Spaulding

Wishing all our patrons and friends a Happy New Year, with health and prosperity and abundance of good things, we lay before them the first number of the HAWAIIAN MONTHLY. At the same time we desire to say a few words concerning our plans and purposes. In so doing we trust we shall not be considered as violating that rule of modesty which is becoming even in journalists.

We have said in our prospectus that we proposed "to discuss in a perfectly independent spirit, any and all matters of legitimate public interest." But we recognize the fact that independence is by no means. the only quality required in journalism, and in carrying out the purpose above indicated, we trust that our columns will display that degree of intelligence, combined with candor and fairness, which the public have a right to expect in a periodical of this kind. We shall endeavor also to exercise a sound and conservative judgment in discriminating between subjects of "legitimate public interest" and those which minister to the love of gossip and a taste for the merely sensational. Acting in this spirit, we purpose presenting our readers from month to month, articles upon leading topics of the day, by such writers among us as we consider best qualified to deal with them. Such articles will be upon various subjects, literary, scientific, educational, ethical, etc., and when practicable will be accompanied by the names of the authors. It is not expected that competent parties, writing over their own signatures, shall in all respects think exactly as we do. On the contrary, we believe the interest and value of the MONTHLY will be enhanced by allowing our contributors to treat the subjects selected, in their own way, subject to no limitations except those implied in our pledge that this periodical shall be conducted in the interests of good morals, good manners and good government."

We shall endeavor at all times to conduct our ed-

itorial discussions in such a manner that they will be generally recognized, even by those who do not entirely agree with us, as a genuine contribution towards that "sound thinking and right feeling," the promotion of which is one of the objects announced in our prospectus.

Political matters we shall discuss from time to time, as occasion may seem to require, treating such questions, however, with reference rather to principles and measures than to individuals. Snch reforms in legislation and administration as we consider the condition of the country and the welfare of the people to require, we shall advocate so far as possible on an impersonal basis.

Having defined our position with reference to these weightier matters, it remains for us to call attention to the contents of the present issue, from which it will be seen that the thoughtful discussion of grave questions of history, philosophy, politics, &c., is by no means the only function assigned to the HAWAIIAN MONTHLY. While these matters will not be neglected, it shall be our aim to introduce as great an amount of variety as possible, in order that each number may contain something of interest for all, and that old and young, grave and gay, may find their several tastes provided for in due and reasonable proportion.

In carrying out the foregoing ideas, no pains shall be spared. Our object is to provide a general literary and family magazine, which, while giving especial prominence to matters of local interest, shall by the quantity, quality and variety of its contents, fully justify its being, and commend itself on its merits, to the confidence and support of the intelligent portion of the community. We pledge ourselves that each number of the MONTHLY shall be as good as the facilities at our command and the patronage we receive, will enable us to make it.