The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1859-04-07
MESSAGE
or Hi. Majesty to h LegisIninre.

MOBILES AND REPRESENTATIVES -
I deem it my duty, as Chief Magistrate of the
Kingdom, to submit to the Legislature certain points
in regard to which the organic law seems to. require
revision.
Experience has conclusively shown that the Con-
stitution of 1852 does not, in many important re-
spects, meet the expectations OF its trainers, or of my
Predecessor, by whom it was voluntarily conceded.
1t is the part of wisdom to derive lessons from
experience, and to regulate our future policy in con-
formity with its suggestions.
The 105th Article of the Constitution prescribes the
ordinary mode of amendment. Without reference to
a different manner of revision, clearly founded on the
inherent rights of the different Estates of my King
dom. l am, at this time, content to appeal to the
Legislature for such action as will provide an ade-
quate remedy for all existing difficulties.
l am satisfied that it would result in great public
advantage to allow to my Executive Ministers the
privilege of election to the House of Representatives,
except when constituted Members of the House of
Mobiles by Royal Patent. 1t would also, in my opin-
ion, be polite to permit additions to be made to the
House of Mobiles for a term Of years as well as for
life. These changes are earnestly recommended and
urged upon your favorable consideration.
I further recommen that the House of Represen-
tatives be limited, as to its members, to o number not
exceeding twenty; and that a suitable property quail
6cation for eligibility be established. The conpensa-
tion of such members ought also to be definitely fixed
for the entire period Of their service, so as to avoid
all inducements to protracted sessions beyond the
requirement of the public good.
Relying on your wisdom and patriotic disposition,
L place these suggestions before you, In the tull con-
hdence that they cannot fail to meet your sanction.
l entertain no doubt that if the Constitution should
be amended in conformity thereto, a beneficial reform
of the Legislative Department would be effected, and
the general advantage of my Kingdom thereby greatly
promoted. KAMEIAMEHA.
KAAHUMANu.
The above message, sent last week to the Legis-
lature by His Majesty, should be read by every
native and foreign subject in the kingdom. 1t is
an important one, and its importance should
command for it that attention which it deserves.
When the sovereign speaks, true loyalty demands
that the subject listen to what he has to say.
Though the Message is addressed to the Legisla-
ture, it speaks through them to the whole nation.
Since the recognition of this people as an indie
pendent government, there has appeared no docu-
ment of more vital Importance to the harmony
and peace of its constituent elements than this.
The Message opens a wide field for legitimate
discussion. But, whatever prospective changes
in our present popular and wise constitution may
be in view-and there are doubtless. some points
that might be bettered-we fervently hope that
no attempts will ever be made to curtail the
rights now happily enjoyed by all classes. The
constitution, here as in older nations, is Il sacred
bond or agreement between the sovereign and his
chiefs, on the one part, and the people, on the
other. Any violation of the bond by either party
to it, can only imperil the harmony of the state.
The Message suggests certain amendments in
the organic laws and constitution.
THAT the Ministers be allowed to be chosen
TO the Lower House.
2.-That the King be authorized to increase
the number of Mobiles or persons entitled to hold
seats in the Upper House.
3.-That the number of Representatives be
limited to not exceed twenty, instead of twenty
four to forty rs at present.
4.-That a property qualification be required
of Representatives.
5.-That the pay of Representatives be fixed
for the session.
6.-That some provision be made for a revision
of the present constitution.
AS we view it, there is nothing in the c~onstitu-
ton to prevent the Legislature from carrying out
by special acts all the changes proposed above.
from one to five inclusive. There is nothing in
that instrument to hinder Ministers being elected,
or holding seats in the Lower House, while the
constitution evidently provides for an increase of
the Mobiles. But whether the proposed changes
are. wise or not, is what we would not undertake
to say at present; but, as we said before, it is an
open field for discussion. In regard to a revision
of the constitution, we very much doubt whether
any beneficial improvement in that instrument
could be made under the present very unpopular
Ministry.