is herebyacknowledged, by order of His Majesty, asConsul of Bremen for the Hawaiian Islands,to reside at Honolulu; and all his officialacts, as such, are ordered to receive fullfaith and credit by the authorities of thisGovernment.

Given under my hand and the Seal ofthe Foreign Office, at Honolulu, thistwenty-four- th day of April, I85G.

L S R. C. WTLLIE.

THE POLYNESIAN.SATURDAY" APRIL 26, 1836.

As an act of courtesy to tho American Com- -

mistioner we give place elsewhere to his Dispatch,No. 92, to the Minister of Foreign Eelations. Wedo not see any thing in it that railed for a replyon our part.

QT Thj foreign members of the Bouse of Rep-

resentatives have recently mrnifested a spirit socontrary to the wrong-headedne- ss end determina-tion to oppose obstacles in the way of useful legis-lation which during one or two previous sessionsafforded matter for comment to the whole com-

munity, that criticism is almost disarmed. Wepeak of what has happened up to the present time,

for in the inarch of business tho House may stillarriva at one of those that bewil-

der the inexperionccd. In former years we have notonly seen suicidal politicians buried at such placeswith stakes through them firm enough to preventthe best as well as tho worst spirit from movingthem again, but the very act offdo dese committedthere. There are, it is true, one or two mattersthat we could have wished to ree differently dis-

posed of, bat let them pass for the present. Thenative delegates have also shown a disposition toee things in a broadoaJight, and much less time

has been wasted in long set speeches perfect in allthoss bewildering rhetorical proportions, for a meresynopsis of which the reader is referred to Kacxiesand gentlemen of that ilk. But the old leaventhat entered into tho composition of tho Bousewhen all its members were supposed to don a liv-

ery ef black broad-clst- h, has not quite done work-

ing. Every here and there we see its results insome swollen head t at rises and rolls and thensubsides again.

There is very little humor t be extracted froma report of the doings in the nether Bous3 : wereit not for the petitions one would hardly smilewhilst reading the summary of a whole week's pro-ceedings. On the third day of this session Ma.Aea " presented a petition from 47 inhabitants ofthe Island of Niihau, " and what do you supposethe wily people of that ultima Thule prayed for ?

Amongst other things, that the animal tax be abol-ished ; that the government should not borrow anymoney or contract any debts; that the expendituresof the government be limited by the income. It isnot long ago we mind the time when those sameinhabitants of Niiliau protested in strong and sen-sible terms against the introduction of a horse upontheir then cosy island, whose tiny proportions render-ed the use of that four-foote- d curse upon industryaltogether unnecessary. They stated that fences,and fencing laws, and acts affecting trespasses, andpounds and pound masters, were things to hear ofwhich only reminded them of their own impunity.And now the infection has got hold of them too;horsesare np, and yams aro down. Baving proved them-selves incapable of understanding their home inter-ests, they show the depth of their sagacity, and pe-

tition government not to run in dobt or live aboveits income, a glimmoring, as it would appear, ofwhat has been the policy here for tho last ten ortwelve years, having just commenced to illuminetheir far western shores.

Jibing the very heels of this. Ma. Kamakau reada similar petition sigued by 53 residents of one ofthe Waimeaa. But indeed this Ma. Kaxakiu isone of the old fashioned members, and lor thatreason it is likely selection was made of him by thebenighted people of Waimea, for he does not rep-resent a district so named. During the fifth day'sproceedings we find Lini introducing a bill to re-

duce the dug tax to 12 1-- 2 cents, but it was imme-diately laid upon tho table. lie could not even getup one of those effete discussions to which a simi-

lar movement formerly gave riso. The report saysBe then introduced a bill for taxing cattle 25

cents per head, which on motion of Ma. Kicdabd-ao!- fwas rejected." S au fait is he at all the rules

of political economy, that when ho could not getthe tax redueed on what is useless and disgusting,he made a gallant if unsuccessful attempt to im-

pose a burden upon the most proGtabla branch ofindustry known upan thesa islands. On the sixthday again we find him presenting a petitiou fromthe schoolteachers of Ilonuaula praying that thetaxes which were illegally extorted from them, thatis to say, collected under a misapprehension, shouldbo returned to them with the legal interest of oneper cent, per month. This is drawing the wire alittle too fine, for there is not in this country a coinmall enough to pay the interest back in. If thisart of thing continues we shall have to learn from

Chinese amongst us the use of mjAss well as opium,or to look to Africa for cowry shells which are low-

er still in the scale of currency.About this time Ma. Hole came into the House

with a petition from 50 inhabitants of Eona, pray-ing that judges and tax gatherers be paid at thesame rate as schoolteachers, 50 cents per diem.The idea ia not a bad one ; judges and tax collect-ors who valued themselves at half a dollar a daywould certainly have to avail themselves of theirposition, nor is it to be supposed that men so hum-bly minded in one instance would set a high priceupon themselves on subsequent occasions. Thatseveral sensible petitions have been presented is afact we are proajd to acknowledge; but we hope thatwhen the Legislature convenes again after twoyears' time far reflection, the people will haveadvanoed a step or two farther, and not trou-ble themselves to arnear ridiculous out of. tKiown neighborhoods by cumbering the table of theUoaee

.with such trash. At all events tt is a sat- -

f a

iibttTi'm w know that nest year we shall he &te

T he Polof anything of the kind in our colum ns. Our con-

temporary the Hat Havcaii, too, will have had achance to produce some effect before the session of1858, but to do so it ought to begio in good time.

No. 92. Lboatiox or tub Uxito Statu,Honolulu. April 18. .

1856. J-

Srm : I have just had the honor to receive your ais-pet- ch

No. 11, of this date, enclosing correspondenceyou have had with the Director of the Polynesian news-

paper in regard to the offensive article from the LondonTimet, republished by him, without note or comment,on Saturday last.

The expUcitnees with which you disclaim all intentjonon the part of His Majesty's Government, of lendingcountenance to insulting disparagements of the United

tates, can only be regarded as highly gratifying. Iladthe main enclosure of your dispatch manifested a spirit

and there would have beenas fair, as temperate as just,no room for any feeling but that of entire satisfaction.

I do not, at all, complain of the "otcrsensUiteness"which you seek to excuse. Perhaps under all the cir-

cumstances, it was quite natural, and for that reason.I have no censure to bestow upon it.

If you look to the tenor of my note of the 14th inst..you will see that I made no impeachment of motives. Iattributed the insertion of the article from the Timet,in the Polynesian to 'misapprehension or otersight."But it seems that in this, I was mistaken. Its republica-tion was well considered, and it is defended on groundsof propriety. It is true that all intention of offense isdisclaimed, and I give credit to the disclaimer. Yet,after all, it is somewhat like knocking a man down, andthen offering the apology that no harm was designed.

In addressing you on the subject, I had regard to twoconsiderations : the legal ttatxu of the Polyneiian, andthe consequent effect of its representations, not onlyabroad, but upon the Hawaiian mind.

It is altogether a government concern. Its sole own- -ership is in the Government ; its Director is an offiecror agent of the Crown ;--his duties are prescribed bylaw. even to the character of the matter to be writtenor selected for publication. He is expressly prohibitedfrom inserting any thing ojfemice or disparaging toother friendly powers." Legally, he is the mouth-piec-e

of the Government; the interpreter of its sentiments;the expounder of its views ; the index or its policy.

Your intimate acquaintance with the Statutes of theKingdom, saves me from the necessity of quotationsto prove this position, or to show that the DirectorStands in a very different light from sn ordinary news-paper Editor.

Of the character of the article from the Timet, therecan be no question, although it may have been copiedinto American papers, and although tiro or ttrenty, orany other number of citizens of the United Sutes canbe found in Honolulu, willing to endorse it. The Am-

erican Journals quoted and commented upon it, to showits malignant animus, as their columns sufficiently indi-cate. If the Times has plajed the weathercock, andblown hot and cold almost with the same breath, it doesnot follow that it is entitled to be regarded as an oracleof truth, even should it produce an occasional para-graph worthy of the stamp of fairness and veracity.Its alternate tit of insolence snd humility, of swaggerand of conciliation, do not add to its general estimation,whatever the Polyneiian may choose to think of it.

It is nit for me to say why American citizens havesolicited the Director of the Polyneiian to give circula-tion to libels upon their country. They may have desired to make a convenient record of the envenomedhatred which the minions of tyranny bear to free institutions, or perhaps to test the readiness of the Polyne-sian to sympathise in the slanders of which the Timesis so notoriously prol.fio. If they have undertaken toapprove these slanders, which I do not for an instantbelieve, 1 can only say that they are entitled to beplaced in the same category as Benedict Arnold, thetraitor, and I make them over to any one abject enoughto claim them for associates.

I cannot allow that the scarcity of topics ever justifiesthe insertion of slanders in the columns of a news-paper, especially one that wears a royaX imprimatur,

or that the peculiar want-- . however morbid theymay be, of any portion of the reading public, majpaliate a flagrant violation of law and of truth. Thedifficulties of the editorial position, great as they doubt-less are, do not warrant anything inconsistent with in-

ternational harmony and good feeling. This, I can seewithout the slightest trouble, but I am not likely to "bbrought to understand,'' either by force or persuasion,that the slanders of the London Timet against theUnited States constitute the best mental or moral ali-

ment to be presented, by official hands, to the Hawaiiancommunity.

My remonstrance to you was based solely upon theofficial character of the Polynesian and its Director,h or the entire liberty of speech and of the Press, for thecomplete disconnexion of the latter from all governmentcontrol, I alwajs have been and am now, an unyield-ing advocate. Let the Press say what it maj choose,when it speaks in its own name and for itself, but let itnot, under the cover of authority, be the instrument ofcreating or perpetuating national animosities.

I do the Hawaiian Government the full justice of be-

lieving that it does not sanction the publication, of a aything in its own rrcss, either l im the Timts or anyother source, which contravenes the kws of the Kingdom,or is insulting to foreign powers. It is, I am thorough-ly convinced, sincere and cordial in its professions offriendship to the United States, and it may be confident-ly expected that any occasional manifestation of a con-trary tendency, on the part of indiscreet subordinateagents, will be promptly corrected.

I avail myself of the occasion to repeat the assurances of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be, , .

Teur obedient servant.DAVID L. GREGG,

His Excelleacy, R. C. WTLLIE,Minister of Foreign Relations.

&c. &c. Ao.

HAWAIIAN LEQISLATUIIE.SESSI0N0F 1858.

lleuar f Xeble.TnruTEBXTK Day. April 13A. Prayer. Minutes

read and approved. A message was received trans-mitting an Act for the suppression of the sale ofBrandied Fruits, Beer. Cider, Ale, Porter, and other articles ot lifce nature, to natives, which Actwas read for the tirst time and passed. On the mo-tion of Prince Kamchamelia, the Rales were sus-pended and the Bill read for the second time, sadreferred to a committee of three, consisting of PrinceKamehameha and Mosrs. X ahaolclua and PiikoLAnother message was received, transmitting an Aetto authorize the granting of retail and wholesaleSpirit Licenses at Lahaina, whirh Act passed its firstreading. The Rules having been suspended, theAct wiis read a second time and passed unanimous-ly. The Secretary wts authorized to draw on theMinister of Finance to meet the expenses of theHouse. Prince Kamehameha introduce I and readfor the tirst time, an Act relating to Appeal in ea-ses of stealing or decoying cattle. It was resolvedthat the House thenceforward hold its meetings inthe new Court House. An adjournment then tookplace till Monday, at 12 o'clock M.

i'ocKTEE.NTii Vat. April 2 1st. Prayer. Minutesread and continued. The Aet relating' to A ppcala incases of stealing or decoying cattle, was rend for thesecond time, and the House adjourned till

at 12 o'clock M.FiFTEBN-T- n Dat. April 21d. No quorum.Sixteemu Dat. April 23rf. No quorum.Sevexteexth Dat April 2Uh. Prayer. Min-- ut

s read and confirmed. A message was readtransmitting an Act relating to Corporations ; also,an Act to authorize the purchase or construction otan inter-iailan- d Steamer, and returning an Act toexempt ceruin persons from service as Jurors, theHouse of Representatives having refused to concurin the last of the three. The Act relating to Corpo-rations, which was supplementary to an Act com-prehending the same subject passed during this ses-sion, was read a first, second and third time, andpassed finally. The Act in regard to an inter-islan- d

Steamer was read for the first time. The Iiuleshaving been suspended, it was read for the secondand third lime and passed. On motion of Mr. Al-len, the House insisted on its former vote relating tothe exemption of certain persons from service as ju-rymen, and a committee of conference, consisting ofPrince Kamehameha and Messrs. Kapeau and

was appointed. The Act relating to Ap-peals in cases of stealing or decoying cattle, wasread for the third time and passed. The Housethen adjourned till at 12 o'clock M.

Eighteenth Dat. April 26th. Prayer. Minutesread and confirmed. A message was received re-turning the Act providing for amendments and ad-ditions to the Revenue Laws, stating that the Housebelow had declined to concur in the same. Mr.Allen Having moved that the House insist on its for-mer vote, it was resolved to do so, and appoint acommittee of conference. The President nominatedPrince Kamehameha and Messrs. Wyllie and Allen.The House then adjourned till (Satur-day) at 12 o'clock M.

If f Repreveataiirea.TKrartzxTa Dat, April l&A. Met at 10 A.M., as

per adjMsmsBeat, Mmete read and pprve4 : prayer.

y a c s 1 a x , April 26, 1 8 56.Mr. Kamakau presented a petition from Wailuku, 63names, praying for the abolition of all the existing spe-

cial taxes, and that they be replaced by a property tax :

referred to the Committee on finance. Mr. 'aihe pre-

sented a petition from South Kohala, praying that theelection district of Kohala de divided into two districts :

referred to Com mi tee on Eleetious. On motion of Mr.Kamakau, the House passed a resolution for drawingthe pay of members and officers of the House. OaotBSor tiik Dat .The Bill to grant Retail and WholesaleL'ouor Licenses for Lahaina was read the third time,and notwithstanding the most strenuous opposition ofMr. Kohookano and several members trom .Maui, wasfinally passed. The House went into committee of thewhole upon the Opium Bill, Naiapakai in the chair.Some incongruity beins discussed in the fourth article,the Bill was referred to a select committee, consisting of;

Messrs. Bartow, Webster, and Kamakau. " Mr. ebstergave notice of intention to introduce a Bill relating toPounds and Est rays. Adjourned.

ForaTEtx-r- a Dat, April 21st. Met at 12 M. Min-

utes read and approved : prayer-- Mr. Kamakau pre-

sented a petition from his constituency of Wailuku pray-ing for an appropriation for the bridge of Waihce : re-

ferred to Committee on Public Improvements. Mr. Akapresented a petition from Waimea that Waimea bemade a port of entry to the exclusion of Koloa: referredto Committee on Commerce. Kole read a petition fromthe residents of Kona Akau, praying for a property-ta- x,

and for the abolition of all other taxes: referred.Kelama presented a petition from Ewa and Waianae,praying that boa's and small vessels be charged noaharfagc: referred to Committeee on Commerce. Mr.Marshall presented a petition from Kauai adverse to theelection of Uaua, the Representative from Hanalei: refer-red to Committee on Elections. Mr. Robertson presenteda petition from W. C. Parke, Marshal, setting forth thatthe fees and perqusites of his office had diminished verymuch of late, and praying that the Legislature wouldmake provision for him in a manner commensuratewith the arduous duties of bis office : referred to Com-

mittee on Fn nee. Mr. Kalama presented a petitionfrom Waialus, 32 names, praying for a property-ta- x,

and for the abolition of all other taxes : referred to theCommittee on Finance. Received from the House ofNobles, a Bill to regulate the interest of money, also aBill to exempt certuin persons in office from service asjurors, and a Bill to amend an act providing for amend-ments and additions to the Revenue Laws ; each ofwhich passed their recond reading, and were referredto committees of the whole House. The House also re-

ceived a message from th House of Nobles forwardingfor the concurrence of the House of Representatives,

An Act to amend the Act relating to pay of rs,

and providing for the enumeration of all per-

sons and animals liable to taxation. On motion f Mr.Kalama this Act, after its first retding, was passed toa Select Committee, of which the Speaker was thair-mn- n,

to consider whether the originating of this Bill inthe House of Nobles, was in accordance with article7'J of the Constitution, which provides that all Bills forraising revenue, or calling for any expenditure of thepublic money, shall originate in the House Representa-tives. The Speaker appointed as fellow committee-me- nMessrs. Kal.itna and Richardson. On motion of Mr.Richardson, llesolved that the Committee on Judiciaryconsider upon the expediency of appropriating 500 toprovide for publishing the decisions of the SupremeCourt from the appointment of Mr. Lee as Chief Justiceof the Supreme Court to the present time. On motionof Mr. Kahookano, the Committee on Finance were in-

structed to consider the expediency of making an appro-priation of S500 for the buildings of Lahaina Seminary.On motion of Mr. Robertson, liesolred that the Com-nittt- ce

on Elections be instructed to report a Bill toamend the Electian Law of 1850, so as to provide forbiennial instead of annual elections, in accordance withthe amendment of the Constitution. Osders or theDat : House went into committee upon the Bill toabolish the restrictions upon fish in streams. Geo.Barenaba in the chair. Bill was read and laid upon thetable. Committee rose and the He use adjourned.

Fifteenth Dat, April 22irf. Met at 12 M. Min-

utes read aud approved : prayer. Mr. Maikai presented a petition from 37 constables of the district of Honolulu, praying that they might receive regular pay, inlike manner as the police : referred to the Committeeon Judiciary. Mr. Paakaula read petition of 51 resi-

dents of Puna, praying for the abolition of the horse--tax : referied. Mr. Naihe presented a petition fromHonolulu, 414 signatures, praying for the enactment ofmoat stringent laws for the observance of the Sabbath :

referred to the Committee on Educaticn. Mr. Maikaireported from the committee on Elections upon thepetition from Waianae, and another from Kohalalieina, praying that they be made separate election dis-

tricts, that the petitions be laid upon the table, the Legislature having power by the Constitution to regulatethe number of Representatives but once in six years :

Report adopted. Mr. Maikai report cl from the Com-

mittee on Elections a Bid to amend the law of elections,to make the Representatives elective once in two years,in conformity with the amendment of the Constitution.Sent to the translator. Mr. Webster introduced hisBill of Estravs : passed the second reading and referredto the Committee on Public Improvements. Mr. Ka-

makau introduced a Bill to reduce the dog-ta- x : referred to the Committee on f mnnce. Obdebs or tubdat : The House went into committee of the wholeupon the Bill for the purchase of an inter-islan- d

steamer. The Bill was read and ordered to be engross-ed for The Usury Law was referred tothe Committee on Finance upon which the Houseadjourned.

SixTEE.vm Dat, April 23rd. Assembled at 12 M.Minutes read and approved : prayer. Naihe presenteda petition from Kohala, 86 signatures, setting forth theextortion of mentioning a case of greatinjustice which occurred in this wise. The Enumeratorassessed the taxes upon a certain individual, who diedbefore the Tax-collect- paid his visit ; the latter ex-

acted the taxes assessed upon the dead man's horsesfrom his heir : referred to Committee on Judiciary.Petitiou presented by Aka from Nawahinelua, HighSheriff of the Island of Niihau, claiming 30 of arears :

referred to Committee on Claims. Keikcnui presenteda petition from Hamakua, complaining of the oppres-sio- n

of land-lord- s, and praying for the abolition of thepoll-ta- x. Mr. Bartow presented a petition from the!wheat-growe- rs of Makaowao and of Wailuku prayingthat the Legislature would not abolish the present estraylaws: referred to Committee on Public Improvements,to whom was referred the Act of Est rays introducedyesterday. Mr. Kahookano presented a petition fromLahaina. 183 names, that but $10,000 be appropriatedfor military, and the remainder be given to public im-

provements. Mr. Bartow, from the Committee on Edu-cation reported , in favor of an appropriation of S5O0for the support of the High School at Hilo, also recom-mended that the petitions in regard to the licensing ofTheatres and Circuses be returned to the members whopresented them, that they might take them to the officeof the Interior. The Committee further recommendedthat the petitions for the exemption of constables andothers from taxes, and for the enactment of new lawsagainst drunkenness, be laid upon the table. Upon I

motion of Kalama the report of Committee was accepted ;

and laid upon the table. Mr. Richardson, from theCommittee on Judiciary reported, to lay u4:on the tablethe Bill to provide for holding a Circuit Court at Kalua-ah- a,

Mulokai : report adopted. On motion of Mr.Ujrtow, JUsoletd that tbe Committee on Public Im-

provements considi r the expediency of an appropriationof 3,000 for an Aqueduct at Lahaina. Ou motion ofNaiapakai, the Committee on Public Improvements wereinstructed to consider the propriety of appropriating$400 for the roads and bridges between Lahaina andKaanapali. On motion of Capt Cummings, the Com-

mittee on Public Improvements were instructed to con-

sider the expediency of making an appropriation of$2,000 for the road from South Kona to Jvau. Mr.Kamakau introduced a Bill to abolish the taboo uponSh in the sea : sent to the translator. Mr. Kalama in-

troduced a Bill relating to the road-ta- x and road lawbeing a complete revision of the road-la- w as it now ex-

ists making the road-ta- x payable in cash only, abolish-ing the road labor-ta- x : sent to the translator. Mr.Webster introduced a Bill to amend the Corporation Actjust passed, and signed but yesterday by the KingThe rules were suspended and ths Bill was read thesecond and third time and passed. On motion of Mr.Richardson the Committee on Public Improvementswere instructed to consider the propriety of an appro-priation of $200 for the bridge at Koukouai, Kipahulu,Maui. Obdebs or tue dat : The House went intoa' committee of the whole upon the Bill from the Houseof Nobles to release certain government officers fromserving on juries, Mr. Kapihe in the chair. The Billwas read, and upon the motion of Mr. Robertson, laidupon the table. The House then went into committeeof the whole upon tbe Inquest Bill, which on motion ofMr. Kamakau, was laid upon the table. Adjourned.

SEVEXTExxrH Dat, April 2.1th. Metat 12 M. Min-

utes : prayer. Petition from Kamakau, from Kohala.100 names, praying that the duty on brandy be raisedto $12 per gallon that $6,000 be appropriated formilitary, and the remainder be given to schools thatthe pay of Judges be increased that Circuses andTheatres be heavily taxed : referred. Mr. Kahookanopresented a petition from the Police of Lahaina, askingwhere the unexpended balance of appropriation for La-

haina Police is. Does it still remain in the treasury, orhas it been drawn out? The petitioners complained thatthe Sheriff had made a reservation of part of theirwages for himself. They thought that be should not betrusted with government funds, but that the police ap-propriation saouU be in tb aaade of tbe Governor :

referred to Committee on Public Improvements. Mr.Keawehano read a petition from Kohala Akau, inform-ir- g

the Legislature that, in their opinion, governmentofficers should not hold a seat in the House otsentatives: referred to the Committee on Judiciary.Mr. Richardson, from the Committee on Judiciary, re-

ported upon the petition from the Committee of " 13,"ia regard to the constitutionality of a Justice of theSupreme Court holding a seat in the House of Repre-sentatives. The committee recommended to lay tbe pe-

tition upon the table. Upon motion of Mr. Kalama,report was referred back with instructions to the com-

mittee to inquire the opinion of the Chief Justice uponthe subject- - The Committee on Finance, through Mr.Marshall, the Chairman, reported the Usury Bill withamendments : referred to tbe Committtee of the Houseon Saturdav. Mr. Marshall, from the Committee ofFinance, reported to lay upon tbe table petitions forthe reduction of taxes in general, also the petitions forthe reduction of the salaiics of government officers.The petition for a property-ta- x the committee thoughtwould, for the present, be unavailing ; though ia theiropinion, property was the true basis for taxation, andthey hoped that the day was not far distant when othertaxes might give place to a property-ta- x : reportadopted. Mr. Kalama's lengthy road law was read thesecond time by its title, and referred to the Committeeon Public Improvements. Obdebs or the dat : TheHouse went into committee upon the Bill to amend theAct relating to the Revenue from imports, passed bythe House of Nobles. On motion of Mr. Robertson theHouse declined to concur in this Bill. Received fromthe House of Nobles a message transmitting the Act toamend the Corporation Act, and also the Act to providefor the purchase of a steamer, which had been concur-red in by the House of Nobles. Adjourned.

Eighteenth Dat, April 25M. Met at 12 M. Minutes : prayer. Mr. Ukeke presented a certificate ofelection from the district of Koolauloa, was sworn, andtook his seat. Mr. Marshall presented a petition fromDr. Hoffman, praying for compensation for servicesrendered during time of the Small Pox, as physician ofthe Government Hospital. On motion or Kalama, second-ed by Mikai, llesolved that this petition be receivedand laid upon the table, it being impossible lor tbeHouse to reconsider any of the Small Pox claims duringthis session, the whole matter having been indefinitelypostponed. Mr. Marshall presented a petition fromMr. Widemann, of Kauai, praying that the Houaewould make an appropriation for a balance for thecompletion of a Bridge at Huleia, which he had paidcut of his own pocket, also for bis own personalservices of which he had made no charge: referred tothe Committee on Claims. Mr. Uaua presented a petitionfrom Hilo, 2i7 names, praying that a Iwtrict Justicebe located at Hakalau, it being a great distance forthose residing there to go to attend Court at Hilo : re-

ferred to Committee on Judiciary. Mr. Kamaipeekanepresented a petition from Molokai, praying that a LocalCircuit Justice be appointed for Molokai: referred tothe Committee on Jud.ciary. Kamaipelekane also pre-

sented a petition from Molokai, praying for a property-ta- x

: referred to Committee on r'inance. Mr. Robert-

son presented a petition from Mr. Widemann, for thepay of two Jailors on the island of Kauai, amounting tofctitj : referred to the Committee on Claims. Receiveda message from the House of Nobles, informing theHouse of the appointment of Messrs. Kapeau, Kameha-meha and Nau loiclua, a committee to confer with asimilar committee of this House, upon the Act to ex-

empt certain persons in office from service as juror9,"which had been laid upon the table by the House. Onmotion of Mr. Naiapakai. a committee to meet the abovecommittee was appointod, consisting of Me8s. Bartow,Maikai, and Kamakau. Adjourned to lO A.M. to-

morrow.

orrcsponi!cnrc.

From our own Correspondent.Losdox, February. 1856.

Mr Deab Editor: I presume, nay, I take it forgranted, that in reading a letter from Europe you ex-

pect to deal with European subjects ; th it though separ-ated from your correspondent by tbe diameter of theglobe, you can feel interested in the subjects which oc-

cupy our eastern minds, and can sympathize in thefeelings which take possession of the old nations, andthe more so in proportion as your own ap-

proach the level of the old civilization and manners ofthe Atlantic Continent I shall therefore chat freelyupon the affairs which have progressed considerablysjpee my last letter was written. The dove of Peacewas then flying along the electric wires with the oliveleaf in her mouth, and preliminaries became since sofar settled that plenipotentiaries are on their way fromSt. Petersburg, Vienna, London and Turin, to Pari",where the Convention is to sit. There are many dan-gers to be appreheuded, many mistakes to be guardedagainst, and one of them is a too hasty peace, an un-ri-

peace. Russia is willing enough at present fr atermination to the hostilities because she is exhaustedboth in means and men, and probably thinks that toadj urn a sine die is to have the opportunityof renewing her pretensions at any convenient future

rFrance are less intimate, and she herself has more rail- -roads. Then there is always the chance of a quarrelbetween tho Briton aud the Gaul, which would be ofinestimable importance to her. France too is eager toa degree for peace. She has won laurels, she has calledout the military ardor, and she has put herself into agreat state of preparation for any event that is coming.England is always for peace too, and now her effortsare very disinterested, because another year's campaignwould be in many ways advantageous to her, and herarmada of eun-boa- ts and steamers would have a fairchance of exhibiting their powers on the waters ofCronstadt and elsewhere. Sardinia is discontented witha sudden cessation of hostilities, for she had much tohope and to attain during the noise and carnage of thefray. But the most sincere intentions will animate thecounsels of our representatives at the conference. Peaceis too great a boon. War is too barbaric an alternativeto leae a doubt as to tho desirableness of closing theconflict The negotiations open on the 25th inst. OurAmbassador in France and our own Foreign Secretaryof State attend on our behalf. And in the meantimewe shall not relax our preparations for the continuanceof war if we find any false play, or if the negotiationsare unsuccessful. We have an immense flotilla now ofgun-boa- ts, &c, and have learned much practical wisdom

in everything which concerns warfare by the lessons ofthe last two years.

Just at the moment when it seems likely that thespear may be turned into the pruning hook, ou$ Trans-

atlantic brethren, or rather children, are seeking a casusbelli against us in the most persevering manner. Rest-

ing probably in the belief of the continuance of theeastern struggle, they have thought this a fit time tobring forward their two pocketgr.evanc.es and make themost of them. Our disclaimers of any desire to injuretheir honor or to break peace seems only to act as aprovocation to them. They think, like Sir LuciusO'Trigger, that it is a very pretty quarrel as it stands.With regard to the enlistment question, I know not whatcan be done more about it. Lord Palmerston has saidin bis place in Parliament that we have given Americaevery assurance of our peiiceabJe desires; that we havedone to them every one thing that a man of honor coulddo to another in case of a private question. When firstagents were encouraged to procure recruits for our forces,they were specially warned not to break the municipalor federal laws of the United States. When Americacomplained, we sent orders to the agents to desist.When she grew more angry we made an ample andopen-heart- ed apology. Then as to the Central Ameri-

can discussion we believe we did not act in contraven-tion of the treaty ; but admitting that we be wrong iuour view and may put a wrong construction on it, weoffer to let the question be decided by arbitration andwe will bow to the decision of the umpire- - We do not,as I before mentioned, suppose for a minute that theclear sighted and thinking portions of the Union areanxious to engage us in warfare They, like ourselves,know well the horrible catastrophe such an internecineengagement would bring about ; but General Pierce,Mr. Caleb Cushing, and their friends who require for-

eign excitement and political capital, lend themselves tofoment the which some portions of the Stateshave towards the old country.

Our own Parliament has reassembled and is occupy-ing itself, besides war and finance questions, with mat-ters of internal consequence. The law of partnershipis to be remodelled, and this week a grand project hasbeen introduced for recasting or codifying our statutes,which being some ten or eleven thousand in number,some obsolete, numbers forgotten, many contradictingothers, seem to require anew plan ; and really I believetbe shortest and the simplest one would be, if it werepossible, which it is not, to sweep the whole away, andto begin de novo and make a new code. In the Houseof Lords there is an earnest discussion going on about apeerage of life granted to an old judge, Sir J. Parke.This the old aristocratical party consider highly objec-tionable, and deprecate as an alteration of the funda-mentals of our constitution. They wish that the titleof Baron Wensleydale should be in the usual way withremainder to the heirs male. Now considering that thenew peer is about seventy-thre- e years oil and has nosons.it really does not seem to signify much In this casewhich way the pitent b made. And on your side ofthe water you will be inclined to say. as Dr. Johnsonsaid of two rival musicians

P trail ibt tueh dinarenee ifcooid bTwin erfw tni 4m

The trade of En dand is ouiet but healthy. There isno question but the war has told on commerce and thatless baa been done than before it commenced. The veryhigh return made by the Joint Stock Banks here to theirproprietors has induced a sort of banking mania, andevery body is proposing to keep everybody else's money.So we have a London ana raris panx, a umaon anaEgyptian Bank and an Ottoman Bank, and variousother projects on the carpet. The speculation in vari-

ous kinds of produce has subsided and prices have goneback to moderation. The rise in the price of sugar wasso sudden and so great, that it mad the difference inprofit on a single cargo to a house of about 15,000.The weather is exceedingly mild. We have had sincewinter began two very severe frosts, lasting a few dayseach, but the remainder of tbe season has been morelike spring in temperature. A sad case of collision oc-

curred last week on our coast. The new ship JosephineWillis, belonging to friends of eur own, was run into inthe Downs by the steamer Mangerton and quickly sank.About twenty-nin- e lives were saved, but about seventywere lost.' She was a vessel of 1,000 tons burthen andwas on ber way to New Zealand with passengers andgoods. The accident occurred in tbe evening in fineweather. Yours, 4c. FLEET STREET.

To the Editor of the Polynesian:

Deab Sib, Something more than a year ago, I paida certain sum for the purchase of a new Fire Enginefor Honolulu; since which time I have heard nothingabout the engine or the cash. Can you inform the pub-lic what has become of tbe money, or what steps havebeen taken to procure the Engine?

As a subscription is now in process of circulation toprocure Sharp's Rifles for the Hawaiian Guard, forwhich object I have also contributed. I should hope nosuch delay will happen in carrying out the design ofthe contributors as has occurred ia regard to the En-

gine.Where is the Engine? Tours with respect.Honolulu, April 22, 1856. AN ENQUIRER.

Lahaina, April 25, 1S56.To the Editor of the Potynesian :

Deab Sib, We of Lahaina have our eyes greetedwith the announcement that the Legislature have pass-ed a bill to diminish the restriction upon the sale of in-

toxicating liquors at this place, by granting two retaillicenses. So we shall no longer be obliged to slinkbehind doors, and prowl about doggeries for opportuni-ty to moisten our parchiug throats, but may walk upto the public bar like men, and "qualify' with dignity,pour down our brandy with complacency, and imbibeour juleps with the comfortable sense ofWe and our friends shall only get drunk according tolaw. Our faces shall rosily shine not only with the po-

tent fluid, but shall beam with eatisfactory conscious-ness of being hereafter ou the side of "law and order."

It only remains to be hoped that Govt, may perseverein its wise and liberal policy, and issue two needed li-

cences for gambling saloons, and two more for housesof prostitution, and thus put an end to the demoraliz-ing stealth with which these unavoidable indulgencesare now enjoyed, and to the ruinous frequency of thekws' iiifiaction which the present absolute prohibitionproduces.

But to be serious; let me testify here, that tbe largemajority of the people of lAhaina are strongly opposedto this measure, believing that it is immoral to lend thesanction of authority to vice, and that it will greatlyincrease intemperance. Their will has been repeatedlyand positively expressed both in petitions and in stronginstructions to their representatives. Government seesfit to treat our wUhes with contempt. Like this wasthe treatment given to a large petition from our peopleagainst circuses and theatres. We have had one sea-

son's experience of these nests of inf imy, and want nomore of them either to consolidate the dissoluteness ofthe people, or to drain us as it has done of our moneyto a distressing extent. We can neither afford such ex-

pensive luxuries, nor such debasing influences. TheGovernment that permits circuses when it can help it,violates the first principles ef social economy. In theMime spirit of contempt of the unanimous desires of ourpeople was the bill indecently hurried through the legi-slature, to lease our Fort ground, the only publicsquare we have, or can have. Whether our real andpressing necessities, such as the aqueduct, will receiveany attention remains to be seen. e ask for purewater, and receive rum.

For one, I am as far as possible from imputing to theGovernment a studied disregard of our wishes and interest. 1 he root of the evil is that our private affairsare directed by those at a distance. We need municipal iiower, to regulate our concerns. In the absenceof this, we must speak imperatively to the powers thattake our private legislation in charge. 1 am one ofthose who earnestly wish to see duly improvein material and moral prosperity, unhampered bylicensed iniquity and receiving tor her necessities a dueshare of what she contributes to the common fund.

Yours Truly, 6. E. B.

To the Editor of the Polynesian:Sib: The Editor of the Polynesian inquires, wheth

er the writer of an article in the S. J. M.vtazine. forApril was actuated by " contempt or aread in using

i.k....:. ... i . JL i.: .. i : .kCiliUWtUIUV lift J " IU IIIC M ll3VIUilVlf UlVil a A4 t

practice clashed with; thus creating an alternative ofcontempt of him or myself, the fruit of something morethan a suggestion. My reasons for uiug the signaturewere simply, because I did not see the reasons for theomission, iu the same light as the Editor, thinking thesecrecy desired by him would be equally secure!, by-it- s

use, and by its omission, while cither method wouldperhaps fail to do it effectually in every instance.

I can see no evil in a f.i r and free discussion on thataccount; as no reasonable man would thiuk of takingoffense at a difference of opinions, though wide as theantipodes from his own, if civilly expressed. Many al-

so have their preference for the signature as it connectsarticles in a unity, and furnishes something like a livingidentity, though it might be ideal, iu place of a drearynameless void

While I respect your criticisms, I do not think an ar-ticle or book ought to be helplessly dependant on thereview of any public journal; I should like better to see

every reader his own critic first.Coleridge and others have gone so far as to pronounce

the recent influx of reviews the greatest bane of the age;by causing the public mind indolently to rest upon themfor general information; thus creating a superficial des-

cription of knowledge characteristic of the present agein contradistinction from the past. IOTA.

SUPREME COURT-Ar- ril Term.Concluded from our last.

Kahanu cs. 17m. Thompson. This . was an ac-

tion by a mother against her son, to recover thesum of $270, and interest, upon the allegation thatshe, her son, a daughter and other relatives pur-chased a piece of land in common in 1853, shecontributing towards the payment thereof the sumf $270; which land was bought in the name of

her son the defendant, and had been in the commonpossession of the purchasers until February last,when the defendant claimed the land as belongingexclusively to him and drove off the plaintiff.

The defendant denied the plaintiff's allegationsin toto, claiming that he paid the purchase moneywithout any aid from his mother, except a contribu-tion of $25, which sum he had repaid, and thatno one but himself had a claim in the land. Hefurther contended that nrovided his mother bad advanced him tbe money for the purchase of the land,he was a minor at the time, and could not be heldresponsible for its repayment.

There was much contradictory evidence introduced tc prove who paid for the land, Ac, and thecase occupied the Court for two days.

Chief Justice Lee, charged the jury, that if theyfound that the plaintiff had contributed to the purchase of the land, and that the defendant had driv-en her off, claiming the land to be solely hia own,he ought at least to repay the amount ot her con-tribution. Common justice imposed this upon himas a duty, and he could not enjoy the estate and atme same lime reiuse to pay ior it it is not clearwhether the defendant was a minor at the time ofthe purchase or not, but provided he was, still hemust pay, for, after coming of age, he has contin-ued t hold the nronertv and treat it aa hia own.and denied all claim of the plaintiff to the same,and this amounts to a ratification of the impliedpromise to repay the amount of hia mother's con-

tribution. When a minor purchases land, he mustmake his election within a reasonable time afterreaching his majority whether he will keep theland, and pay for it, or disaffirm the contract andreturn the land, lie cannot keep the estate andrefuse to pay the consideration money. In thiscase the defendant baa made hia election, and thejury should find a verdict in favor of the plaintiffior wnatever sum, ii any, sne naa paia towardsthe land. .

The jury after a long absence rendered a verdictin favor of plaintiff for $25. Three jurors dis-sented, stating that in their opinion, the plaintiffwas entitled to the full amount claimed, $270.

C. C. Harris and R. G. Davis, for Plaintiff. 'J. W. Marsh and W. Humphries, for Defendant.

tl. r--: . Ti- -i i ttAim n.iug, w. ruuu,u, ivenau, Walia K 1 1

and Keike. The prisoners were indicted foT 'stealing. It appeared in evidence that Ave h

!"

cattle which had been stolen froaMr. GulicvEmerson and others, at Waialua, were found i' if'possession of the prisoners, who drove thHonolulu and offered them for sale to Geor?John Rives, butcher. e i

Chief Justice Lee, charged the jury th.Doseession of the stolen eattle h ti.. .... -when connected with the fact of th;to Honolulu and offering them for sale, wajT.absence of any reasonable explanation of hJ?.!came by them, conclusive evidence of guilt '

The jury round a verdict ofguilty, and thesentenced Pukouku and Kehau to 'mprisnnjnl0hard Libor for two years each, the full Mte

!Kthe law, stating that it considered them i 5leaders; and tbe remaining prisoners to nr,r:ment at bard labor for one year eah.

J. E. Chamberlain, Esq.,. for the Crown.W. Humphreys, Ea j., for the Prisoner.

Lx EQriTT.JJ. K. Williams and Kaaikaula William, uministrators of the Estate of J. W. Opunui' d

ceased, v. Kaea.Chief Justice Lee, delivered hit decision

lows: UbThe complainants-- , who are the admiB;,frm.

upon the estate of the late J. W. Opunui, 0fEset forth in their Bill, that in the month of1852, the said J W. Opunui being in embamZicircumstances, made a collusive convevance of tpieces of land to tho defendant, without coniration, for the purpose of defrauding the creditof the said Opunui ; and pray the Court toaside the conveyance and decree the defendantTaccount for the rents and profits of the land tlthe benefit of Opunui's estate. '

The defendant, in his answer, traverses the .ptainant's allegation of collusion and fraud, u,jstates that the land was conveyed to him, hy Onnui, in satisfaction of a debt of two hundred dollardue to the defendant for labor and services render)by hiu. in the building and postering of an adoli.house.

Evidence has been given tending to show thuOpunui, who was tax collector of the DistrictEwa, became involved in difficulty with the Q.Jeminent about his accounts, and that to preventhis property from being seized, he conveved c.tain portions of ic to third parties in trust". Soevidence baa also been- - adduced of declaratioatmade by both Opunui and the defendant, that theland in question was transferred with intent to pn.vent its being seized. Several of the witDejseialso testified that the price for which the land issaid to have been conveyed to the defendant, iitmore than one fourth or one fifth of its realulw

The defendant produces a written agreement, h.tween Opunui and himself, dated 21st October1851, for the building and plastering of an aUhouse, for which defendant was t j be paid 2tH)

ona the completion of the work. Also, a sWment dated oth January 1852, signed by Opunuiin which he states that he had granted" and cooi

veyed the land to defendant, in payment of th$200; and. lastly, a warranty Deed of the ln.ifrom Opunui and wife, dated 1'Jth March 152, the

i . ion inpntiitntnl in... wttloh. . V. . .C7w !!VV. LT- -r

dence was also introdu jed in proof f the defeniants having worked more or less on the house, a-

lthough to what extent, does not appear verv clear.Upon a full consideration of the w hubcase, I

am of the opinion, that the complainants have fuiWto prove that the conveyance of the land, by Oru-n- ui

to the defendant, was without consideration,collusive and fraudulent, and effected for the pur-

pose of evading the claims of creditors; but thecircumstances of the case are such as induce me to

regard the conveyance as being in the nature of a

uiortgjg, made with a view to secure the pat-me- nt

of tho amount due from Opunui to the d-efendant.

If the property was, in fact, worth a much la-rger sum than Oj unui's debt to the defendant, itwould be neither just nor equitable to all.jw tfa

latter to retain tho land conveyed to him while thsfirmer was embarrassed, and thus reduce the

of his estate so as to bring it to the verge ofinsolvency. All that the defendant had a right to

expect was r ayinent of his claim, and not Hut be

should lie allowed to make a profit, at the expendof creditors and other parties interested in Upu-iiui- 's

estate.And, it appearing by the defendant's own state-

ment, that he has made no improvements on th?

property in question, I think ample justice will be

d.ine to Ixjlh iwirtiea, by decreeing that, if the co-mplainants shall, within a reasonable time, mtthirty clays, tender to the defendant the amountdue t hiai by Opujiui, that is to say 210, togeth-

er with h'gal interest from the l'Jth of March1S52; then, the defendant shall the landto them for the benefit of the Estate.

Let decree be entered accordingly, and coats be

equally divided between both parties.O. liintoD, Esq., for Complainants.J. W. Makalena, Esq., fur Defendant.

Lit ftMem f Ibc V. S. H. Jb A4amt,nE B. BorrwEix Esq.. Commander.D. It. Lambert, 1st. Lieut.J. R. Eggleston, 2nd do.F. II. Baker, Zrd do.T. M. Potter, Surgeon.II. Myers, Purser.W. S. Hatch, Gunner.W. M. Mahoney, Sailmaker.Samuel Simonds, Carpenter.George 11. Leach, Boatswain.

5T Yesterday afternoon the members of theF!iHlxiiir lsAv. N. 1 , in r.r n r nw..ii ;n

' - " " v. v. uiuccucuiu t.. 1 1 .i : i i i n.j i f . .uii mvir uracry, nu neruiueu uy a (tana OI musicfrom their Hall in Fort-stre- to the Bethel, wherean oration was delivered by M. C. Monsarrat, jq.The number of persons who collected onthe occ-asion was very considerable, and the address was

highly appreciated by every body present, and no

one there but wished" it had been longer. In theevening the celebration was continued by a ball,where all the youth and beauty of Honolulu, b-esides the elder portions of the community met to

be happy. Dancing was kept up to a late hour,and the whole passed off with unequivocal success

Ii?" The new election in Koolauloa, Oaha, bxs re-

sulted in the return of Mr. Ukeke, who has come up totown with a certificate in his pocket. The session i

well advanced, and we congratulate tbe gentleman'constituents that he will not be in the House kragrooagithis time to do them much harm.

The Dredze-Bo- at iust finished will be launch- -weed this afternoon between four and five o'clock.

There may not be much of a splurge, but the occ-

asion is interesting to ns islanders.

AN ACTRELATING TO COtPOBATIO.NS.

6a it ctic y the Kiar, the .N'nblei and RtprearatitivM"th Hawaiian Ilaada ia Lcgialatir Council aMcmblea.8tina 1. Eyott Corporation trrated or to k erat! ia i"

Kingdom ahall bar powar; lr, To bar auew B

CarparaM aim for tbe period limited in its Charter, ado period ia limited, perpetually .-

- Snd, To rat and be eurd 11

any Court ; 3rd, To moke and a eotnma aeal, aad altthe tame at ita pleasure ; 4tn, To bold ircbaa aad ma'Tancb real and perwnal eotate, and no other, aol aieeediDg t

amount limited by ita Charter, aeib pnrpaeea rt th "ration ahail reqaire ; 5tb, T appoint sac eabordinate atttfaad areata aa th buameaa of lb Corporation ahall mt"6th, To make by-la- not inconsistent with any ifif ":U't th manairmeni of its property, tbe election and rr'of its officers, tbe regulation of it affairs aad the traaater M "StOCk.

feriion 9. Ia addition to the power eaamerated ia theceding Section, no Corporation created aader tbe nrovweathis Act, abaJI pawes or iercia any Corporal powcra,cept aucb aa ahall he neceesary to tbe eierciee of tha'P""""so enumerated aad of such subordinate powers as shall "'prensly given in th Charter granted aa herein after pro1 e

Section a. No Corporation ahall be deemed POM Jt;powers of discounting bills, soles r other videneesefor receiving1 deposits, of buying gold, silvsr. bullion or c

eiga coin, buying and selling exebang or issuing nniesother evidences of debt, except o far as tbe Ilfa,Tra.the particular business for which it was incorporated !Tqair. Nor 'ball any Corporation nal ambons1press enartiuent of tbe Legislatar iseae bills retirrrr"-denceeo-

f

debt far circulation a aieeey. k n beectioa 4. At any meeting of any Coroorafton rt

lawful h the members ia the traawaetioS of bunsess teither ia person i.r by proxy; provided, that hingtSection aball be cnatmed to restrain th power of 'VCorporation to prescribe by its by-la- tbe mode of volioimeetinga of iu trustees, director, or Board of Manage!- -

Sections. hen all the memhers of any Corporal1r9m

be present, either in person or hy proxy, at any """""fL"- -,ever c led or aotifled,aad shall iga a written ecnae. ton ibe record of .ucij meeting, the doings rt Such aeiball he valid. wM.Waertoee Thn.NrfiO'b rorfwraffee !