He ardently
desired the encouragement of foreign immigration, and the opening of
a free market in America for Hawaiian produce. He ruled, as well as
reigned, and though he abrogated the constitution of 1852, and
introduced several features of absolutism into the government, on
the whole he seems to have done well by his people. He is said to
have been regal and dignified, to have worked hard, to have written
correct state papers, and to have been capable of the deportment of
an educated Christian gentleman, but to have reimbursed himself for
this subservience to conventionality by occasionally retiring to an
undignified residence on the sea-shore, where he transformed himself
into the likeness of one of his half-clad heathen ancestors, debased
himself by whisky, and revelled in the hula-hula. He is said also
to have been so far under the empire of the old superstitions, as to
consult an ancient witch on affairs of importance.
He died amidst the rejoicings incident to his birthday, and on the
next day "lay in state in the throne-room of the palace, while his
ministers, his staff, and the chiefs of the realm kept watch over
him, and sombre kahilis waving at his head, beat a rude and silent
dead-march for the crowds of people, subjects and aliens, who
continuously filed through the apartment, for a curious farewell
glance at the last of the Kamehamehas.
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