formed in
pure white linen ornamented with brass buttons, bearing the national
Hawaiian arms, and wore snow-white helmets tipped with spikes of
glittering brass of the German army pattern.

King Kalakana, who is very fond of racing and always assists at these
exhibitions, greeted us cordially upon the grand stand, where he sat
among the other spectators dressed in a suit of white linen and a plain
straw hat. A few moments later, by invitation of his Majesty we stepped
into an adjoining apartment, where he jauntily tossed off a goblet
brimming with champagne, adding a few pleasant words of welcome. The
trouble with him is that he is far too much inclined "to look upon the
wine when it is red," though we were informed confidentially that his
favorite tipple was gin. Notwithstanding that he is a man of more than
ordinary intelligence, and even of a considerable degree of culture,
morally speaking he has no traits of character which command respect,
and is at times so much given to a sensual life as to outrage all kingly
associations, incurring the disgust even of his most intimate
associates. In person he is tall, well built, a little over six feet in
height, of very dark complexion, and with crisp curly hair. He is
remarkably superstitious, we were told, and consults pretended
supernatural agents as to various State matters. This trait must have
been born in him, and is matched by a similar spirit prevailing in the
breast of every native. He is too selfish in disposition to be exercised
by any real degree of patriotism, and "can be bought at a very low
market value in connection with any private enterprise," to quote the
words of a leading citizen with whom we conversed about the political
condition of the islands. There are always plenty of adventurers ready
to take advantage of such possible venality, and our informant told us
that there were stories privately circulated, and undoubtedly true,
which if publicly substantiated would result in his being dethroned.
"Indeed," he added, "there is only a sort of phantom royalty maintained
in Honolulu." These considerations did not tend to prepossess us much in
the king's favor; and besides, it was impossible readily to forget that
his direct ancestors slew, roasted, and ate Captain Cook.

This delectable monarch has just passed his fifty-second year, and as he
may very properly be styled a fast liver, his career will hardly be a
long one, more especially as the islands seem t