The state of the Natives prior to the war of March 1860 might be compared to a slumbering volcanoe ready at any moment to burst out. They had their secret Runangas throughout the Island, they elected a King and hoisted his flag as am emblem of defiance, they threatened when the adherence of all the tribes was obtained, and their plans more fully matured to resist by every means the further extension of English settlement and if necessary to reduce either the Europeans or tribes who did not join them to submission to or recognition of the Kings rule.