The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1864-05-14
THE PACIFIC
Commercial Advertiser.
SATURDAY, MAY IA

TON, calling q convention tor - consulting on
the revision of the Constitution" appeared. We
have understood that the convention is called
prior to the meeting of the Legislature, in or
der that any proposed changes to be inaugu-
rated by the Legislature, should previously be
thoroughly discussed, that the subject should
not be sprung upon it unprepared. If chan
ges should, upon being dispassionately con-
sidered in a convention thus assembled ex-
pressly to discuss them, be felt to be desirable,
then the Legislature, by having its attention pre-
viously turned to the subject, would be prepared
to act intelligently and inaugurate the subject an
accordance lcith the provisions Of the Constitution.
We did not suppose, nor do we believe, that
one step is to be taken not strictly in ac-
cordance with the Constitution, which is a treaty
or compact between the King, Mobiles and COM
moners, defining the rights reserved to each any
violation of its obligations by the one party
being an encouragement to similar violations by
other parties.
If the convention is j intended only for previous
consideration of the proposed changes in the
Constitution, that the thoughts of the coming
Legislature might be better turned to the meas
ure, and less time consumed, it may be wise,
and the most intelligent and upright of natives
and naturalized foreigners should be chosen to
this service. This is all important, for if changes
are really necessary and desirable, they should
be wisely inaugurated or the whole interests of
the Kingdom will suffer. They will impair pub
lie confidence in the stability and permanency of
the Government, and depreciate all property as n
consequence. Therefore no change, especially
no important one, which could by any possiIh;'iitv
have such a result, should be agitata,d unless the
present positive evil is s;ch as imperatiyely to
call for an Abatement. and unless il be pretty
Clear -JefHat any possible evil arising from the
efaange cannot outweigh the existing one.
But thoughtful minds have been thrown into
a state of alarm by the following clause in the
proclamation, to wit, :. as treH as TO proride tcays
and means to carry on our Government" This
seems to ignore the Representative Branch of the
Legislature or House of Commons and call upon
a convention to do what THAT BRANCH ONLY CAN DO
coNsTITUTIoNALLY. We are 10th to believe that
the responsible ministers, the executive depart
ment with whom the State paper originated, enter
tain any such purpose, because it would be dsloy-
atty to the Constitution and King, if not treason.
1t would unsettle the present quiet, it would be re-
volutionary in its tendency, and more unfriendly
to the ruling dynasty than almost any act short
VI positive reDel1on. Ir wouId unsettle property
as well as political institutions and without
further evidence. whilst we regret the expression
used in the proclamation, we hope that the fears
of the community are unfounded.
As to changes in the Constitution, let them be
discussed freely. Let the Government without
delay lay the proposed changes before the people
by publishing them at once.
Any real good to be obtained can be demon
strated, and will no doubt be readily conceded.
Nor will such changes impair the political or pc
cuniary stability of things.
Doubtful changes, or such as seem so, will,
when fully and fairly discussed, be rejected as in
volving uncertainty and possible peril.
The Constitution, upon the whole, has worked
well possibly it might have been so constructed
as to have worked better. But Notwithstanding
some annoyances and some friction, it has
worked well during the past twelve years. In
what country has there been greater security
for person and property? Where have religious,
social, civil and political rights been more sacred
ly respected and protected? In what other coun-
try have elections been more equitably con-
Quoted, or attended with less bribery, double
dealing or riots? Where upon the whole have
there been better laws, even in more enlightened
communities, and where have they been more
impartially administered, with fewer of abuses
and less of corruption? Where is there n larger
degree of liberty and more freedom in speech
and action? Surely not in the United States,
Great Britain or Continental Europe. There
fore we say, let the people knolC lchat changes
are proposed, that will enhance the happiness
and prosperity of King or People. Let them be
freely and fully discussed, and if it is evident
that they will add to the happiness and pros
perity, let them be adopted an the Constitutional
Jrdy but at the anne time let it be remembered
that all important political changes inrolre more
or less Of peril, and should be we'll considered
before being adopted, in 4 community where the
political institutions are already lrOrRing lreH,
and productive Of general peace and harmony.
In view of the importance of this subject. as
connected with the future interests of the
kingdom-although the wisdom of this mode
of amending the Constitution appears doubtful
and may be illegal-yet, as the proclamation
has been issued, its provisions should be complied
with, and the most intelligent and upright of
His Majesty's subjects, both native and naturaliz-
ed, should be selected for the coming convention.
(and foreigners should be chosen where ~possible,)
for on its action more important interests may
be depending than is apparent at first sight.
Therefore, let all who love the prosperity and
quiet of the nation, and wish to perpetuate its
independence under its Hawaiian Kings, feel
that they have n duty to do in seeing that pro-
per delegates are chosen, who are capable of dis
cussing these questions properly, and meeting the
ministers on the ground which they have chosen.
1t is to be regretted that there is not more
time but the shorter the time, the more prompt
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