The King’s speech refers heartily to his relations with the United States and
the benefit of the reciprocity treaty to both countries.
[Inclosure in No. 37.]
The King’s speech, delivered at the opening of the
Legislative Assembly, April 30, 1878.
Nobles and Representatives: On the 10th day of
April of last year it pleased Almighty God to take from me by death my
beloved brother Prince William Pitt Leleiohoku, whose promise of future
usefulness to the nation was thus early terminated. He had endeared
himself to the people by his intelligent interest in their welfare, and
had evinced traits of character which made him a wise counselor,
befitting his position as heir-apparent.
I have appointed and caused to be proclaimed my beloved sister Lydia
Kamakaeha Liliuokalani as heiress-apparent.
Our treaty of commercial reciprocity with the United States took effect
September 9, 1876. Its operation indicates that it will be a source of
mutual benefit, and that, as our productions increase with the market
thus afforded for them, our importations, not only from the United
States, but from other countries, will increase in like ratio.
The effect of this treaty upon certain articles of the British treaty
having been called in question, I dispatched the Hon. H. A. P. Carter as
my envoy extraordinary to Great Britain, to confer with the British
Government.
Notice has been given, under the provision of Article XVII, of my desire
to terminate Article IV of the British treaty, to take effect July 3d of
the present year. Mr. Carter, who was also empowered to negotiate a
treaty with Germany, has not yet returned from his mission.
The finances of the kingdom continue to be in a satisfactory condition.
The report of my minister of finance will show a detailed account of
receipts and expenditures.
The administration of justice remains able and impartial.
The health of my people is a subject constantly in my mind. The
recommendation of the board of health to continue to enforce the
measures heretofore adopted cannot safely be neglected. I request you to
give this subject your earnest consideration.
The report of the board of immigration will show you that efforts have
been made to obtain immigrants from India, the Western Islands, and
Polynesia.
An electric telegraph has been established by private enterprise on Maui,
which may, I hope, be extended by cable between the islands.
The opening of narrow-gauge railroads on Hawaii and Maui may be a subject
well worthy of your attention.
It is desirable that frequent changes of the laws or the making of
unnecessary new laws should be avoided; but upon this subject, as in all
your deliberations, may you be guided by sound wisdom.
Nobles and representatives, I now declare the legislative assembly of the
kingdom opened.
