The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1880-05-08

GlAEA4AANC ASSEMBLY, IL I'LL va ~
law, but the Chief Justice was not. 1t is now
a question between the Chief Justice and this
Assembly, and If we are TO preserve our rights we
must insist on all being brought forward. 1t APP
pears TO me it has been the work of the life of
the Chief Justice to destroy this people, and If |
am wrong let me suffer for what l have said-and
let him 90 clear but if he is wrong let him be
exposed as any one else would be. We have
seen that Kalakaua wishes 10 do his best for his
people, but he has been led astray. His motives
were all good.
The Attorney General remarked that Mr..
Rhodes was out of order.
Mr.. Rhodes said the King had been called a
MIRO and perhaps some of you gentlemen do not
know what a Nero means.
The President said the speaker was going out
side of his resolution.
Mr.. Rhodes said be was not introducing him
(tbe King) into the business of the Assembly,
but be was defending him from attack. L think L
have now shown sufficient reason requesting an
appointment OF a committee of the whole to in
quire into these matters, and then l shall proba-
bly, have more evidence TO bring forward. The
fate of the Hawaiian people was sealed if these
i%ntrigues 90 on.
The Minister of the Interior rose and said he
would be glad if the Hon. Noble could save the
nation from disaster, and if the resolution was
adopted he was prepared with abundant docu-
mentary evidence to disprove what had been said.
A discussion Of an animated nature followed as
to the confirmation of the gentlemen who repre-
scented Wailuku, tine member for Lahaina sup
porting, and the member of Hiio dissenting from
the confirmation until the gentlemen had obtain
ed the necessary signatures 20 their certificates.
Mr.. Rhodes then brought forward a resolution
that the President of this Assembly write to the
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court asking for a
written reply to the following questions:
LIST. When in London in the year 1877, during
the embassy of Hon. H.. A. p. Carter to the Queen
of Great Britain, did you advise that envoy to put
nm apH 2 tho naUOtIatIOnS vvifh the RrifISh Gov
ernment for the introduction of East Indians into
this Kingdom?
I'd. If you did, what reasons induced you to
give him that advice?
Sd. How far had the negotiations advanced
when Mr.. Carter broke them off?
4th. About what date did Mr.. Carter break off
those negotiations.
Mr.. Rhodes said he had given notice this morn
ing of a measure to which the House had assent
ed, and the resolution he now submitted formed
an important part of the former. Members of the
house are expected to answer every question that
is put 70 them, and it is only right that the Chief
Justice should if possible vindicate himself of the
charges preferred. There is only one person
above the law, and that is the King. 1t was not
out of any personal feeling that he (Mr. RhodesJ
submitted these questions, but he felt sure that If
matters were carried on as before, the results will
certainly be fraught with disaster 20 this country.
Therefore he bad brought forward this resolution,
because he considered the Chief Justice the leader
of the irregularities that existed, and asked that
it to be considered on Monday next.
His Elk. the Attorney General said it was his duty
to protest against this mode of taking evidence.
The first resolution this morning was to enquire
into these charges, and now the Chief Justice
was called upon to answer these charges in per-
son and Impeached before the House. By the laws
of this Country a person cannot give evidence
against himself. The Chief Justice has nothing
to fear from these accusations. He can demand
that all questions be put to him and can answer
only what he likes.
Mr.. Rhodes said he was sorry that the Attor-
ney General should make such remarks, as he
was wrong both In his fact and his law. He
MIR Rbodes) never made use of the word i'm
peach and with regard to persons giving evidence
against themselves this applied only to criminals,
and whether the Chief Justice answers or not 1
can prove what / have stated-and now where is
the Attorney Generals law? This is not a cri-
minal Court but an Assembly which holds the
inquest of the nation. He merely wanted the
Chief Justice TO answer questions, and not to put
him on a criminal trial. Whatever decision was
arrived at this assembly cannot adiudcate in a
criminal manner in regard to the Chief Justice.
Every body knows that Mr.. Carter is now very
conveniently out of the way. 1t is immaterial
what time the questions be put so long as they
are put.
IL. E. The Minister of Interior pointed out
that Mr.. Carter had never officially entered into
negotiations with Great Britain, therefore the
Chief Justice could not advise him to withdraw.
He was willing that the whole thing should
be brought up on Monday next.
Mr.. Rhodes.-If Mr.. Carter did not enter in
to negotiations, he tried to make a convention.
II. Z. Mr.. Wilder.-Allow me to say it is a
mistake.
Mr.. Rhodes.-I will admit if I am wrong, but
/ have strong evidence.
The Minister of Finance proposed that the
time for asking the questions be indefinitely post
poned. Carried.
The House adjourned at 2:30 P. N. till 10
O'Clock tomorrow.