SAN FRANCISCO TO MANILLA. 281 



their capital with them ; and this will always be the case. So far, 

 therefore, as their influence goes, instead of enriching the islanders, 

 their exertions have in some degree had a contrary effect, and the 

 result does not justify those engaged in mercantile pursuits, in attri- 

 buting the advancement of the islands to themselves; on the con- 

 trary, they leave very little but evil habits and vices behind them. 

 Few foreigners have made any permanent improvements, and when 

 they have, they pass into the hands of others, to the exclusion of the 

 natives, who are looked upon and treated as slaves. 



It is impossible for a disinterested person to reside any time among 

 these natives, without imbibing a strong interest in the progress of 

 their institutions, and the developement of their government. In the 

 Hawaiians are seen many things to condemn ; but they have, on the 

 other hand, many good qualities, which their religious instructers are 

 endeavouring by every means in their power to foster and develope. 

 In taking leave of them, I cannot recall a single instance in which 

 they did not conduct themselves towards us with a full belief that 

 they were acting right ; and I feel rejoiced to say, that during all our 

 intercourse with them, no incident occurred to mar the harmony 

 which existed on our first arrival. I am, indeed, fully persuaded that 

 with proper attention and forbearance no difficulties will ever occur. 

 One thing, however, ought always to be borne in mind on visiting 

 this island, viz., that too much credit must not be given to those who 

 will on your first arrival endeavour to impress on you their own 

 views of the character of the people, and of those who have been 

 their benefactors, and are constant in their exertions to promote the 

 welfare of those they live among. The natives and the latter class 

 are far better able to judge what the islands require or stand in need 

 of than any casual visiter, or he who may be a sojourner only for a 

 few weeks. 



I shall always think with pleasure and satisfaction of the many 

 friends we left here ; and I am fully satisfied, that, with few excep- 

 tions, and those growing out of a mistaken zeal, our country has 

 just reason to be proud of the advance these islanders have made 

 within the last twenty-five years in civilization, morals, and religion, 

 an advance that has been almost wholly the work of our citizens, 

 either at home or abroad, the one in furnishing the means, the other 

 in giving the instruction. 



The Expedition had become so much identified with the history of 

 these islands during our stay, that we were made familiar with all 



VOL. v. 71 



