USA > Hawaii > Honolulu: sketches of life, social, political, and religious, in the Hawaiian Islands from 1828 to 1861 > Part 14
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ister. At half-past seven went up three flights of marble steps into a room adorned with fine paintings, where Lord Palmerston received me very cordially. I gave him some account of our affairs, and asked his advice. He replied he would do all in his power to aid us-would give me a letter to the Marquis of Nor- manby, British Ambassador in Paris. He could not perceive with what justice the French had injured us. Had better go and try France. That Dillon was a skillful intriguer, and learned it in the Foreign Office. Asked if Englishmen had the same privileges as Americans in the Islands. I assured him, upon my honor, there was no distinction. That Mr. Wyllie was born in England, and I in the United States ; and he was likely to favor Americans, and I, Englishmen. He inquired if the natives were intelligent. I replied they were, and well disposed. 'The two princes with me are a good specimen. I shall hope to introduce them to your Lordship on our return from Paris.'
" I explained the treaty and the noble conduct of the United States Government in regard to Commissioner Brown. Told him I had not been to Washington, but came to England first, hoping he would do everything in our behalf. I asked his advice about presenting the treaty first to France. Left a copy in his hands and my letter of credence. I did not forget to mention the good offices of General Miller and his generous offer to me- diate and protect in our late troubles. He repeated the assur- ance that he would do all he could to aid us, and after giving me his hand, I took leave.
" Returned to my hotel and sat up late packing for Paris. At II o'clock P.M., received a note from Lord Palmerston, with a letter of introduction to the British Ambassador in Paris. . .. . "
" PARIS, Hotel Meurice, January 28th.
" . . . . Called upon the Marquis of Normanby. He was gone to the Foreign Office. Saw the chief secretary, who took in my letter from Lord Palmerston. When His Excellency returned, his hands were full of papers, among which I recognized the Poly- nesian. He said His Excellency would see me on Wednesday at 12 o'clock. I concluded time was required to examine the data furnished by Lord Palmerston."
" January 30th .-- Called on the British Ambassador, who said
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Arrival. in Paris.
he had heard Monsieur Dillon's course was not approved, but knew nothing officially. Said he was to dine with M. La Hitte, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, that day, and would re- member me and ask an interview, and wished me to state what I wanted. I replied, I wanted, Ist. An official disavowal of the proceedings of Consul Dillon. 2d. Indemnity. 3d. A new treaty. Had some talk about the duty on brandy. Stated that high duty prevented its use among the natives. That its sale was prohib- ited altogether at Tahiti by French authority. Told him my time was precious. Hoped we could complete all in a month. He smiled, but looked doubtful and renewed the promise of mentioning me to the French Minister."
Letter from one of the princes :
"PARIS, Hotel Meurice, April 4, 1850.
" DEAR FRIEND :- Your letter of December came to hand two weeks ago, when we were very busy writing copies of the treaty between our Government and the United States, to be sent to the Foreign Office here. You can not conceive our feelings when we saw the clerk of the hotel come in with a large pack- age from home.
" We have been in this city more than two months. We like it better than New York or London, the climate especially. We are at the hotel where Mr. Richards and Haalilio stayed in 1843; and some of the waiters remember them very well. It is one of the finest situations in the city, close to the palace and Garden of the Tuileries. The trees are just beginning to put forth their leaves, and this is the first time we have seen spring. Last Sun- day the fountains played in the garden, and one spouted the water as high as the steeple of the stone church at Honolulu.
"We take lessons in French two hours every day and spend one hour with our fencing master. I hope we shall be able be- fore we go away to speak French so well that we can talk to- gether when we get home. It is a very sweet language.
" Last night we all went to General La Hitte's, the Minister of Foreign Relations, to a soirée. We saw Monsieur and Madame Dillon.
" We have been detained here longer than we expected, and I fear we shall be obliged to remain still longer. We have be-
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come acquainted with a French family who are going out to the islands with the new commissioner, Mr. Perrin, who is ap- pointed to fill M. Dillon's post.
"Your letter gave me great pleasure, as I had received but one since we left.
From Dr. Judd :
" .... Our young friends are very busy with their lessons, and really improve their time. They attract some attention, and are spoken of in the highest terms by General La Hitte and his daughters, whose soirées we attend.
"Since I wrote you last, I have been, like Mr. Richards, the subject of alternate hopes and fears, employing my time most vigorously in waiting. Yesterday I actually sat down in earnest in one of the council rooms at the Foreign Office, with a French agent to discuss and settle, if possible, our difficulties. I go there again to-day.
" We have visited the Louvre, Luxembourg, the Madeleine, St. Denis, Hôtel des Invalides. Have been to St. Cloud and Ver- sailles. Have seen Robert Houdin and heard Madame Sontag. Have made the acquaintance of many distinguished people, re- ceived much courtesy and many compliments, but justice in a grass hut would suit me better than all this magnificence with- out it.
" March 7th .- Attended the reception of the President, Louis Napoleon. The French minister presented us. The President addressed us in French. The minister remarked to him, 'They speak English.' To the princes he said : 'Is this your first visit to Paris? I hope you like Paris.' Alexander replied, with a low bow: 'We are very much pleased with Paris.' To me he said : 'You have come a very long way; I hope you will settle our little quarrels at the islands.' I replied, 'We have great hopes. We trust a great deal to the justice and magnan- imity of France. We are anxious to settle as speedily as possi- · ble; for if anything should happen to the king in our absence, it would be a great misfortune, as the heir-apparent is in this embassy; and I should be blamed for keeping him away so long.'
"The princes were presented to the British Ambassador, who invited us to call on him every day. We were all presented to
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The Princes in Paris.
the Grand Duchess of Baden, aunt of the President, who was covered with diamonds, and almost stout enough for a Hawaiian beauty. She spoke in French, praised our uniforms (which we understood), though it was interpreted as praise of the weather.
" General La Hitte assured me all would be settled and the treaty stand. He inquired if our uniforms were made at the islands? I told him no; but the design was the kalo leaf, pe- culiar to our own islands.
" On our way to the President's we called on the Greek Am- bassador, who is here to secure the good offices of the French in settling their late difficulties with England. During our con- versation I asked him if they (the Greeks) expected indemnity for their losses? 'No,' he replied, 'we shall be content if they let us alone and do no more damage.'
" March 11th .- Visited the Foreign Office and British Minis- ter. Had long conversations and discussions. Am convinced that six months at least will be required to bring matters tc a decision, and then the verdict will be against our claims. They expect me to yield ; but the king did not send me this long jour- ney to grant what he had refused ; and for which refusal he had suffered so much.
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" I called on the Duc de Broglie, who is said to be an honest man. Got little encouragement. He said the National Assem- bly would not disown the acts of their officers. Called on Gui- zot ; stated our three demands. He asked if spirits were intrc- duced under our law and high duty ? I said, 'Yes, to the amount of five thousand gallons per annum.' 'Then you have acted up to the spirit and intention of the treaty, but the mischief is done and you will get no indemnity. The Socialist party will go against you. There is some hope from the Moderates. Might not the affairs be arranged by arbiters ?' He suggested the King of Belgium. Said the King of Denmark did not know much ; and the King of Prussia was young and flippant. The Queen of England might appoint a person, but the Greek question was an obstacle, as the French were chosen to mediate. The United States would not be accepted. Americans are too much in your interest. . . ·
" March 12th .- Received a note from M. La Hitte, notifying me of the appointment of M. Perrin, with full powers to treat with me in regard to the treaty.
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" March 20th .- Had a long interview with M. Perrin. Fin ished our first protocol.
" 22d .- Went again to the Foreign Office. M. Perrin wished to withdraw his protocol, or leave out the arguments and sign only the results. M. Perrin is authorized to say, on the part of France, that the declaration of Admiral de Tromelin, making the treaty of 1846 null and void, was not approved. Discussed the treaty article by article. I refused to bind my Government any further than France is bound in our stipulations.
"28th .- M. Perrin came with his memoranda. Says the minis- ter is the accredited agent, and is the one to decide finally. I called an interpreter. The word in the sixth article admits of latitude. It is used for prohibition, but may mean hindrance or obstacle. A long battle upon this one word, and we can not agree. .... I foresee no good result.
" Visited Mr. Rives, American Minister. He informed me that the Congress, at Washington, will adjourn early in July. It is important for us to be there before the adjournment. .. . .
. "The British Ambassador gives me no hope. Says we have been treated with greater consideration than some nearer neigh- bors. Received a letter from Mr. Barclay, advising me to break off negotiations, as nothing can be gained, and much may be lost in time and money. Sent a letter to Viscount La Hitte, announc- ing my intention of leaving Paris on the 9th of April. ....
" Isidore, our valet, accompanied us to Dover and took charge of our baggage, which was passed the custom-house without duty or examination, by order of the Treasury Department."
XL.
The Embassy in England-Visit to Admiral Thomas - Plymouth-The Adelphi- Lord Palmerston - Lord George Paulet and Lieutenant Frere-Buck- ingham Palace-The French .Ambassador-Dining Out-The Treaty Discussed- Mr. Wyllie's Letter.
1850.
N arriving in London, we reported ourselves to Lord Palmerston, at the Foreign Office, and went to Plymouth to visit Admiral Thomas, two hundred and forty miles from London. Were only ten hours on the way. The good admiral met us at the depot, and took us in his own carriage to his hospitable door. Were introduced to his wife and daughter. Dinner was wait- ing. Other guests had been invited. We made a hasty toilet, and were introduced to a very pleasant circle. It was gratifying to me to come into contact with a religious family in Europe-and that, too, where mere formality would have been expected by many.
After a night's rest we visited the dockyard and ship- ping, and saw many curious and wonderful things. (For detail of all our sight-seeing, must refer to my private journal). We were introduced to Sir Thomas Maitland and Admiral Sir William Gage. The latter was Lord of the Admiralty when Thomas was in the Pacific, and ap- proved of his course at the Islands in restoring the king- dom. . . .. On our return to London we visited the Adelphi Hotel, and inquired for the rooms occupied by
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the King of the Sandwich Islands in 1823. We were received politely, and shown the very bed and bedstead on which Liholiho died. The chamber-maid remembered Governor Kekuanaoa, and inquired after Madame Boki. We gave each servant a fee and returned to our lodg- ings.
April 18th .- Presented the princes to Lord Palmerston in his own library at Carlton Garden, where we had a long interview. I went over all the grounds of dispute with France. . . . Lord Palmerston said the French must give up their demands about the treaty, and we, our claim for indemnity.
After this interview, which occupied four hours and a half, we went to lunch with Admiral Seymour, where we met Lord George Paulet and Lieutenant Frere, of "ces- sion " memory. Both were very cordial, and had much to say about the Islands. Colonel Seymour, son of the admiral, is Equerry-in-waiting to Prince Albert, and proffered his services.
He took us to Buckingham Palace, where our conde- scending friend, Lord Palmerston, introduced us to His Royal Highness, Prince Albert. Her Majesty the Queen had retired from the public for a short season. We all did our best to make a good impression. I told Prince Albert that the King of the Sandwich Islands had sent me to Europe to obtain justice from France for injuries received, and that these young princes accom- panied me in order to be benefited by foreign travel ; that our visit to Paris had been unsuccessful, and we now sought the aid of the greatest diplomat in Europe (designating Lord Palmerston).
His Royal Highness replied, he hoped it was not too late to come between us and France. He made inquiries about the Islands, our journey, etc., which occupied, per
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Lord Palmerston.
haps, fifteen minutes, when we bowed ourselves out. His Royal Highness gave orders that Mr. Bridges Tay lor, a gentleman connected with the Foreign Office, should attend us to Windsor Castle, and show us all we wished to see in London.
On the 20th had a long interview, of two hours and a half, with the French Ambassador in London, and an- other with Lord Palmerston on the 22d. Begged his Lordship's forbearance with my importunity. Our Isl- ands were small, but our independence of as much con- sequence to us, as that of great nations to them. I told him I had just received a letter from the king; that he had been reviewing the scene of French spoliation, and felt sadly crippled in his means of defense. Hordes of unprincipled men might pour down upon him from Cali- fornia at any time, and his sovereignty would not be re- spected ; and was not worth possessing, if he was to be subjected to such embarrassments as the French had imposed.
I gave him copies of our treaty with the United States, and of my powers to support the dignity, and independ- ence, and claims of the king. We spent two hours in discussing the peculiar situation of the Islands, looking at the map. Lord Palmerston thinks the French will send a man to the Islands to settle the treaty. I asked if En- gland would send one also. He said yes, unless General Miller would do. I replied, he was well-disposed. His Lordship promised to communicate this to the French Minister, and I took leave.
May Ist .- Dined with Lord and Lady Palmerston. A very splendid affair. Twenty guests were present. Prince Alexander led Lady Palmerston to the table. Lord P. took Lady Seymour, " queen of beauty." Prince Lot, Miss Seymour. In the course of the evening a
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gentleman inquired how long these young men had been in England; and, on being told only a few weeks, re- marked that they appeared as familiar with society as the best-bred people in England ! A lady inquired how they learned to speak English. I told her they were educated in English. " And where did they acquire Court manners?" she asked. We have a little court of our own, I said. Lord Palmerston inquired if we would make a long visit in the United States. I replied that we should visit Washington. He said he would give us a letter to Sir Henry Bulwer.
The next day we dined at Brompton Park, with Earl Talbot and lady. Sir George Seymour and Lord Shef- field, with many other distinguished guests, were present. Went with Lady Sanford to Almack's, where we saw all the aristocracy of rank, beauty, wealth, and fashion.
This over, we took leave of our friends, Admiral Thomas among the number. Told him how kindly we had been treated. He said it was merited by the kind treatment which English officials had received at the Islands. Our amiable friend, Hon. Bridges Taylor, at- tended us to Liverpool and paid our expenses to Boston, per order of Her Majesty's Government.
It is easy to see that the Greek question, in which France is chosen umpire, makes it a delicate matter for England to interfere in our difficulties and coerce the French, either at the Sandwich Islands or Tahiti. I learned a diplomatic maxim in England, which is worth recording : " Never tell a lie-and strictly avoid the truth."
The day before we left England, we had an introduction to Mrs. Abbott Lawrence and daughter. I had heard the American Ambassador make a speech in Exeter Hall before the London Bible Society, which elicited great applause. We received cards to attend Mrs. Lawrence's
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Diplomatic Work.
first reception, but were obliged to decline, as we were to leave London on that day.
I will just mention that the object of my last interview with Lord Palmerston on the 26th was to persuade him to induce France to unite with England in adopting a treaty similar to that of the United States; and that the three nations should agree, that in case of any difficulty between us and any one of the three, it should be settled by reference to the other two; also to secure our neu- trality in war.
I have received the Honolulu Times, in which appears Mr. Wyllie's letter to me, of November 18, 1847, which I never answered. Judge Lee can relate to you a con- versation that took place between Mr. Wyllie and my- self respecting it. I.am always glad I did not waste my time in attempting to reply. It would have involved a long correspondence and interfered with my official du- ties, which absorbed all my time. Do not allow your- self to feel cool toward Mr. Wyllie on account of the letter. We have had some explanation about the man- ner it became public. If necessary, I can require still more on my return. But I hope it will not be necessary, Why should we contend among ourselves, who are strug- gling so hard for the life of the land ?
XLI.
Return to the U. S .- Letter from one of he Princes~ Washington-Funeral of Calhoun-Reception at President Taylor's-Letter from Dr. fudd -An Anecdote - Daniel Webster - Fête Champétre at Staten Island -- Niagara-Return to the Islands- Results of the Embassy.
" BOSTON, May 20, 1850.
“A RRIVED on the 17th, after a cold passage of thirteen days among the icebergs. Shall make short visits among many friends ; go to Washington via New York ; attend to our business and get back to the Islands, if possible, before the arrival of the French agent."
· Letter of one of the princes :
" We have just returned from Washington, after having seen the President and members of Congress. We visited the Sen- ate and House of Representatives ; heard speeches; were intro- duced to some, among whom was Mr. Clay. We also attended a funeral of one of the members,* and wore our uniforms, as is the custom in our country, but no one else wore court dresses ; so we were singular, and some people stared at us, as we do at the officers of the navy when they visit the Islands.
" In the evening of the same day we attended General Taylor's reception, and were presented to the President. We were intro- duced to and talked with a great many people, and talked with some to whom we were not introduced, as they do in Europe.
" Mr. Jarves was with us in Washington, and has got the treaty finished.
" We staid at the Revere House in Boston on our return from
* John C. Calhoun.
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A Prince's Impressions.
Europe. Occupied the rooms prepared for Jenny Lind, and saw the élite of the city.
" Attended the opera and had to pay twenty dollars for ou: tickets. In Europe we have better music for less money.
" Mr. Jarves says there is a grand party to be given, especially for us, on Staten Island, on the 10th. Fourteen hundred people are invited, and it will cost three thousand dollars! I am not very anxious about it.
"I long to be at home. Your father is 'tres gros,' as the Frenchmen say. I am afraid you will not know him; and we were never in better health.
" I did not write you from San Francisco, as I promised. I knew you would not like to hear about sufferings and murders and gamblers, and what else could I write about from there?
" We spent four months in Europe, and the climate agreed with us perfectly. When in London we thought that the great- est city in the world ; but however that may be with regard to London's greatness, it can never, I think, compete with Paris in gayety and splendor. There are a great many places of amuse- ment. The ladies are 'tres charmantes.' We attended a great many evening parties, 'conversations' they are called. After presenting yourself to the lady of the house, you can stay as long as you please and go away when you like. At intervals very delicate refreshments are brought around by the waiters.
"We were enchanted with Paris, and urged your father to stay longer. You would be delighted with the magnificence of the palaces and paintings, but most of all with the fine music. But I will tell you all about Europe when I get home. We have finished the most important part of our embassy, and shall be home in a few months. LIHOLIHO."
From Dr. Judd :
" WASHINGTON, May, 1850.
«. . .. Met Mr. Seward in the Senate, who came and invited us to the floor, and introduced us to Clay, Houston, Smith, But- ler, Green, and Dawson. The capitol is splendid ; the grounds laid out somewhat like Versailles, but much smaller. Met many old friends, who have been to the Islands. Went with Captain Wilkes to the Museum and Patent Office, where, among many interesting objects, I saw my old cake of lava [p. 102].
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" At the President's reception an American lady asked Prince Alexander how he liked American ladies ? 'Very well,' he re- plied. 'Which do you think the prettiest, or which do you pre- fer, the American or those of your own country?' 'That is a difficult question, one does not like to speak ill of their country- women,' was the prince's reply. The flippant young lady turned to me and said, ' How very complimentary ! But I should not like to sit on that throne.' 'Would you not like to support it ?' I asked. 'Yes,' she replied.
" . We called on Mr. Webster, who was more formal, cold, and stiff than any lord in Europe.
"Captain Wilkes made a grand party, where we met all the Washingtonians. Miss Wilkes, a very accomplished young lady, did the honors. The entertainment would have pleased you. We had strawberries and cream; and the flowers were the finest I ever saw, all from their own grounds, and planted by Mrs. Wilkes, the late presiding genius of the household.
" Dined with Sir Henry Bulwer, where we met the Prussian Ambassador, who knows Mr. Wyllie and inquired after him. Also met the Danish Minister, who remarked that he was dis- gusted with the heartlessness of Governments; that neither En- gland or Russia, nor any strong power, would be faithful to · Denmark.
" Mr. Clayton promises to notify France and England that his Government will not look with indifference upon any act of op- pression committed or any attempt to take the Islands. They would give orders for defense in such an event. His official letter was a good one."
"NEW YORK, June 10th.
" Attended Mrs. C-'s ' Fête champétre,' at Clifton, where hundreds of the elite from the city and Staten Island were as- sembled. A fairy scene ! A galaxy of beauty ! The lady of the mansion, the star of the evening, fairly led one of the princes captive by her charms. I did not enjoy it. Sword and cocked hat, worn on the occasion by particular request, precluded every idea of comfort."
After a visit to Niagara and spending one week with Dr. Judd's aged, widowed mother, the embassy returned
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Return to the Islands.
to the Islands via Panama, having been absent two days less than a year. The young princes were in excellent health and spirits; and much improved in mind and manners and looking quite handsome.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, to whom the em- bassy reported on their return, blamed them for not suc- ceeding in settling the contested points of the treaty at the Court of France and reclaiming indemnity for the fort spoliations, and also for not securing the interest for seven years upon the twenty thousand dollars which La Place took away, and Admiral Hamelin returned, the same coin in the same boxes. It may be rejoined that His Excellency has been occupied for nine years since in the same contest with the same accredited French agent at the Islands.
The contest was closed in 1859, by Mr. Wyllie yield- ing to France the long-contested items of the treaty, and accepting, in place of indemnity for the hundred thou- sand dollars damages, a few French " nick-nacks."
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