A copy of the royal address is herewith inclosed.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
His Majesty’s address, delivered by
royal commission at the opening of the legislature of
1868.
Nobles and representatives: A great
calamity has befallen the island of Hawaii. My duty to my subjects
has called me away from my capital, and I have delegated a royal
commission, presided over by my well-beloved father, to open the
regular session of the legislature.
Until the last few weeks my kingdom had enjoyed uninterrupted
prosperity. Peace, quiet, and abundance had prevailed. Let us bow
humbly to the will of God Almighty, whose hand is now heavy upon us,
and let us, with brave heart and well-timed charity, relieve the
distress of those of our countrymen who have been thus suddenly and
severely afflicted.
Our relations with foreign powers continue to be most satisfactory.
The important treaty with the United States of America, which was
considered at the last extraordinary session of the legislature, has
not yet received the ratification of the President. My minister of
foreign affairs will furnish you with such intelligence of the
progress of the negotiation as may be from time to time
received.
Preliminary steps have been taken by my government to secure the
conclusion of a treaty with the confederation of North Germany, to
be substituted for our present treaties with Bremen and Hamburg.
Some of our treaties have been denounced. Changes are contemplated
in our stipulations with England and France, and I confidently hope
that the result of these various negotiations will increase our
intercourse with Europe, as the anticipated conclusion of our
convention of reciprocity will develop our trade with the great
republic of the United States.
Our negotiations with Japan have so far been successful. Important
and favorable results may be expected from the opening of trade
with, and immigration from, that kingdom.
My minister of the interior will inform you of the steps taken by the
bureau of immigration towards securing valuable additions to our
population and laborers for our fields. An increased appropriation
is applied for to enable my government to solve, by practical
experiment, the question of immigration, whose importance to the
kingdom will not escape your attention. You will be duly advised of
the measures adopted by the board of health during the last two
years. Owing, in a great measure, to the exertions of the board, the
spread of the disease of leprosy has been checked.
As soon as practicable, my government will inform you of the extent
of the damage done on Hawaii by the last volcanic eruption. It is
hoped that it will not prove so extensive as to require any
considerable curtailment from the appropriation for public
improvements in other islands.
Our finances are in a most prosperous condition. The report of my
acting minister of finance will furnish you all the necessary
information on the state of the treasury. Our credit stands high,
our public debt is greatly reduced, and a considerable surplus is on
[Page 341] hand. Should the
treaty of reciprocity acquire the force of law, some further
legislation may he necessary.
It may he well for the legislature to inquire how far the prosperity
of this kingdom and the development of its resources may he promoted
by judicious assistance to the line of steamers plying between this
port and California, as well as to our inter-island steam
navigation.
The administration of justice has been conducted with fidelity and
impartiality.
It is thought that the public convenience will be promoted by changes
in the time of holding certain terms of the court. My attorney
general will submit to you the necessary bill for the accomplishment
of that measure.
I refer you to the report of the president of the board of public
instruction for the details of the work performed by that board.
Liberal and intelligent assistance has been granted, on application,
to all those who devote their labors to the education of the people.
New school-houses have been built; in many places the sexes have
been separated; and a system of impartiality, combined with a
healthy competition, has contributed largely to the cause of
intellectual improvement.
Nobles and
representatives: I rely upon your enlightened patriotism
and upon your loyalty to our institutions. You will co-operate with
me in seeking the welfare of the nation and in providing for its
wants. I pray God Almighty, the Ruler of kingdoms, to relieve us in
our troubles, to guide us in prosperity, and to help me in
maintaining inviolate the dignity of my crown and our national
independence—and
We do now declare the legislature of the kingdom opened.