At the request of the President, Mr. R. Armstrong read the Royal Message
in Hawaiian, after which the Chancellor read the same in English. The
following is the English version:
NOBLES AND REPRESENTATIVES:--I called the attention of the
last Legislature to the amendments of the Constitution.
Experience of the practical operation of that instrument has
impressed me with their importance, and in this view that body
coincided. But from some omission the publication was not made
in conformity to the provision of the Constitution, and hence
you have very properly expressed your constitutional inability
to pass finally upon the amendments as adopted by them.
Therefore, it has become my duty to call your attention to
some of those amendments, as well as others, which a more
mature reflection has suggested.
I regard favorably the eligibility of the Ministers to the
House of Representatives. The experience of monarchical
governments has illustrated the importance of their services
to the popular branch. It is a power of selection which may be
wisely entrusted to the people to exercise. A property
qualification of a limited amount will tend to make the
selection from the more substantial men of the Kingdom, and
the payment by a salary for their services, I regard as more
just than a per diem allowance as now provided. A limited
number of appointments to the House of Nobles for a term of
years may afford that body valuable aid.
When the Constitution was adopted, its provisions in reference
to a successor to the throne, were made with especial
reference to my Predecessor, who had no lineal heirs.
Additional provisions now seem to be necessary as a protection
to the Heir Apparent to the Throne, and so secure beyond
reasonable contingencies the stable administration of the
sovereignty.
I regard a regency by the Queen, in cases of temporary vacancy
of the Throne, or during a minority of the Heir Apparent, as
the best means to secure a wise and safe exercise of regal
authority, with proper regard to the rights of all persons. It
would be a safe depository of power, for no one can feel a
more sincere interest for the honor and prosperity of the
Kingdom than the Queen Consort, and the mother of the Heir
Apparent. Amendments which will secure these objects, you will
regard as the part of wisdom to adopt.
There are some minor amendments which will be submitted, to
which I do not regard it as essential more particularly to
advert. Of their wisdom and propriety I am fully impressed.
Relying upon your wisdom and your devotion to the integrity
and prosperity of my Kingdom, I have the most entire
confidence that the amendments proposed will receive your most
careful consideration.