The Hawaiian Gazette

The trial of the persons charged with being engaged in the riot of February 12th, commenced promptly on the day set, Monday, April 6th, with Justices Harris and Judd on the bench. Attorney-General Hartwell conducted the prosecution, while Col. Jones, and Messrs. Stanley and Preston were counsel for the rioters. On opening the case, Col. Jones, counsel for the prisoners, moved for a postponement, on the ground that sufficient time had not been allowed to procure evidence in their behalf. Justice Harris overruled this motion, stating that every opportunity had been afforded to counsel, with sufficient notice that the trial would take place on the 6th, and without delay. The jury was then called, and consisted of twelve Hawaiians. One juryman, Mr. W. B. Wright, stated that his mind was fully made up regarding the guilt of the prisoners, and another juryman was substituted in his place. The Attorney-General opened the case by addressing the jury, his remarks being interpreted by Mr. Wilcox. The examination of witnesses then commenced, which, with the arguments of counsel and the charge of the Justice, occupied till 4:30 P. M., when the jury retired, and at 8:30 returned with a verdict of "Guilty"-unanimous with respect to four of the prisoners while two jurymen disagreed as to the fifth.

On Tuesday ten more of the rioters were arraigned, and three of them were discharged under a nolle pros., entered by the Attorney General. The remaining seven were tried by two juries, and of this number six were found guilty, and one acquitted.

It was gratifying to observe the order and quiet maintained during the trial of the rioters on Monday and Tuesday. There was no vain display of force, and yet ample provision had been made for any emergency that might arise. The trial commenced and has continued as quietly as though it had been an ordinary case of burglary. Aside from the crowd of perhaps one hundred persons in the street near the Court House, mostly women, who were apparently relatives of the prisoners, there seemed to be no special interest manifested by the natives generally. This, however, was not really so, for there has been great curiosity about the result of the trial, and while all were convinced that the government was determined to maintain the law and see the trial fairly conducted, few of the natives, and still fewer of the prisoners, have believed that there would be any convictions. In truth, many foreigners entertained doubts as to whether a Hawaiian jury could be induced to bring the prisoners in guilty of the crime charged. This doubt has been dispelled, and it furnishes fresh proof of their fitness to exercise the duties and responsibilities of citizens, of which the capacity to sit as juryman is one of the most exalted.