The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1873-12-17
Letter from Col. kalal1aua.


SIR-This has been an eventiful year for Haw-
all 1t is only thirty-four years since the King
and chiefs of this nation granted Bill of Rights
at Luaehu, Lahaina, Maui, 1889, which is the
basis of civilized government by the people
The Constitution granted by King Kamehame-
ha Ill, by and with the advice and consent Of
the Mobiles and Representatives of the people,
followed in 1852. In 1864 the present Constitu-
ton, under which the country has been governed,
was granted by Kamehameha V.
Many feared that the nation was not sufficient
y education In Constitutional Government to
elect a Sovereign on the demise of His Late
Majesty withuot naming his successor. But
these fears we're grOuudess. The peaceful cleo
ton which followed showed that Hawaiians are
capable of self government.
Last July the government proposed to the
United States Commissioner to renew negota-
tions for treaty of commercial reciprocity, and
suggested this might be made desirable to the
United States by ceding to them the Harbor OF
Pearl River for naval station.
1t soon appeared that the Hawaiians were not
in favor of such cession. l was myself not in
favor of it. Many people had fears that if the
United States had possession of Pearl Harbor
the independence of the nation would be jeo-
pardised.
The previous action of the United States does
not justify those fears for that government has
always desired to see the Hawaiian nation free
md ipIa
placed this country under the protection of the
United States in 1852, to save US from the
threatened attack of French man-of-war, the
United States returned the country to its right
ful King as soon as the trouble was over.
From my knowledge of all free government
know that the prosperity and independence of
the Hawaiian Islands, depends on our showing
to the world that we are law abiding people,
and regard our Constitution and laws, which pro-
tect every mans rights.
1t is my belief that the Hawaiian people will
never permit violation of the Hawaiian Consti-
tuition and laws. If any reforms are needed,
there is lawful way to make Them and that
way will always be followed
We say to the world, as our neighbor the
United States says, that we have always well
coined foreigners to our shores. Let them come,
and bring with them money and skill to deveope
the resources of the country. Here, as in the
freest and strongest nation in the world, all men
will be protected in their rights, under civilized
law. Who ever says that this is not so, is in my
opinion no friend OF Hawaii or OF Hawaiian in
dependence.
great deal has been said by few persons
in our community to the effect that the natives
are antagonistic to the foreigners. This deny,
and 1 take this opportunity TO say that no such
feeling has or nov exists for the proof of which
| state that during the discussion about ceding
Pearl River TO the United States, no violence or
threat came from any one of the natives, save
fair criticism in regard to the action of the Min.
listers.
Thanking you for the indulgence you allow
me, | remain, &C., D. KALAKAUA.
Honolulu, December 9th, 1873.
p C. A6re1fiSe1