456 REVIEWS THE SANDWICH ISLANDS MONTHLY MAGAZINE. 



" A regular communication with every part of the islands is essential to induce 

 the people to be prepared with their products for market. A boat suited to the 

 trade, and managed with economy, would undoubtedly be a good investment, and 

 I have DO doubt that she would be paid for by her earnings in a reasonable time. 

 The general advantages of a frequent communication with all the ports of the 

 group would, I have no doubt, increase very largely our agricultural productions, 

 and render our markets far more attractive. An impulse must be given to labor, 

 and I know of no mode so sure to do it as furnishing a ready means of sale for its 

 products. Much that we raise is perishable, and no communication will answer 

 the purpose so fully as that afforded by steamboats. It is impossible to predict 

 the increased production of fruits, vegetables, &c., which would be induced by a 

 certain and prompt communication with the market. That it will be very great 

 no one can entertain a doubt. Divided, as the kingdom is, into several islands, a 

 steam communication is far more essential than if it were united. I have no 

 doubt that the Government can purchase a boat on its own faith and credit in part, 

 so that a small advance in money would not embarrass the Treasury. Let the 

 boat be insured, and its nett income be made a sinking fund from which to pay 

 the debt, and, I doubt not, it will prove a good investment, and confer general 

 benefits on the island of very great value." 



Or listen to our able Honolulu editor on the great educational 

 question as it presents itself to the Hawaiian : — 



" In reviewing the merits or demerits of the Minister's budget, we do not intend 

 to touch upon the ephemeral questions which receive from, and impart to, the 

 discussion of politics its chameleon hue ; but one item involves principles of justice 

 as well as economy. 



" Under the heading of ' Department of Public Instruction,' we find $40,000 

 appropriated for the support of Common Schools (in the Hawaiian language) and 

 $8,000 for the support of the English schools for natives. In view of such 'a dis- 

 tribution of the school fund, we would ask the President of the Board of Educa- 

 tion, on whom the introduction of the English language among the common 

 people, through special schools for that purpose, has devolved, upon what plan or 

 principle he intends to succeed in this laudable undertaking ? How far does all 

 the instruction, of which a Hawaiian school is capable, elevate an intelligent native 

 mind ? We will answer, just to that point where ' a little learning becomes a 

 dangerous thing,' and then it leaves him without a chance of further progress. 

 If the President were sincere in his eulogiums on the introduction of the English 

 language, he would have divided the school fund so as to give at least one 

 English school to every district, or more to some of the larger, even if one or more 

 of the Hawaiian schools in each district would have been shut up for that purpose. 

 And less than $25,000 would not secure competent teachers. The pittance of 

 $8,000, now asked for, is trifling with the good disposition of the teachers already 

 in the field and discouraging to other applicants." 



The " Report of the Minister of Foreign Relations !" next comes 



