422 
VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. 
[xiugust, 
At Oahu, it is not to be disguised, that a most unhappy state of 
things exists between the missionaries and other foreigners and 
resident traders on the island. They are constantly arrayed 
against each other. The missionaries complain that they have 
been opposed in their views and endeavours to introduce the 
Christian doctrine among the natives, and we have no doubt their 
complaints are but too well founded ; that every act of theirs is 
viewed in an unfavourable light ; and that they would have pro- 
ceeded faster and farther, had it not been for the influence of 
the traders, who were generally devoid of all religious principle, 
and practised the greatest frauds upon the natives in their dealings 
with them ; which tends to corrupt their morals, and to preclude 
all hope of fairness of trade among them ! 
The foreign residents, as may well be supposed, are composed of 
people of all nations, the English .and American predominating; 
and though there are a number of very respectable individuals set- 
tled at Oahu with commercial views, yet it is not to be denied, and 
no one can regret it more than we do, that the white population, gen- 
erally speaking, are of the very worst order ; among whom every 
thing like that decent restraint which civilized society imposes 
upon its members is at war with their vicious propensities, and of 
course resisted by them to the extent of their power. 
What then ? Shall the missionary sanction their evil deeds ? 
Certainly not. But let him mingle with them — not in austerity, 
but in mildness — reprove and reason with them. Let him reflect 
that commerce, though it carry evils in its train, is indispensable 
as a helpmate in the work of civilization, without which, four 
hundred years' experience, in all parts of the world, prove how 
little can be done by the missionary ! Let him be careful to ab- 
stain from all unbecoming interference in the civil afiairs of the 
island. Of such interference he should not only be innocent, but 
above suspicion. Let him give no cause of complaint, that he 
exercises, or attempts to exercise, any control over the natives in 
.matters of trade ; these things will regulate themselves. There 
is no reason that he should not provide for himself and his family ; 
but in doing so, he should be cautious that he gives no cause for 
belief that he looks for the reward of his labours in the good things 
of this world. Let him be foremost in teaching; the natives the 
arts of civihzation; let him even join in their labours, and not 
