So great was the terror throughout the islands that the people deserted the land, and went to sea in small boats. But even the sea was unfriendly to them, for the earthquake was accompanied by a tidal wave, which wrecked many of the small craft. The seas rose to a great height, and swept over the land, doing much damage.
Hundreds of people are supposed to have been killed during this catastrophe, but the full extent of the damage is not yet known.
Hawaiian affairs are occupying a good deal of attention at this time.
In No. 26 of The Great Round World, we spoke of the invasion by Japanese immigrants, and how the government of the Sandwich Islands sent the last few shiploads back to their own country.
The Japanese are extremely indignant at this action on the part of Hawaii.
The newspapers in Japan are calling upon the government to send war-ships to teach the Hawaiians that Japan insists upon fair treatment for her citizens.
In Japan, there is some talk of sending the emigrants back to Hawaii, with a demand that they be permitted to land. It is suggested that the Japanese Minister in Honolulu shall demand money damages from the Hawaiian government if these emigrants are refused the right of entry.
The Japanese think that the action of the Hawaiian government was suggested by the United States, and that it is only the first step to the annexation of these islands by us.
Japan declares herself opposed to such a union, and will do her best to prevent it.