HAWAIIAN ROYALTY

Hodges, Wm. C. Jr. THE PASSING OF LILIUOKALANI, HONOLULU. Honolulu Star Bulletin July 1916; 8 vo 8 x 5 Royal Blue cloth with guilt embossed title. Very clean, tight copy in very good condition. A RARITY!

Liliuokalani was the sister of David Kalakaua, and at birth was adopted by High Chief Paki. She, thus became the foster sister of Bernice Pauahi Bishop. She was educated at the famous Chief's Children School. In 1862, she married John Dominis who subsequently became governor of Oahu.

She was no stranger to the throne or to ruling. When her brother King Kalakaua had toured the world, she had remained in Hawaii, acting as princess-regent, handling the office graciously, endearing the people to her by making improvements whenever and wherever possible.

Upon succeeding her brother to the throne, one of her first acts was to dissolve his old cabinet and appoint her own ministers. In addition, she appointed her fifteen-year-old niece, the Princess Kaiulani, to succeed her as ruler.

Liliuokalani's reign was terminated in 1893 when she yielded to American business interests. Native Hawaiians made one last stand to salvage their kingdom. In 1895, they started a revolt with the intent of restoring Liliuokalani to the throne. It failed. The Queen was arrested and imprisoned. To protect those who had championed her, she was forced to renounce any claim to the throne.

In 1917, Liliuokalani died at her home, Washington Place. To her people, she left the memory of a monarch but more than that: she left them a song as well-the haunting and beautiful, Aloha Oe. Although it was only one of the many songs she composed, it might have been the dirge of the monarchy. The time of royalty had passed…Aloha Oe; Although it was only one of the many songs she composed, it might have been the dirge of the monarchy. The time of royalty had passed . . . Aloha Oe; the romantic years were over.

This fantastic card was issued by the W. Duke and Son’s Co. Tobacco Company as an insert premium in their Honest Long Cut and Cameo brands of Tobacco and Cigarettes during 1888.  It is one from a fairly rare series of  FOLDER STYLE cards (they were folded when inserted into the packs at the factory) entitled , “RULERS, FLAGS & ARMS OF ALL NATIONS”. Designated as N126 in Burdick’s American Card Catalogue.    The front of the card features a portrait of the leader, the coat of arms and flag of the particular country.   The back of the card gives a rather lengthy advertisement for Duke’s Cigarettes. This card features The Sandwich Islands and King Kalakaua.    The Card measures approximately 2 ¾   inches by 4 1/4 inches. The card is in very good condition and does have normal light creasing where the folds were made. Don't miss out on this 119-year-old piece.