p. 12 | NOTES FROM HAWAII by W. B. Scott

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 26, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 52.

NOTES FROM HAWAII.

By W. B. Scott

WE sailed from San Francisco Oct. 18, 1899. As is always true upon such occasions, the steamer's deck was crowded with a strange commingling of all classes, each person eager to exchange a last look or word with some friend or relative on the wharf, where a still larger number of people had congregated. In all that surrounded us, there was but one familiar object; that was the face of our dear Brother Hall, who had come with us to assist, and bid us 'God-speed' on our journey. We watched every movement; and only those who have had a like experience can realize our feelings as the steamer moved off, separating us from friends and native land.

It was a beautiful day; but as we passed out of the Golden Gate, a dense fog closed in about us, as if to vail from curious eyes the scenes about to be enacted; for Neptune was about to visit us, and the ruthless way in which he demands tribute of those who first enter his realm, is only to be thought of in secret.

At sunrise, seven days later, we found ourselves gliding along in the quiet waters opposite Diamond Head, the glory of Honolulu. Honolulu is a beautiful place; but it is made such by the art of man. The site on which it stands was once as barren as Sahara, but irrigation has wrought wonders. The houses, which are nearly all cottages with broad verandas, are surrounded by beautiful palm gardens, until the city looks like one magnificent park. I am told that there is more wealth per capita in Honolulu than in any other place on the globe; but the personal wealth of its citizens is shown by the number of servants, the condition of the lawn, and the style of carriage driven, rather than by the size of the residence.

In some ways Honolulu is one of the most delightful places for a wealthy person to stop I have ever visited; but I should advise no other class to come, for everything is so extremely expensive. Hundreds of people come to Honolulu, lured here by offers of big wages; but the steamers are just as crowded with returning emigrants who have become disgusted with trying to live on from three to five dollars per day, and return to their old homes, where they can live better and save more on half the wages.

W. B. SCOTT. Box 291, Honolulu, H. I.