PERSECUTIONS.
During the next few years the chiefs persisted in a harsh and unjustifiable policy, which imperiled the independence of the country.
On the return of the two banished priests from California, in April, 1837, they were ordered to return in the same vessel in which they had come, and were obliged to go on board of it. Meanwhile the British sloop of war "Sulphur," Captain Belcher, and the French frigate "Venus," Captain Du Petit Thouars, arrived and interposed in behalf of the priests. As a compromise, they were landed again on condition that they should leave by the first favorable opportunity. Again on the 3d of November, another priest, Rev. L. Maigret, and a lay brother arrived from Valparaiso, but were not allowed to land. Finally Revs. Maigret and Bachelot left in a schooner for Bonabe, Micronesia. From 1835 to 1839 the persecution of native converts was resumed, but was at last put an end to by the declaration of rights promulgated June 4th, 1839, and the king's edict of toleration, issued June 17th.
VISIT OF THE "ARTEMISE."
In consequence of these proceedings the French frigate "Artemise," Captain Laplace, was ordered to Honolulu, where it arrived July 9th, 1839.
Captain Laplace immediately sent the Government a peremptory letter demanding that full religious liberty be proclaimed, and that the sum of $20,000 be brought on board by noon of the 12th, or hostilities would commence. The required treaty was signed and the money promptly paid, and on the 16th, a commercial convention was also signed.
FIRST CONSTITUTION.
The declaration of rights, mentioned above, which guaranteed religious liberty, produced a feeling of security unknown before, and formed the first step towards establishing individual property in land. The first constitution was proclaimed October 8th, 1840. It constituted a Legislature, consisting of a House of Hereditary Nobles, and Representatives to be chosen by the people, who voted as a separate house. It also defined the duties of the Governors and provided for a Supreme Court.