Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 2, 1878

No. 251.
Mr. Comly to Mr. Evarts.

Legation of the United States,
Honolulu, May 1, 1878. (Received May 31.)

No. 37.]

Sir: I have the honor to report that the Legislative Assembly of this kingdom was opened by the King in person at 12 m. on yesterday, in presence of the diplomatic and consular corps and a large number of others present by invitation. I inclose the King’s speech. The English commissioner, Major Wodehouse, was not present, neither was his vice and acting consul-general. Major Wodehouse is reported sick. In view of the notice of the Hawaiian Government suspending the fourth article of the present treaty with Great Britain, to take effect next July 3d, the absence of the British officials provokes some comments. The French Government was strongly represented by Mr. Daloz (who arrived last week as French commissioner vice Ballieu transferred), and by his chancellor of legation, M. Pernet.

The King’s speech refers heartily to his relations with the United States and the benefit of the reciprocity treaty to both countries.

I am, &c.,

JAMES M. COMLY.

[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.