_Replies made by His Majesty to the Congratulations of the
Representatives and Consuls of Foreign Nations and the Commanders of
Foreign Ships of War in port._
It pleased His Majesty to make the following replies:
To the Diplomatic Corps:
GENTLEMEN:--You cannot desire your remarks to be more
gratifying than I feel them to be. In reply, I thank you, and
hope that the amicable feelings which have hitherto existed
between the several countries you represent and my own, may
never be impaired. For my part I shall lose no opportunity to
improve and strengthen them. Gentlemen, I thank you.
To the Consular Corps:
GENTLEMEN:--Your remarks are also very gratifying to me. The
geographical position of my islands is indeed such as to point
out plainly enough our policy--to make our ports what
Providence destined them to be; places of safety, refuge and
refreshment for the ships and merchants of all countries.
Nothing more bespeaks the prosperity of a people than the
extent of its intercourse with foreign countries. My utmost
exertions shall be given to foster that intercourse between
the countries, whose commercial interests here are placed in
your hands, and my islands. This I shall do the more heartily
from a pleasant remembrance of the harmony of our relations
heretofore.
To the officers of men-of-war:
GENTLEMEN:--The feelings expressed by you on this occasion
afford me sincere pleasure. The ports of my islands will
always be open to receive the vessels and ships of war of the
three nations which you represent--the three greatest maritime
powers of the earth--the three greatest supporters of the
independence of my kingdom.