Since the census returns began to come in, it is very evident that this estimate will be exceeded by some 2,000, making the total population 109,000. The increase will probably be found among Japanese and Portuguese. The population of Honolulu is 29,920, or practically 30,000.
SHIPPING.
The vessels flying the Hawaiian flag number 52, aggregating 21,678 tons. They are divided as follows:
| 23 | steamers, | aggregating | 9,575 | tons | |
| 5 | barks, | '' | 4,198 | '' | |
| 3 | ships, | '' | 6,272 | '' | |
| 21 | schooners and sloops, | aggregating | 1,623 | '' | |
Of these vessels 13 are employed in foreign trade and 39 in trade between the Islands.
FINANCES.
Mention has been made of the taxes of this country. A few words will be to the point upon the financial condition of the government.
The direct taxes yielded, in 1895, $592,691.92. The Customs revenue was $547,149.04 and licenses, &c., produced $600,224.23, in all $1,740,065.19.
The current expenditures are kept within the current income. Great public improvements are provided for by loan. This is what every growing country has to do. The public debt of the country on January 1, 1896, was $3,764,335. With a population of 109,000, this gives about $34 per head of the population. The Hawaiian Government finds no difficulty in obtaining means for internal improvements, and a scheme is now on foot to reduce the interest and consolidate the public debt.