The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1873-09-17
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER II.

THE public must have been somewhat surprised
at the summersault of the Advertiser Of Satur-
day last. in demanding resignation Of the Kings
ministers. For what it may be asked. Chiefly
because they did not succeed in doing what they
had not been empowered by Law or otherwise TO
do-quelling the mutny at the barracks. As
stated elsewhere in to-days paper, no officer can
have authority over the household troops, unless
it be granted to him directly from the King,
which does not appear to have been done under
this or any previous administration, simply be-
cause it had never been considered necessary.
The Governor is the only officer who has been
supposed TO possess authority over the troops,
sufficient to que disturbances; but it is ques-
iionable whether be has this power or can act ex-
cept BY royal command. The dissatisfaction with
the ministry in this instance at least, is therefore
perfectly absurd, and falls to the ground as
unjust. Even admitting, for the sake of ar
gument, that lack of ability was shown on
the part of the administration 10 meeting an
emergency, which has never before occurred in
the history OF this nation, under its present re-
CINE, and for which consequently there had been
no opportunity to test the provisions of the law
regarding it,-wouId this be sufficient cause for
seeking change of ministry, which has been in
Office barely seven months, but which has during
that time served the country as we'll at least, as
any previous administration, at the same time that
it hasaided 10 establishing deservedIy high char
meter for the Hawaiian Government, and in sus-
timing public confidence in its credit both at
home and abroad, under circumstances which
we're calculated to impair it
Rotation in Office is no doubt very popu-
lar doctrine, and in practice may be healthy
rule, where not carried TO excess and especially
in departments where abuses and peculations
have occurred. But to rotate officers from
the public service solely TO sutisiy the demand OF
every disaHected politician. and when nothing is
to be gained by the change-oaly tends 10 'cedken
the government No change should ever be
sought unless there is prospect for improve
meut, by adding strength and character as the
result Although it is well known that we did
not heartily endorse the present cabinet, aud con-
sdered it as rather too conservative, yet we
we're willing to set aside our personal objections,
and give it a fair trial The same sentiment was
shared by the people generally. We do not con-
cider that it has had such IN opportunity us
should Justly be afforded for testing its ability,
which can only be obtained by its appearing be-
fore the Legislature and there bringing forward
such measures Of reform or relief as it may pro-
pose This alone can demonstrate the ability Of
cabinet and not the suppression of petty
military emeute. This is what the people look
forward to, to prove its strength or weakness,
its fitness or unftness for the public service. If
the cabinet fails to satisfy public expectation
in the Legislative hail. then the people may, with
some good show, ask for new administration.
The country does not possess the material from
which TO construct new cabinet every six
months, that will command public respect or
strengthen the government. Bismarcks and
Gladstones are not so numerous, even in Germany
and England, where it is found almost impossible
to frame new cabinets which the public will en-
dorse and sustain. How much less adapted to
such disturbances is our little Kingdom. There
fore, when we find ministers qualified to serve
the country, whose appointment adds strength
to the government, let US not be 10 haste !
to seek change, which may only weaken it aud |
produce lack of confidence and popular dstrust
Such would surely be the effect Of dissolution
Of the government at this time. As Mr.. Lincoln |
used to say" Never swap horses in the middle Of
the stream" .wrFs