The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1873-12-13

To the Editor or The Pacific Commenced Adrsytiser;
SR.-This has been an e~ventful year for Hawaii.
1t is only thirty-four years since the King and
chiefs OF this nation granted n Bill of Rights az
Luaehu. Lahaina, Maui, 1889, which is the basis of
a civilized government by the people, The Con
stitution granted by King Kamehameha H. by
and with the advice and consent OF the Mobiles and
Representatives of the people. followed in 1852.
In 1864 the present Constitution. under which the
country has since been governed, was granted by
Kamehameha V.
Many feared that the nation was not sufficiently
educated in Constitutional Government TO elect a
Sovereign on the demise Of His late Majesty with
out naming his successor. But these fears were
groundless. The peaceful election which followed
showed that Hawaiians are capable of self govern
ment.
Last July the government proposed TO the
United States Commissioner to renew negotiations
for a treaty of commercial reciprocity, and sug-
gested that this might be made desirable TO the
United States by ceding to them the Harbor of
Pearl River for a naval station.
1t soon appeared that the Hawaiians were not in
favor of such a cessicn. | was myself not in favor
OF it. Many people had fears that if the United
states nau possession OF earl IaTDOI, liz niue
pendence of the nation would be jeopardised.
The previous action of the United States does not
justify those fears, for that government has always
desired to see the Hawaiian nation free and indie
pendent. When Kamehameha III. placed this
country under the protection of the United States
in 1852, to save us from the threatened attack of a
French man-of-war, the United States returned the
country to its rightful King as soon as the trouble
was over.
From my knowledge of all free governments, L
know that the prosperity and independence of the
Hawaiian Islands, depends on our showing to the
world that we are a law abiding people, and re-
gard our Constitution and laws, which protect
every mans rights.
1t is my belief that the Hawaiian people will
never permit a violation of the Hawaiian Constitu-
ton and laws. If any reforms are needed, there
is a 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 welcomed foreign
ers to our shores. Let them come, and bring with
them money and skill to develope 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
LudI Ills Is uOJ SOs 10 HI my OplulOu no ttuu Vi
Hawaii or of Hawaiian independence.
a great deal has been said by a few persons in
our community to the effect that the natives are
antagonistic to the foreigners. This l deny. and |
take this opportunity to say that no such feeling
has or now exists for the proof of which 1 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 a fair criticism in
regard to the action of the Ministers.
Thanking you for the indulgence you allow me,
| remain, &c. d. KALAKAuA
Honolulu, December 9Th, 1873.