Kalakaua | Page 13 | Images of Old Hawaiʻi

February 19, 2017 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Aliʻiolani House

By 1866, the need for a new courthouse government building in the Hawaiian Kingdom was apparent. The old courthouse, completed in 1852, accommodated not only the judicial needs of the young nation, but also served as the reception hall for diplomatic ceremonies and official social functions.

The legislature appropriated $40,000.00 respectively towards a new palace and a new government building. Delays ensued, and those figures were increased to $60,000.00 each by 1870. (Friends of the Judiciary History Center of Hawai‘i)

Kamehameha V envisioned a civic center around the palace, and plans were made to purchase the Mililani premises on King Street, “a long and fatiguing journey over the dustiest street in the city.” (HABS)

“In 1871, (Robert Lishman) was summoned from Australia where he had been living for many years, by King Kamehameha V to come to Hawaii to superintend the construction of Aliʻiolani Hale, and now known as the Judiciary building.” (Independent, May 13, 1902)

On behalf of King Kamehameha V, Stirling wrote Alex Webster, Hawai‘i’s Counsul in Sydney, “As His Majesty’s Govt has within the next 18 months or two years to erect buildings of considerable magnitude, & the supply of skilled & steady builders her is very limited, and not equal to our requirements …”

“… His Excellency wishes you, if possible, to engage two young, steady & intelligent builders to come here, offering them the engagement for 12 months, paying their passage hither, and paying them $4 p day to begin with, and a promise of $5 p. day if they give satisfaction.”

“Our work will be chiefly done in concrete, so that simple stone cutters will not serve our purpose. What we want them for chiefly is to look after & teach the natives, and to set the blocks of concrete on the buildings.” (Stirling, February 25, 1871)

In a subsequent letter, Stirling wrote, “It is the intention of this Govt to build a new Royal Palace here, and to commence operations as soon as they can produce suitable plans …”

“… but, as we have not Architect here, capable of designing such a building, and as Architects in Northern Countries would not be likely to have a proper appreciation of the nature of the climate in the Islands, and its requirements …”

“… it has appeared to His Excellency probable, that in Sydney, where the summer climate is very similar to ours, as Architect might be found more likely to be able to design an appropriate building.”

“The style of building considered most suitable is the Italian, of one Storey in height; this however may to a certain extent be departed fro ti give variety of outline.”

“All the principal rooms must be on the ground-floor, but the Billiard-room, some of the bed-rooms, and perhaps the Ladies & Gentlemen retiring rooms might be in the second storey.”

“The main entrance should have a spacious Portico, semicircular or semieliptical in form, in front, flanked by wide Verandahs with columns of the Ionic Order; in fact it is desirable that the entire front and at least two sides of the buildings should be protected by a verandah of say, 15 ft wide.”

“About Twenty Rooms in all will be required, consisting, in addition to the spacious entrance Hall, of a Council Chamber of about 50 x 30 ft. An Audience Chamber about 40 x 40 ft with another room of similar dimensions adjoining it …”

“His Excellency requests that you will endeavor to get one or two sketches f such a building from one or more of your architects, shewing the Plans and elevations only, without entering into details until the design is approved”. (Stirling, June 24, 1871)

Sketches were sent back and Stirling followed up stating, “I am now directed by His Excellency to inform you that he has carefully studied all the Designs sent, and is much pleased with all of them …”

“… but owing to a difficulty about the site to be selected for the Palace – involving I believe a doubt as to the proprietorship of a portion of the land proposed to be occupied – he cannot yet, and may not for some time to come be able to say which of the designs will be chosen.”

“In one respect however, the arrival of the Designs was most opportune, as we were just commencing to build our New Govt Offices, upon a very indifferent Plan, and no sooner has His Excellency seen Mr Rowe’s Design B than he conceived that …”

“… with modification which I shall presently state – it would answer well as a plan for these offices, and further consideration confirmed him in this view, so that he has now determined to adopt it, & is consequently prepared to pay Mr Rowe the 100 additional for this design as p your agreement with him.”

The alteration of the Plan proposed, applies only to the wings, the body of the building remaining the same as before. The verandah all around will be dispense with, and will be retained only on the front and rear of the Main building. The Wings will be of the same length as in the Design, but will be 5 ft wider, and the semicircular ends will be cut off.”

“It is probable that the upper portion of the central tower may ultimately be used for a public clock, but in any case it will be necessary to have access to it, and His Excellency requests you to ask Mr Rowe how he proposes that this should be had, as it is not shewn in the design, and he cannot see how it is to be done without disfiguring the tower.” (Stirling, December 15, 1871)

Not receiving plans in time, Stirling then wrote, “With regard to the build of the New Govt Offices, I am directed by His Excellency the Minister of the Interior to say, that as it was impossible to wait for working drawings from Sydney before commencing, …”

“… we had to prepare them here, and consequently full two months ago we begun to mould blocks of concrete for the walls of the first story, and have now fully a third of what we require for it prepared.” (Stirling, March 17, 1872)

The cornerstone the Government Building was laid on February 19, 1872 with full Masonic ceremony. The new building was of concrete block, a technique first used in 1870 when the government built the Post Office building.

Although Stirling wished to support the first floor with iron girders, in view of the uncertainly as to the length of time it might take to procure them, wooden beams were used instead.

(In 1913, a system of steel columns, girders and beams supporting concrete slab floors and roofs replaced the earlier system. During the renovations, nothing of the interior seems to have been retained. In addition to the rearrangement of office spaces, the character of public spaces and circulation was completely altered.) (HABS)

Kamehameha V never saw the completion of the Government Building; nor did they build his new Palace. The Government Building officially opened by the Legislature on April 30, 1874. “‘Ali‘iolani House’ is the name by which the new Government house is to be hereafter known, by command of His Majesty (Kalākaua.)”

“‘Ali‘iolani’ was one of the titles given to Kamehameha V at his birth, and is now appropriately applied to the building which was projected under his reign.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, May 2, 1874)

The building is known as Ali‘iolani Hale; it is the former seat of government of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi and the Republic of Hawaiʻi and now houses the Hawai‘i Supreme Court and Judiciary History Center of Hawai‘i.

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Aliiolani_Hale-1900

Aliiolani-Hale

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Judiciary and Territorial Buildings – 1935

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February 12, 2017 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Foreign Help in Quelling 1874 Election Riot

“Department of Foreign Affairs, Honolulu, Feb, 12th, 1874 (to His Excellency Henry A Peirce, Minister Resident of the United States) – Sir: A riotous mob having unexpectedly made a violent attack upon the Court House and the Members of the Legislature, which we have not the force at hand to resist …”

“… I have to request that you will cause to be furnished at the earliest moment possible aid from the US ships ‘Tuscarora’ and ‘Portsmouth’ to the Police, in quelling the riot and temporarily protecting life and property.”

“Your obedient servant, Chas R Bishop,” (A similar request was made to Major James Hay Wodehouse, HBM’s Commissioner and Consul General) to land troops from HBM’s ship ‘Tenedos’.) (Hawaiian Gazette. March 4, 1874)

Whoa, let’s look back …

“During the latter part of January, 1874, the USS Tuscarora left San Francisco, under orders from the Navy Department to run a line of deep sea soundings from that port to Honolulu, with the object of determining a suitable route for a submarine telegraph cable to connect the two ports, these soundings to be taken at intervals of thirty miles apart.”

“When only a few days out from San Francisco and while engaged in taking a sounding in over 2,500 fathoms of water, we were overtaken and passed by the British gunboat Tenedos, which vessel was under full steam and sail power and heading direct for Honolulu.”

“The Tuscarora arrived at Honolulu during the morning of February 3, 1874, and found HBM gunboat Tenedos already anchored in the harbor. The pilot, a Mr. Babcock—I think gave us the only news of any importance in Honolulu at that time, which was to the effect that the Hawaiian King, Lunalilo, was at the point of death.”

“A few days after the death of the King the USS Portsmouth arrived and dropped anchor in the harbor abreast the Tuscarora. The Portsmouth was a sailing sloop-of-war then engaged in surveying work in the north Pacific and was commanded by Commander Joseph S. Skerrett, one of the ablest and most accomplished officers of the US Navy.” (Southerland)

On February 12, 1874, nine days after the death of King Lunalilo, an election was held between the repeat candidate David Kalākaua and Queen Emma, widow of King Kamehameha IV.

The election was held by the members of the legislature, not the public. The election was held in a special session of the Legislature at the old Courthouse on Queen Street (it was almost the last official action to take place in the courthouse.) When the vote was tallied, Kalākaua won by a count of 39 – 6.

Emma’s supporters (referred to as the “Queenites,” “Emmaites” or the “Queen Emma party”) were unhappy with the decision – an angry mob of about 100 of the Queen’s followers gathered.

“The United States Minister, Mr. Pierce, was cognizant of the seriousness of the situation and, in frequent conferences with Commanders Belknap and Skerrett, decided upon a line of action should the election be attended by disturbances which might result in jeopardizing the lives and property of American residents.”

“It was well known to him and others that the few native troops and the police force then in Honolulu could not be depended upon if the followers of the Dowager Queen were defeated at the election.”

“As we were all compelled to remain on board ship in this state of immediate readiness for landing, we were unaware of what was taking place during the session of the legislative assembly at the courthouse.” (Southerland)

“Immediately after the announcement of the election of Prince Kalākaua as King by the legislative Assembly, which took place about three o’clock on the afternoon of the 12th, it became apparent that the natives who stood around the building were not pleased with the result.”

“No outbreak occurred, till the Committee which had been appointed to notify the King of his election attempted to leave the building and enter the carriage waiting to convey them to the Palace. This Committee consisted of five representatives.”

“The crowd surrounded the carriage and laid hands on them, and they attempted to defend themselves, as best they could without weapons, two of them were badly wounded before they effected entrance into the building to which they retreated.”

“The carriage was almost instantly demolished, the spokes and other pieces serving as weapons to arm the rioters, who now began to be warmed up for further destruction.”

“A foreigner by the name of Foley, a British subject, who attempted to assist the Representatives, was knocked down and beaten by the rabble, until the British Commissioner came to his relief and escorted him from the scene.” (Hawaiian Gazette. March 4, 1874)

“The scene at the courthouse was wild in the extreme. About the building, enclosing it and our entire force on all sides, were gathered several thousand natives, quite a number of them grasping arms and legs of chairs and tables, and sticks or billets of wood and, for a time, the noise they made was almost deafening.”

“Many natives ran out of the courthouse from the side and rear, some joining the crowd and some running into the town. The ground around the building was littered with broken furniture, torn books and papers.” (Southerland)

“Immediately on the appearance of the naval forces, the rioters threw down their clubs and left the building, most of them going in a body to Queen Emma’s residence, shouting that to-morrow they would see that she was chosen Queen.”

“Here they continued to be very demonstrative, hurrahing and making speeches, until a detachment of marines and police entered the premises, arrested some and dispersed the rest.”

“The American Minister and the British and French Consuls were also on the ground during the disturbance; and active in endeavors to check the fury of the mob, and when they found their efforts useless, the two former quickly and cordially cooperated in complying with the request of the Government for the landing of troops from the war vessels.”

“Nothing but the prompt appearance by these forces on the scene put a stop to the riot, and saved the further destruction of property.” (Hawaiian Gazette. March 4, 1874)

“Commander Belknap and Commander Skerrett of the United States forces took possession of the square on which the court-house is built; and on seeing this, the mob melted silently and entirely away. The armed marines subsequently, at the request of the Hawaiian authorities, guarded the treasury, arsenal, jail, and station-house.”

“The British marines were marched to the residence of Queen Emma, and, after dispersing the rioters assembled there, they occupied the barracks and guarded the palace itself.” (Liliʻuokalani)

“The American and English landing forces patroled the city for a few nights and about one week later, no other disturbances occurring in the meantime, were withdrawn to their respective ships.” (Southerland)

That wasn’t the only time American Troops landed to keep the peace and/or restore order. It happened a couple of times …

“On the 30th of July, 1889, an insurrection was set on foot by Robert W. Wilcox and Robert Boyd (to overthrow the present Government of Hawaii and depose the King) on the afternoon of the same day, together with their adherents, about 100 in number, were defeated. The ringleader, with about 60 of his followers, was imprisoned.”

“As soon as possible I had communication with Commander Woodward of the USS Adams, and at once all necessary preparations were made to land a force, if found necessary for protection of the people and property interests.” (Merrill, American Legation; Blount Report)

“About 70 sailors and marines from the USS Adams, then in the harbor, were landed by permission with a machine gun to protect life and property at the legation and in the city, and their appearance on the streets had a favorable effect on the populace.”

“In this matter Commander Woodward fully agreed, and by permission of the minister of foreign affairs the forces landed about 5 o’clock pm. Early the following morning all the men belonging to the Adams returned to the ship.”

Americans landed, again, in 1893. “Queen Lili‘uokalani attempted on Saturday, Jan. 14 (1893,) to promulgate a new Constitution, depriving foreigners of the right of franchise and abrogating the existing House of Nobles, at the same time giving her the power of appointing a new House.”

On January 16, 1893, the Committee of Safety wrote a letter to John L Stevens, American Minister, that stated: “We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Honolulu, respectfully represent that, in view of recent public events in this Kingdom, culminating in the revolutionary acts of Queen Liliʻuokalani on Saturday last, the public safety is menaced and lives and property are in peril, and we appeal to you and the United States forces at your command for assistance.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 17, 1893)

“(A) small force of marines and sailors was landed from the United States ship Boston, as a precautionary step for the protection of American life and property, and as a safeguard against night incendiarism stimulated by the hope of plunder, greatly feared by many of the best citizens.” (Stevens, The North American Review, December 1893)

“The Marines were detached and sent to the American Legation on Nuʻuanu Avenue, while the sailors marched out along Merchant Street with two gatling guns and made a halt at Mr JA Hopper’s residence. About sundown they moved to the grounds of Mr JB Atherton’s and after a stay of several hours returned to the Arion Hall, where they camped overnight.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 17, 1893)

“At the time the Provisional Government took possession of the Government buildings, no troops or officers of the United States were present or took any part whatever in the proceedings.” (John Foster, State Department, February 15, 1893, Blount Report)

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Election_Riot_of_1874

Old_Honolulu_Courthouse

USS_Portsmouth

Kalakaua,_photograph_by_A._A._Montano

Queen_Emma_of_Hawaii,_retouched_photo_by_J._J._Williams

Ballot_cards_from_Royal_Election-Saved by SG Wilder mounted in the form of crown, given to Kalakaua-inherited by Prince Kuhio-1874

February 10, 2017 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

The Third Warning Voice

In 1879, Celso Caesar Moreno encouraged King Kalākaua to borrow $10-million; half the funds would be spent in building forts and warships; $3-million would create national coinage; and the rest would be used to build hospitals, schools, harbor improvements, etc. (Hsiao-ping Huang) The idea failed.

On the January 20, 1881, King Kalākaua set out upon a tour around the world. After the king’s return he proposed a ten million dollar loan, chiefly for military purposes …”

“… but (it was) met with no encouragement. He then published a pamphlet entitled ‘A Third Warning Voice,’ in which he urged the establishment of a large standing army.” (Reports of Committee on Foreign Relations)

“(The) pamphlet entitled ‘The Third Warning Voice,’ addressed to Hon CJ McCarthy, and purporting to be the work of Robert Hoapili Baker, was distributed among the members of the House yesterday. It is more than suspected that Robert is being used as a blind, as the ear marks of a much more expensive and higher titled official are blazed upon every page.”

“The gist of the argument is that the Legislature should provide for an army of 521-men and ten staff officers, at a cost of $345,541. The salaries of the staff officers are to amount to $45,680.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, September 4, 1890)

“There is little doubt in the minds of that portion of the community who are acquainted with the King’s literary style and current of thought, that he is the real author of it. The frequent relapse from the assumed personal pronoun ‘I’ into the royal ‘We’.”

“If this is so, it gives a side view of His Majesty’s character, which, although well known to the few, is not often exhibited to the public. It is not a view which is at all reassuring to a long-suffering public, that His Majesty has become wiser by his experiences of the last few years.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, September 17, 1890)

Excerpts from ‘The Third Warning Voice’ follow:

“The subject of Military in this country, has always been put down, as useless and a costly appendage. I would readily accede to this idea, if our late experience have not been shown to the contrary, then I would say and admit, that the force of my remarks has no weight. But what have we observed for the last sixteen years?”

“Riots, bloodshed, lawlessness and murder, and observe the outer world where every civilized and enlighten nations of the world are all arming and are armed, only too ready and at any moment to ‘Let loose the Dogs of war.’ We may not expect it, but it will inevitably come, in spite of our expectations and hope it will never come.”

“We have been a warlike race for generations to generations back, and for nearly half a century we have enjoyed the blessings of peace and the imagination of our permanent security …”

“… but the evil day come, and caught us with surprise and for the last 14 years, there has been a clash of sentiments caused by divergent interest that the nation is at every moment to political strife, and the loss of its autonomy and independence.”

“What have been as a warning voice in the past, will worthily suit a sagacious administration and astute statesmanship with a wise and patriotic Legislature to perform, is to carry out what is deemed and an actual necessity …”

“… so that any clandestine movements in the future can be put down with vigour and energy. Thus saving thousands of innocent lives, the unwarrantable destruction of property and the loss of prestige and honor among the family of nations.”

“The exhibition of a weak and timid policy is the ruination of the nation, and nothing can exonerate the character of men and Legislature to allow the country to drift to this end, but a stamp upon their brows as partizans to undermine and ruin the country.”

“Surely there is enough means to carry out the organization of a respectable and effective force for any emergency, were the authorities alive to this matter. If the Government and the Legislature flinches from the labor of financiering for the Military; then let the Military authorities work their own destinies.”

“The display of our energies, knowledge, tact and push, have been sadly warning in this respect. We have boasted highly of our intelligence, our schools, our houses of worship and charitable institution. The enjoyment of our luxuries, the mechanic that built our houses and the feed we eat are all from abroad.”

“This is sad, indeed, when we consider our education for the last fifty years, have not produced one genius, not one talent. Not one artist nor mechanic to prove that our education has been a benefit to us. Echo? Faintly smiles and says Oh! Oh!! Oh!!!”

“Though, I was not in Honolulu on the 30th of June, 1887, but visited the city three weeks after, I was then convinced by the plans laid out for the defence of the Palace, of the distribution of men and the disposition of the arms, were so perfect that an invasion of the Palace was an impossibility.”

“The officers of the regular forces gave full warning to the Government and to the members of the Legislature of those periods, that a fatal disaster would surely occur, if they did not take measures to prevent its occurrence. Most prophetically, this event did really occur seven years after on the 30th of June, 1887.”

“I will conclude by adding, that it is only in the Military profession and occupation that the life of the nation, of the dying Hawaiian and Aboriginal race can have hope for its continuance, perpetuation and maintenance.”

“The true soldier then is the real lover of peace and not of war. He is only compelled when duty calls him to employ his physical energies and mental qualities to the best of his ability to do his duty to his sovereign, his country, and honor to the profession he is ordained to maintain.”

“I have the honor to be, Sirs, your most Obedient and Humble Servant, Robert H Baker.” (Hawaiian Gazette, September 23, 1890)\

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18-Iolani_Barracks

Colonel G. W. Macfarlane, King Kalakaua, Major R. H. Baker-aboard_the_U.S.S._Charleston_(PP-96-13-002)-1890

Kalakaua_aboard_the_U.S.S._Charleston-1890

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October 28, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Late-1880s

The Statue of Liberty was made in France and was proposed by Edouard de Laboulaye, sculpted by Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi and funded by the French people.

It was shipped in 1885 to New York and placed onto Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It wasn’t dedicated by Grover Cleveland until on October 28, 1886.

That year, John Pemberton begins selling his formula (a mixture of cocaine and caffeine) at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia.

It was initially sold as a patent medicine for five cents a glass at soda fountains. Coca Cola no longer contains Cocaine but that is how it got its name.

Geronimo (Mescalero-Chiricahua: Goyaałé [kòjàːɬɛ́] “the one who yawns” (June 16, 1829 – February 17, 1909) was a prominent leader from the Bedonkohe band of the Chiricahua Apache tribe.

From 1850 to 1886 Geronimo joined with members of three other Chiricahua Apache bands – the Chihenne, the Chokonen and the Nednhi – to carry out numerous raids as well as resistance to US and Mexican military campaigns in the northern Mexico states of Chihuahua and Sonora, and in the southwestern American territories of New Mexico and Arizona.

Geronimo’s raids and related combat actions were a part of the prolonged period of the Apache-American conflict that started with American settlement in Apache lands following the end of the war with Mexico in 1848.

In 1886, Geronimo, described by one follower as ‘the most intelligent and resourceful … most vigorous and farsighted’ of the Apache leaders, surrendered to General Nelson A Miles in Skeleton Canyon, Arizona, after more than a decade of guerilla warfare against American and Mexican settlers in the Southwest.

The terms of surrender require Geronimo and his tribe to settle in Florida, where the Army hopes he can be contained. (In 1894, Geronimo and others were relocated at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.)

The National Geographic Society, founded on January 27, 1888 in Washington DC, has gone on to become the world’s largest scientific and geographical distribution organization.

Its original premise was ‘for the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge.’ In the field, National Geographic has supported exploration, education and conservation and a number of geological, natural and literary sources since 1888.

In 1888, George Eastman introduced the Kodak No 1, a simple and inexpensive Box Camera that brings photography to all. Because of their simplicity, ease of use and cost, the cameras became an enormous success.

That year, Scottish Inventor John Boyd Dunlop patents the first practical pneumatic or inflatable tyre. Also that year, on August 31, 1888, the first victim of the murderer called ‘Jack the Ripper’ was discovered in London.

The Eiffel Tower, or the Tour Eiffel, was opened on March 31, 1889, and was the work of a Gustave Eiffel, who was a bridge engineer.

It was made for the centenary of the French Revolution and was chosen over one hundred other plans that were given. Eiffel’s engineering skills would preface later architectural designs.

The Tower stands at twice the height of both the St Peter’s Basilica and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Its metallic construction was completed within months.

On June 21, 1887, Britain celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria, which marked the 50th year of her reign. Queen Kapiʻolani Princess Lili‘uokalani and her husband General Dominis, C.P. Iaukea, Governor of Oahu, Colonel J.H. Boyd, Mr. Sevellon Brown, Captain D.M. Taylor, and Lieutenant C.R.P. Rodgers, and four servants attended the Jubilee.

Queen Kapiʻolani brought along Liliʻuokalani to serve as her interpreter. Even though Kapiʻolani was raised to understand English, she would speak only Hawaiian. Newspapers noted that Liliʻuokalani was fluent in English while Kapiʻolani spoke ‘clumsily.’ (UH Manoa Library)

Queen Kapiʻolani had left the Islands under stress. Just before she left, Liliʻuokalani and Kalākaua’s sister, Miriam Likelike, wife of Archibald Cleghorn and mother of Princess Kaʻiulani, died on February 2, 1887. Her return was under stress, and expedited, as well.

Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee was held on June 20 and 21, 1887. On June 30, 1887, the Honolulu Rifles demanded that King Kalākaua dismiss his cabinet and form a new one.

Within days, with firearms in hand, the Hawaiian League presented King Kalākaua with a new constitution. Kalākaua signed the constitution under threat of use of force. (hawaiibar-org) As a result, the new constitution earned the nickname, The Bayonet Constitution.

“Queen Kapiʻolani and party reached (New York) from London (on July 11.) The queen expressed a wish to return home as soon as possible consistent with the health of the suite. It was decided not to stop more than a day or two at the longest in New York.”

“The queen … had been inclined to tears when she first heard the news of the Hawaiian revolution”. (Bismarck Weekly Tribune, July 15, 1887) Queen Kapiʻolani returned to Hawai‘i on July 26, 1887.

On July 30, 1889, Robert William Wilcox led a rebellion to restore the rights of the monarchy, two years after the Bayonet Constitution had left King Kalākaua a mere ﬁgurehead.

By the evening, Wilcox became a prisoner and charged with high treason by the government. He was tried for treason, but acquitted by the jury.

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Statue of Liberty, ‘Liberty Enlightening the World,’ in New York Harbor, on October 28, 1886

1876: The hand and torch of the Statue of Liberty on display at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, in Philadelphia, ten years before the rest of the statue was completed. (Photo by MPI/Getty Images)

Statue of Liberty towers over Paris rooftops in 1884, outside Bartholdi’s workshop

Statue of Liberty -Hand and torch being built in a Paris studio around 1876

Geronimo_17apr1886

Apache_chief_Geronimo_(right)_and_his_warriors_in_1886

Queen_Victoria’s_Golden_Jubilee_Service,_Westminster_Abbey-June_21,_1887

Queen_Victoria Jubilee-Kapiolani_and_Liliuokalani_at_the_Stewart_Estate,_England,_1887

Hawaiian_League_(PP-36-3-005)

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Lajolla-1906 (the same in late-1880s)

Eiffel’s chief engineer came up with the original concept in 1884

Eiffel-tower-in-July-1888

Brooklyn_Bridge-under_construction

Brooklyn_Bridge-1890s

September 7, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

ʻIolani Palace Lanterns

King Kalākaua was the first ruling Monarch to tour of the world; in doing so, he made good on his motto, and motivation, proclaimed at his accession, ‘Hoʻoulu Lahui!’- (Increase the Nation!)

“(T)he King goes but for the good of his people, to make the country richer by getting more capital and people to come this way. … So the King this time takes with him a Commissioner to enquire into and bring other people of brown skins here to re-people these isles.” (Kapena)

The King and others were concerned about the declining Hawaiian population in the Islands. “The King himself would be only so in name if he had no people to rule. The King will not rest until his hope of re-peopling these isles has been fulfilled.” (Kapena)

Leaving January 20, 1881 on the Oceanic and arriving back in the Islands October 29, 1881 (nine months and nine days later,) Kalākaua travelled to the US, Japan, China, Siam, Burma, India, Egypt, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Austria-Hungary, France, Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

Kalākaua wanted to gain recognition for his kingdom and learn how other monarchs ruled. He believed the best way to conclude diplomatic relations with foreign countries was to understand their customs.

In Japan, “On the day following their arrival, the royal party were escorted to the Imperial Theatre, Shintomiza. Twenty-eight carriages were required to take the train of Imperial Princes and Princesses, and high dignitaries, who formed the escort of His Majesty the King.”

“One thousand globe shaped lanterns were displayed in front of and around the theatre; and each one had the Imperial Japanese flag, and the Royal Hawaiian standard painted on them. Every walk, and every tree in the spacious theatre garden was hung with illuminated globes, every corridor and lobby was lined with them …”

“… and the interior of the theatre was in a blaze of light. It was estimated that over 3000 of these brilliant illuminated lanterns decorated the great theatre, and were an especial display, marvellous even to Japanese eyes, in honor of King Kalakaua’s visit.” (King Kalākaua’s Tour Round the World, PC Advertiser, 1881)

“When the King and his suite visited the Enriokwan Mansion, in a grand park, in Tokio, the grounds were illuminated by over 4,000 Japanese globe lanterns; and the King and suite were robed in very rich Japanese court costumes, provided expressly for this occasion.” (King Kalākaua’s Tour Round the World, PC Advertiser, 1881)

Following his trip, “King Kalākaua gave a grand ball at the royal palace Ball (in honor of the Prince and Princess Henri de Bourbon of Austria) …. The palace was beautifully decorated with festoons of Chinese lanterns, so thickly that it appeared to be almost covered with them.” (Daily Alta California, November 2, 1889)

“Every approach to the palace presented a scene of gorgeous resplendence. The illumination of the building and grounds has never been surpassed in style or degree.”

“From basement to battlements on every side the noble pile was profusely hung with rows of colored lanterns, festooned and straight but never departing from artistic symmetry…”

“There was a great crush of people in the throne room and main hall at the height of the reception, yet the procession past the royal dais flowed on in remarkably good order, the return stream of observed ones mingling with the throng of observers round the apartment. The band played throughout the ceremony.”

“Every approach to the palace presented a scene of gorgeous resplendence. The illumination of the building and grounds has never been surpassed in style or degree. From basement to battlements on every side the noble pile was profusely hung with rows of colored lanterns, festooned and straight but never departing from artistic symmetry.”

“These myriad lights were interspersed with the glittering rays from the permanent rose-shaped incandescent lamps on the outer walls, every door and window poured forth a welcoming glow from the electric crystal chandeliers richly bestowed within.”

“The paths in the grounds were lined, the trees and shrubbery decked, with hundreds of colored lanterns closely ranged in right lines and curves, all with such consummate art as to yield an effect of exquisite harmony to every point of vision.” (Daily Bulletin, October 24, 1889)

“The Palace grounds were lit up with torches and the front of the lower veranda was illuminated with lanterns in colors of white, green and red.” (Ball in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Spreckels, August 7, 1885 – Pacific Commercial Advertiser, 8/8/85)

Lili‘uokalani continued the lantern tradition, “O ke kahua oloko o ka pa, ua hookauluwela ia e ua kuikui he mau haneri o na waihooluu like ole i hookuene akamai ia a lilo i mau nanaina maikai.” (The enclosed area within the fence was aglow with many hundreds of lanterns of different colors that were artistically arranged creating a wondrous sight to behold.) (Ball given by Lili‘uokalani – Nupepa Kuokoa, March 1892)

Friends of ʻIolani Palace continue the tradition – ʻIolani Palace and its grounds are often decorated with lanterns harking back to the time of Hawai‘i’s monarchy. (ʻIolani Palace)

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