KAIUOLANI

A PRINCESS OF HAWAII

BY I. WILLIAM ADAMS

AUTHOR OF “YODOGIMA—IN FEUDALISTIC JAPAN,” “SHIBUSAWA—THE PASSING OF OLD JAPAN,” ETC.

NEW YORK THE MIKILOSCH PRESS 1912

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Copyright, 1912 By I. William Adams

Composition, Press Work and Binding by L. H. Jenkins, Richmond, Va.

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KAIUOLANI

CHAPTER I

The bugle call, clear and shrill, rang out upon the still, hollow air of a mild winter’s morning, as the queen and her invited guests, alike the royalty and commonalty of fair Hawaii, awaited the blast that signalled the beginning of the féte—sounded the march.

Liliuokolani calmly arose from a quiet seat in the Blue Room and proudly walked to the portico’s edge in front. Looking out, over the gay guests assembled in the broad gardens below, her heart swelled with contemplation and no thought of failure disturbed her peace of mind. The kindly woman welcomed some relief; for upon ascending the throne, at the death of her brother, Kalakawa, nearly two years theretofore, she had faithfully said:

“My ministry shall be responsible to me.”

Her attempt to invoke this ancient privilege, of appointing the cabinet and holding it responsible to the throne, had cost Liliuokolani two years of almost constant turmoil and struggle with the opposition; as the Progressionists—an organized body of foreign merchants, politicians and adventurers—had, during the administration of her predecessor, Kalekaua, wrested from him an alleged amendment to the constitution, [Pg 4]placing that privilege and responsibility in the hands of the legislature. In her contention the queen had been loyally supported by the Royalists (consisting mainly of the planters and older foreign residents) and the Patriots, the predominant and better class of natives. Thus her position became clearly defined and seemed certain of hearty encouragement throughout the kingdom.

A decision had just been rendered in her favor, by the supreme court, and at the convention of the legislature the queen had thrown open her summer residence, Waikiki Villa, as was the custom, for the purposes of inaugurating the impending session with a grand garden party. Upon this occasion she may have possessed a deeper motive in making the festivities as nearly universal in their application as possible, for she was a gracious queen and would exceed the bounds of liberality to eradicate the last taint of difference.

Presently the band came into sight—it was the Royal Military band—playing the national air, Hawaii Poni (God Save The Queen), and every head in that vast throng was quickly bared. Liliuokolani bowed and gray-haired men and garland-ladened women thrilled with the pride of loyalty.

The troops followed, with their steel bayonets glistening in the sunlight, while sturdy officers in scarlet regalia, their polished sabers dangling at their sides, rode in front or galloped along, in one grand valiant acknowledgment. They were men with the vigor of ascension or the dread of displacement burning hot in their veins, for the Rifles (the white branch of the militia), five hundred strong, led the advance, with the [Pg 5]Guards, or natives, in the rear. All, however, were animated with a single aim: they marched in unison to do homage to a wise and beloved ruler.

As they tramped along the broad, winding driveway, beneath the overtowering cocoa palms and amid the borders of verdant flowers, a thousand voices rose in response to the last echo of that anthem which always moves so deeply the hearts of patriotic men and noble, generous women. It was a confirmation of true endeavor, and Liliuokolani breathed freely the inspiration that comes only of a marked appreciation. In her heart no rancor lingered, and of a free will she would have crowned each and every one of her subjects with the material reward his efforts merited—as she gave him in her heart a spiritual blessing. On they came, the solid column advancing, until directly under the portico, where Colonel Floyd Wellington Young, commander of the Rifles, wheeled his charge and loyally saluted.

The gallant young officer rode his mount with the dash of a Napoleon, his red hair glowing with the fire of victory, though from his deep blue eyes there shone a determination to enforce justice, alike to himself and to his fellow men. The queen, standing there, high above his head, extended her white-gloved hand in humble recognition of his true worth and her superior regard; and not a few wept with joy at the apparent reconciliation of two contending factions, that had so long threatened to disrupt their island home.

Bowing gently in response, the colonel’s voice, loud and musical, echoed from the mountain side above to the rollicking sea below:

[Pg 6]

“Battalions—halt!”

Then:

“Right line—march!”

Immediately:

“Present—arms!”

And finally:

“Parade—rest!”

Quick and orderly the maneuvers were executed to the rhythm of “tramp, tramp” and the thud of a half-thousand rifles. Grandly they saluted, and with upturned faces awaited the queen’s response.

With chosen words and deliberate accent the considerate woman calmly said:

“I thank you in behalf of myself and my people for this splendid expression of fealty, and pray that God may give me strength to render a just and generous recognition. On this day, and I trust many others, my home is open unto you. The Queen’s blessing.”

Tears stole into the colonel’s eyes, as wheeling in the saddle he shouted command:

“Shoulder—arms! Column fours—left! Forward—march!” and the steady ranks moved on down the avenue, to give place to a more sympathetic advance.

The native company, with less dash but as certain a tread, came forward and at the command of their leader, Prince Aokahameha, executed quite as dextrously a similar movement; but when their salute had been given a deathly silence ensued. With filled eyes and heavy heart Liliuokolani leaned far over the railing and extending her arms, in hopeless expression, silently voiced a message that stirred deeply the blood that knew no land but theirs. Then with bowed heads [Pg 7]and resolute step they hearkened to the voice of a Kamehameha and followed their commander down the lane, toward the Armory, behind the koas, a short distance away, at the capital city in front.

Ihoas-Kahili, the queen’s chief lady in waiting, stood near by and when the troops had passed from sight—the queen still watching them—she came to her majesty and consoled her and directing an attendant to place a seat counselled the queen to remain in the open, where she might view the gay throngs seated about the lawns or indulge the soft sea breeze that floated in from the nearby shore. Liliuokolani quickly consented, for on this day more than any other she, as well as Ihoas, was interested in the outcome of the chivalries.

The tall, young princess, a descendant of the Kamehamehas, seated herself close by and presently she too sank into deep, unsatisfying thought. Though her full name was Ihoas-Kahila Ralph, and her flowing hair and mild eyes contrasted noticeably with the massive, jet black waves and controlled, penetrating look of the queen, she was none the less of a royalty long antedating the Mauas, of whom Liliuokolani was the then reigning descendant. Aokahameha was of the same blood as Ihoas, and notwithstanding their displacement, like her cousin—they being of the younger generation of the Kamehamehas—had become reconciled to the new order and, altogether, sought with loyalty to do homage and render service unto their lawfully recognized queen.

Liliuokolani had long ago recognized the value of the grave and patriotic Aokahameha and his support in her desperate struggle against the final encroachment [Pg 8]of the foreigners, and was anxious that upon this occasion Kaiuolani, the young and vivacious heir apparent, should crown him victor of the féte. This beautiful princess was one of the queen’s own blood, named by her majesty as the lawful successor to the throne, yet Liliuokolani would that Kaiuolani loved Aokahameha, for in him she trusted, saw her own beneficent plans unfold, and with his rise and promotion to the chief command of the army believed the throne secure.

Ihoas had become the queen’s real confidante, and though hopelessly (as there was good reason to believe) loved by Aokahameha, her majesty trusted her affectionate chief lady in waiting to urge the reconciliation of Aokahameha to a new love, while she herself would bring her own influence to bear upon Kaiuolani. In the pathway of all these fervent desires there had already come to view an almost endless chain of apparent obstacles; yet Liliuokolani felt in her heart that she was right, and no trial seemed too hard or measure severe for her to withstand. She sat there in the cool of the shade, her determination rising,—the tears had long ago dried,—a huge fan gently swaying in the sweet-laden zephyrs, while her faithful companion pondered more apprehensively, if less sternly, the troubled situation.

“Has Kaiuolani made her appearance in the garden?” asked the queen, after a while, thoughtfully, but kindly.

“I believe she is on the veranda below. Shall I call her?” asked Ihoas in answer, rising, and ready to do her majesty’s bidding.

“Please send the princess to me; I should like to [Pg 9]speak with her—before the day is further advanced. You can leave us here, to ourselves: the diversion will be a welcome relief to you, and—there is someone, now, on the lawn; he looks; he desires you to come, I know.”

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CHAPTER II

Presently the princess came and sat by the side of her aunt, the queen. Ihoas bowed herself away and as quickly disappeared below, where she sought relief and opportunity in the crowded garden. She had a duty to perform, and though her position must be an embarrassing one, her appearance could but arouse interest, invoking both happiness and hope.

On the steps at the veranda in front Ihoas met Aokahameha accompanied by Colonel Young; they had disposed of their commands at the armory and returned to pay respects and join in the festivities at the villa. The one tall, dark and austere: the other slight, fair and genteel, they doffed their helmets to the stately princess as she met and congratulated them upon the events of the day. There was indeed a wide contrast between the old-time feats of chivalry, as exemplified in the one, and the modern heraldic display, underlying the martial supremacy of the other; yet Ihoas was brave, and with her memory running back and her heart yearning for still another she made no distinction, greeting them alike with a heartiness that bespoke neither preference nor prejudice. Perhaps Floyd Young may have conjured a distrust in her composure, but he became quite undeceived as to his comrade’s position, for the young prince unconsciously betrayed the secret of his love.

Designing not to intrude upon good will, Young [Pg 11]withdrew and sauntered into the midst of the gayety on the lawns. Not a few offered words of felicitation as the deserving young officer passed on, addressing this one or recognizing that one, but none seemed to express more than passing interest in what he had hoped to be the most successful military parade the little kingdom had seen. The seeming indifference stung him sharply, but he remembered that this was the queen’s day, however loyal the opposition, and acting in obedience to natural impulse turned toward the portico where his eyes met fairly those of the princess, Kaiuolani.

The dazzling garnishments of his regalia glittered in the sunlight and heightened the sparkle in Kaiuolani’s eyes as he bowed and turned to shake the hand of Mr. Elmsford—Oscar Donworth Elmsford—a discarded English duke, an artist by profession, but at that time a resident manager who stood high in social circles at the capital city, Honolulu.

A frown crossed the queen’s brow; she had witnessed the glance of recognition, which had so inadvertently passed between the two, and as quickly engaged the princess in conversation. Young did not observe the apparent change in her majesty’s countenance, but continued talking to his neighbor, Elmsford, till presently Ihoas again came upon the scene of his discomfiture.

This faithful intermediary had had her say with Aokahameha, and left him standing in the shade of the veranda, debating whether to follow and press his claim for a true love or go above and encourage a false one. He had understood Ihoas’s warning only too well, but for that did not believe her lost to him,—although [Pg 12]she had positively declared her preference for the man that she was at that very moment approaching,—and as to Kaiuolani: she was entirely too frolicsome for him, and he doubted even her aunt’s ability to govern her decision in any manner, much less about a thing so vital as that of marriage. The sudden turn of affairs disturbed but did not overwhelm the puzzled man, who stood momentarily debating his proper course, then entered the house and ascended the stairs.

Turning, Young again paid his respects to the designing Ihoas. A slight flush perceptibly reddened his face. A new thought possessed him; he would use her to relieve himself and disarm others as to the possible thought of any rising intimacy with Kaiuolani.

Barely granting Ihoas an opportunity to recognize the artist manager, whom she had grown to love with a passion characteristic only of her race, Young said, banteringly:

“You do me undeserved honor, in granting me this the second opportunity to greet you this morning. Will you join me while paying respects to Sir Charles, the princess Kaiuolani’s father? He is over there, in the shade of the old historic palm—let us go.”

The thought of arousing Kaiuolani’s jealousy suddenly flashed into Ihoas’s mind. Possibly she may have divined a submerged interest in herself, lurking in the colonel’s motive: if so, she was mistaking; withal her dignified bearing and noble sentiment, Floyd Young at heart preferred another kind of quest. And when he really led her away his only purpose augured of the subtle art of diplomacy. His every hope was [Pg 13]founded upon the progress of events, and from the time he had landed in Honolulu—an ambitious but penniless youth, from far distant New York, a recent graduate from Columbia, educated in the law and honorably discharged from the State militia—his advance had been due to his sterling grasp with opportunity, his ideals founded upon what he believed to be the ultimate decree of human greatness—the military strength of a country, the force behind the throne and the arbiter of God’s eternal law. Love, with him, was an essential trait of manly existence, but its rite should be more: marriage must be made the stepping-stone

to a broader usefulness, used to round out a sphere in which man attains his noblest virtue, serves in the molding and wielding of destiny.

A union with the heir apparent would strengthen his position and open the way to a larger development, but the time had not yet come nor was it advisable upon this occasion to publish even the possibility of so daring a prospect. If he could only check the impetuous princess, and confuse the minds of others, by paying some unusual attention to Ihoas, he should gain a positive advantage; so he led the advance adroitly, and his willing victim—of the same mind, but with a different end in view—assisted in the ruse with all the grace and likelihood at her disposal.

“By jove,” said the surprised Englishman, to himself, as the others walked away; “she has cut me cold! I wonder if she really means it? I hope so, at all events. I can’t stand her pose: it lacks in perspective. Besides, a respite would give me the chance to trim my sails for a more likely princess.”

Elmsford once more shifted positions, always keeping [Pg 14]himself in the open and within sight of the portico, frequently adjusting his eyeglass and vainly assuming a bearing strictly in accord with his shrivelled dignity. His robust figure and odd mannerism finally attracted the queen’s attention, causing her to remark, pleasantly:

“I wonder who is the guest in fancy dress? He seems to be always looking this way!”

“Oh, that is Mr. Elmsford—the gentleman papa has given the privilege of doing my portrait in oil. He is really an interesting character; and, they say, of the English nobility. We shall, no doubt, see more of him before the day is out,” said Kaiuolani, in her characteristically careless way.

“I trust not; at least, until after the leis” (a kind of ceremony, at which the victor in the games—formerly literally, but at that time figuratively—was crowned with a garland by the queen of flowers, usually a chosen princess). “Any sort of a coxcomb from over there becomes a gentleman immediately he is stranded upon our shores. I am very weary of it all,” replied the queen, with emphasis.

“But, aunty, they are so nice; and then, you know, the ‘foreigners’ have given us so much of civilization—they say, all that we have,” continued the princess, innocently.

“They say so; but, I vow, we have not gained so very much. There was far more contentment and much less distress before they set their treacherous feet upon our sacred soil. Excuse me, dear; I should not talk like that; but, I cannot help giving vent to my feelings, at times,” said Liliuokolani, proud, and unable [Pg 15]to restrain the deep and abiding sorrow that welled up from her hard-tried benevolence.

“Never mind, aunty; everything will in time come out for the best. We all love you, and will comfort you, no matter what the consequences,” said Kaiuolani, moved with natural sympathy.

“I do wish that Aokahameha would come; we can trust him, and he is such a noble man. I should choose him to others less qualified if more pretentious,” answered the queen, guardedly concerned as to Kaiuolani’s attitude.

The princess did not answer, but her thoughts went out, in a myriad aspects, to the crowning event of the day. It had of right fallen to her to place the braided wreath upon the brow of a chosen champion, and there arose no question in her mind as to the choice she should make, yet the pathos of her majesty’s situation appealed momentarily to Kaiuolani’s sympathy. Judgment seemed a thing quite foreign to her temperament, and she sat battling between love and affection till presently Aokahameha walked into their presence, bidding both a friendly good-morning.

Kaiuolani brightened. It mattered not so much who the visitor might be, just so his coming brought new interest; for remaining there on that portico, alone with her aunt, on so delectable a morning, amid such a host of admirers, became almost unbearable.

“I am so glad you came, Aoka—aunty and I were this moment talking about you—the parade was just lovely—how I do admire the—horses!” said Kaiuolani, without stopping to regain her breath or divine the effect of her speech.

[Pg 16]

“The prince deserves our compliments,” said the queen, quickly and earnestly.

“Thank you,” replied he, bowing.

Perhaps Aokahameha’s unsympathetic answer caused her majesty to hesitate further conversing,—Kaiuolani waited for him to introduce a more inviting subject,—and the prince, glad that the queen had stopped short of then and there betrothing them, the hapless culprits, leaned against the railing and pondered anxiously an incident accidentally noticed while approaching.

On reaching the top of the stairs, having trod softly over the noiseless carpet, the prince had involuntarily hesitated before entering the boudoir, through which he must pass to gain access to the portico, and observed through the wide open door one of her majesty’s ladies in waiting hidden behind the folds of the drapery, overhanging the exit, and within convenient hearing distance of Kaiuolani and the queen.