The Hawaiian gazette., 1891-02-24
A Citizen Speaks.


Nh. EDITOR; The air IS filled with
rumors OF disagreement between the
Queen and the Cabinet. 1t is probable
that all or nearly all such rumors are
made without exact knowledge OF the
facts. Nevertheless statements that
there are conflicting views held by the
new Sovereign and the Ministry have
the effect OF disquieting business men,
and OF producing a certain amount OF
l1neasiness which results in conservative
action on the part OF those who through
their investments have been instru-
mental in keeping money in circulation.
When considering matters OF this char
scter most persons confine their atten-
non TO what are supposed TO be the de-
tails OF disagreement and strive 10 show
that the Queen is right and the Ministry
wrong, or the Ministry right and the
Queen wrong, that the whole matter is
one OF etiquette, of sentiment, or OF pre-
cedenJ, or that ii is matter OF constltu-
ton and law. One OF the late Ministry
mas published a very clear statement OF
the claims OF both sides, and his conclu-
sions are likely 10 be accepted by most
people as accurate and in conformity
with law and justice.
II seems TO the writer that the under
lying principle OF the whole business is
not touched upon in any OF the articles
vet published.
During the reign OF kalakars, and
more especially after the accession-so TO
speak-oi Gibson, deliberate and care
l.. -Ts,r, Ia
1lpOn the rights OF the people with the
purpose OF concentrating IN the hands OF
the Sovereign the power 10 manipulate
and direct the policy and the funds OF
the country in such manner as TO sur
round the throne with halo OF such
glory as is composed OF numerous and
gorgeous uniforms, OF high-soundlng
titles, OF wonderful decorations, OF mill
tary and naval displays in emulation OF
the populous and wealthy monarchies OF
the old world, and 10 encourage and fos-
ter q feeling OF servility towards and
concession to royalty based upon the
theory OF divine right, are acknowledge
ment that q king is better than other
men because he is a king.
In the eyes OF such natives as had not
fully emerged from the thraldom OF the
old barbaric rule, all this seemed the
natural order OF things, and they were
perfectlvsswilling to let Gibson cInch the
resident foreigners TO keep the royal
halo freshly gilded. Among the
foreigners in business IN Honolulu many
were delighted with the reckless eXtravsa-
Eanca Of the Government which enabled
them IN their several lines 10 get q share
Of the moneys stolen from the taxpayers.
In the erection OF this grand structure
the strength Of the foundation was mis-
calculated. Z population OF $4,000 could
not loot the bills iOr regal establish
ment suited 10 q population OF l0, GOO, 600.
When the funds OF the country were
wasted and It's credit pledged, inquiry
began 70 be made where Will this
end ." The INSCRIPTIONS use Tor royal
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF money needed Tor
useful public works began 10 tell upon
the minds OF thinking men, and the eli
max reached in the opium license cpl
sode was the last straw.
On the 30th OF June, 1857, the best
minds OF the land gathered and enuncl-
ated its belief that the time had come TO
declare q principle OF government Tor
these Islands, the whole subject was
thoroughly discussed, new era was IN
augurated, q constitution was formulated
which was intended 10 express the feel
INC that the Government Of this land
should thenceforth be by the people
through g Legislature chosen by them,
and that the Cabinet Ministers TO whom
was entrusted the administration Of the
public business should be held respon-
sible TO the people through their Legis-
lature.
That there exists in this land great
amount Of toadyism Is perhaps q neces-
sarv result Of the atmosphere which has
surrounded the throne, but that the peo-
pie Will consent 10 q reversal Of the prln-
eiple OF government and admit that the
Sovereign may dictate her policy to the
nation, is very doubtful. lnsidious I'M
derminings OF Ministerial responsibility
must be carefully watched and pre-
vented.
The underlying principle to which al
fusion has been made, and which should
be the basis Of all discussion OF the
rumors in circulation, may be stated IN
lew words: Are We prepared TO permit
the Sovereign 10 rule as well as to reign?
Or shall We hold our Ministry response
bic for their positions and their work?
Feb. %, 1871. A CITIZEN.