The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1878-06-29

man of the Committee being one of the Ministers,
and we have seen what has been going on since.
We have been told by the Ministry and we were
again informed by that letter with which they in
suited the Assembly a few days ago, that the for
eign relations of the country were of a most friend
ly nature with all powers. but we know perfectly
well there is a question between US and the Eng
lish government. 1t is notorious although nobody
not in the secrets Of the government yet know pre-
cisely what it is. All that is known is that it is a
question as to return duties demanded by England
in accordance with guaranteed rights. The hon.
orable chairman says that the British Government
has presented no claim, made no demand or
threat, and being a law abiding Government (Mr.
Bishop here corrected the speaker-the expression
was "law-respecting.") Well, law-respecting
Government, any claim would have to be made by
individuals and adjudieated by the Courts of the
Country according to law. Yes, Great Britain is
a IaW-Tespectlng country, and will undoubtedly
respect HaWaTs laws. But she has rights of her
own that she Is not disposed to give up. These
rights are secured by treaty, aad Treaties take
precedence of all laws, No government can libe-
rate itself from its treaty obligations by its own
act or at its own desire. 1t must gain the consent
of the opposite party to free itself from the con-
tract existing-itthi consent be not given its laws
are of no avail. We see at the present moment
Great Britain on the brink of war with Russia, one
of the most powerful nations of the world, solely
on account of the dispute on the subject of treaty
obligations, and can we think, she having de-
manded the ful6llment of our side of the bargain
she will allow us to set her at defiance?
Now L come TO the application of what | have
said to the item of Sc 900 asked for g Expenses of
Foreign Missions" The duties were paid under
protest, and should be returned without question.
No claimant should be required to 90 into Court
to recover the amount due him-and l suppose
should His Majesty's Government resist payment
and the British Government insist upon Minis
tiers have determined to appeal to some foreign
power for protection and require this money to
pay the expenses OF an envoy.
L have expressed myself very imperfectly on the
impulse of the moment, and shall defer what fur
Their L have to say on the subject till ] have seen
the report of the other members of the Committee.
Among the bills introduced on Thursday was one
by the Hon. W. 7. Martin, to authorize a loan of ten
millions. 1t was indefinitely postponed, at once.
Hon. w. r. Castle offered q resolution appropriating
the sum of So, 900 as a subsidy for the steamer
KiEaueG Hou. Referred to Finance Committee
Hon. w. o. Smith offered a resolution, limiting the
time for introducing new bills to ten days from this
date Dune 27). Adopted. ! Hon. W. r. Castle gave
notice of intention to introduce a bill to amend the
stamp act of 1876. The bill to regulate acknowl-
edgments to labor contracts was, on its third read
ing, indefinitely postponed, q to 20. Hon. Mr..
Kaanaana proposed to insert $4,000 in the appropri-
alton bill for the steamer that runs regularly to
Eva. Rejected. In the afternoon the Assembly
adjourned in order that members might attend the
Exhibition of the government schools at Kawaiahao
Church.
Yesterday, the Hon. Mr.. Gibson, from the Sanitary
Committee, reported on sundry matters referred to
them, recommending the reorganization of the Board
of Health. Hon. Mr.. Kanealii submitted a proposed
amendment to the Constitution-compensation of
Representatives-to give them 81 per day. Referred.
Hon. Mr.. Gibson offered O resolution appropriating
$500 for Mr.. Berger. the bandmaster, for composing
the music of the Hawaiian Anthem. Referred. The
Minister for Foreign Affairs laid before the House the
report of the Hon. Mr.. Carter, late Envoy to Europe.
was occupied with the consideration of the Appropri-
alton Bill.