The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1872-12-21
The Constitution and the Decree.

Ma EDTroK ~ have been comparing the Consti-
triton II 1852 with the Decree OF 1864, and 1 can
plainly see that the points in which they ii1cr are
such as are intended. In the fret 10 guard as. the
subjects, against any unfair exercise Of the kingly
power. and in the last TO leave us =, the mercy Of n
ruler when in set terms IL holds irresponsible for
his acts.
The Consultation hears abundant evidence o. hnv-
ing been the work q men wbo had the doctrine 81
equal rights to all as their guide, while ths
Decree sabordinA;ss this grand principle 90 the
interests Of one man By the grace 90 Gcd " King.
While | can clearly sec that the Constitution Is the
basis upon which 10 carry on the Government of
these Islands. it must be Acknowledged that il does
not coser the whole ground. IL was not able 30
sustain itself against the Que man power THAI pat
forth the Decree, and therefore good and sound as 10
is. as far as IL goes. yet il only contains a germ Of
vitality that gave IL n living force for the time. Tho
edict that temporarily suspended its operations did
not destroy its functions. and IL remains with as
now to remodel the structure on the hrm foundation
bequeathed US by kamehamrha III.
The train Of events that have led 10 our being
situated as we are, with the labor Of reconstracting
the state upon Us, has been singular and yet logical
II We consider that At the time the Constitution was
granted 90 us by our King with our Representatives,
we as a people were not fally qualified TO appreciate
or enjoy the the blessing. From the apathy with
which We looked on When il was swept aside 20 give
place 10 the Decree, l am lead now 10 believe that We
needed a few years of absolute monarchy. under the
guise Of Representation " to arouse Vas TO demand
our magnS eAaria. The problem that We have 20
solve is simply this: Under what pledges shall our
new ruler assume the functions Of bis oficei Setting
aside as a secondary consideration who or what that
ruler shall be, let US carefully consider what shall be
the measure Of power THAI VIC. the people. now
sovereign, shall place in his hands. Experience has
shown US that we cannot leave this matter TO the
caprice Of the future head Of the State. Starting out
with the proposition that the only Constitution that
we have. or ever had. provides for our needs In the
interregnum, how far short Of our future needs docs
IN canal And haw nall nnalHaH 10 the 90
Legislature TO deal with the subjecti
There are many reasons that suggest themselves in
favor of calling a National Convention in order 10
determine upon the form Of Government under which
we shall elect 20 be ruled in the future. Such n
Convention would bring out all the men Of ability
we have amongst us. and would admit Of a more
intelligent expression of opinion than could be cx-
pected Of n Legislature, that. while IL was fully
capable Of carrying out the requirements Of the
Decree that gave il birth, was by no means composed
OF the material that would harmonic IN an effort 20
give a Constitution 10 the country.
Let US then call a National Convention Of the peo-
pie, at which n free expression Of public feeling can
find vent, and thus prepare the way for o Legislature
chosen for the purpose Of adopting a Constitution
and electing n rulor. 0Sg OF THE PEoPLk.