264 
SAN FRANCISCO TO MANILLA. 
grants of land to foreigners, have been great; but such grants can 
never be carried into effect without endangering the very existence of 
the government and people. In all cases that came within my know¬ 
ledge on the islands, the object of the majority of foreign residents was 
solely to increase their own wealth; and on the accumulation of a 
sufficient amount, they withdraw from the islands, taking their capital 
\^ith 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 attributing the advance¬ 
ment of the islands to themselves; on the contrary, 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 instructors 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 ad- 
