Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/116

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.
66
MISCHIEF OF THE MISSIONARIES.
[1837.

time to time been interested in their acts, by the prospect of a semibarbarous community rising into the rank of civilized society, and has extended the hand of friendship to assist in their elevation. Great Britain, France, and America, have completed treaties, and sent consuls to reside among them. But if repeated acts of outrage, fit only to be attributed to the dark ages from which they have but just emerged, continue to sully their flag, in which the British union is blended, then will they be hurled back from that footing, into the insignificance which their bad advisers and their consummate presumption will so richly merit. And should a vigorous exertion of power once be called for, then is their sun for ever set, and the flag of these islands, now so proudly but wantonly waving, may be confined to their own ports, as has been the case with San Domingo.

Possibly it is not known that the flag of these islands has our union in the upper canton, with blue, red, and white stripes three times repeated.

At Lahaina (Maui) a college is founded, of which Mr. Andrews is Principal. From specimens I have examined of their progress in engraving, (charts, and I believe those of the Sandwich Islands are in progress) their proficiency is very creditable; and from what I saw of Mr. Andrews himself, who interpreted for me at the interview with the king, I had reason to admire him.

To return to Hanalae: at the present season the anchorage is safe, but when the N.W. gales blow, a