The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1884-11-19

When any public man desires immunity from
criticism it IS an unfailing sign that his record
cannot bear the light. The honest official, of
whatever rank, is willing to be weighed in the
balance of public discussion. and this is simply
because he has nothing TO conceal from his mas
tiers. Ii Is SO obvious truth that the public have
n right to discuss their employees, that it seems
as If some explanation was necessary for the ut
terance Of it; the explanation is, that there are
those here who have seriously argued before the
public that His Majesty the King should be eK-
ompt from criticism. An effort was also made in
the last legislature TO pass law designed to pre-
vent such criticism. by deprIying any charg ed
with lib0ling the King from the usual defense of
proving the truth Of the statements complained Of
The introduction 10 this bill was preceded by an
article of n somewhat intlammatory character, in
that exhuberant publication known as the Daflg
Eiels, evidently intended to educate the minds OF
the lawmakers 10 the proposed new departure.
Regarding these attempts to place him beyond
comment who was already beyond liability to the
courts, well might His Majesty have humbly
prayed TO be delivered from his friends p. This
shameful bill fortunately never became law, but
was promptly killed by the Legislature. If this
attempt was made under the instructions and BY
the desire of King Kaakaua, 1t is very much to his
discredit as an officer of the Governments and the
high position Of his official rank only adds to the
blame inseparable from such conduct. Without
shadow of hereditary cllim to the throne, Kala
kaua was elected to the Kings Office much as a
President is elected in a repubic. He holds his
his own duplicated oath 10 maintain the Constitu-
ton, and to govern in conformity herewith. Now
for him, for any one in his behalf, TO seek TO
deprive citizens OF their right te syi his oficaI
conduct and to publicly hold him to the perform
ance of his official oaths, is to admit that the
hoy9l olills are not like those of other men, but
are worthless. The King is the servant of the
people and from them he received his official po-
sition, and from them he receives his official sal
ary, which may be increased, diminished or with
held at their pleasure. Under these circumstances
il is only laughable 10 argue that the King owes
nothing TO the people, or that he is not account
able for his official conduct. The public have the
right TO demand that he shall administer the Gov
ernment according to law and with n moderate
amount Of ability, and they have the right to en-.
force this demand. 1t therefore naturally follows
that every citizen, and every one whose services
and property are liable to the support OF the Gov
ernment. may investigate and publicly discuss
the official conduct OF every engaged in the
administration Of pnblc affairs, from the King
down TO the country policeman. The Government
is for public utility; If it to be useful, it
may and should be superseded by system better
fitted for the work OF governing. Not only have
the people a right TO good government, but they
have the right TO decide what is good government,
and the exercise Of these rights IS not to be him
dered by any ridiculous claims Of official infalli
hilItv Nv