Item #26427 Hawaiian Almanac and Annual for 1888. A Handbook of Information on Matters Relating to the Hawaiian Islands, Original and Selected, of Value to Merchants, Planters, Tourists and Others. Thos. G. Thrum, Hawaiian revolution.
Hawaiian Almanac and Annual for 1888. A Handbook of Information on Matters Relating to the Hawaiian Islands, Original and Selected, of Value to Merchants, Planters, Tourists and Others.
Hawaiian Almanac and Annual for 1888. A Handbook of Information on Matters Relating to the Hawaiian Islands, Original and Selected, of Value to Merchants, Planters, Tourists and Others.

Hawaiian Almanac and Annual for 1888. A Handbook of Information on Matters Relating to the Hawaiian Islands, Original and Selected, of Value to Merchants, Planters, Tourists and Others.

Honolulu: Press Publishing, 1887. First printing. Pamphlet. This edition of the almanac publishes the "Bayonet Constitution". It was signed on July 6, 1887 by King David Kalakaua, at the gunpoint of a militia nicknamed the Honolulu Rifles. The document stripped the Hawaiian monarchy of much of its power. In Thos. Thrum's "Advertisement" on page 3 of the pamphlet, dated October 1887 he understates events as he writes, "1887 witnessed material changes for the well being of Hawaii, not only in her internal, but also in her foreign policy." This refers to the revolution of July 1st 1887 and July 6th 1887 when the "Bayonet Constitution" was adopted (a copy of which is included in the almanac) along with "Resolutions of the Memorable Mass Meeting Held At Honolulu June 30, 1887, and His Majesties reply". Thrum, although educated in Hawaii, was clearly in the camp of the foreign white planters, Lorrin Thurston, Sanford Dole and their associates. The white settlers grievances with the Hawaiian government culminating in the death of Tong Aki, a want-a-be Chinese opium importer who paid a large bribe only to lose out on being awarded the contract. When this became public knowledge, the foreigners used it as an excuse to mount a coup. In the "constitution", they transferred power "from the monarchy to the more settler-friendly legislature. The document also granted suffrage to foreigners (generally Americans and Europeans) by linking the right to vote with property ownership." (National Geographic)

"Thomas Thrum (1842-1932) was born at Newcastle, N.S.W., the son of Thomas Augustine and Elizabeth W. (McPhail) Thrum, and came to Hawai'i in the early 50’s at the age of 11. He was educated in Australia and Honolulu, and married Anna Laura Brown in San Francisco, Jan. 11, 1865. He is best known for his "Hawaiian Annual," a reference work published annually between 1875 and 1974. The almanacs were comprehensive, and provide information on population, geography, and business, among other topics. His interest in Hawai'ian folklore led to the publication of other titles on the topic, earning him some distinction as an authority on the matter. After his death his papers and library were acquired by the University of Hawai'i." (Ref: Librarything.c o m)

Among the many wonderfully varied typefaces lettering the local advertisements is one for J. Williams photographer of Honolulu who is offering images of landscape and people.

Large 8vo xvi pp adds, 99pp, xvii pp ads. 2 tipped in black and white maps (Hawaiian Islands & Honolulu City). Publishers printed paper wrappers, contents on inside cover, ads on both sides of rear covers.

Multiple OCLC listings in series. Fine copy. Item #26427

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