[Inclosure in No.
57.]
The Queen’s speech at the opening of the
Legislature of 1892.
Nobles and Representatives: Since the
Legislature of this Kingdom last assembled death has taken from
us your lamented King and my beloved brother. His reign of
nearly seventeen years marked an extraordinary epoch in our
country’s history, an era of unparalleled commercial
advancement, of educational enlightenment, and political
progress. His late Majesty’s memory will be held sacred by his
friends, and his successful labors in the interests of his
people properly estimated and respected by all.
The decree of Providence and the constitution of the Kingdom
having called me to occupy the throne of Hawaii, it is my
earnest prayer that divine assistance may be vouchsafed to
enable me to discharge the duties of the exalted position to the
advantage of my people and the permanent benefit of Hawaii.
With the consent of the nobles of the Kingdom, I have appointed
Her Royal Highness the Princess Victoria Kawekiu Kaiulani
Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa as my successor.
Fully recognizing that by the constitution and laws of the
Kingdom my station is that of a constitutional monarch,
accepting the will of my people, as pronounced
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by them through their
representatives in the Legislature and my constitutional
advisors, the ministers of the Crown, I shall firmly endeavor to
preserve the autonomy and aboslute independence of this Kingdom,
and to assist in perpetuating the rights and privileges of all
who are subject to our laws and in promoting their welfare and
happiness.
I am gratified to state that my relations with foreign powers are
of the most cordial and friendly nature.
The treaty of commercial reciprocity between this Kingdom and the
United States, which has hitherto proved so beneficial to both
countries in building up and maintaining a larger commerce and
exchange of productions, has been seriously affected by tariff
legislation made by the Congress of the United States, the
effect of which on our principal industry is being severely
felt. I trust that such legislation as may tend to relieve the
consequent depression will receive your early and careful
attention.
I recommend the appointment of a special commission to ascertain
the most practical manner of developing and expanding the
several industrial and agricultural resources of the Kingdom;
and more especially with a view to enable small landholders to
add to the wealth and progress of the Kingdom by raising such
products as the soil and climate of the country foster.
The probability of a decrease in the revenues of the Kingdom
requires economy and retrenchment in the expenditures of the
public funds, but I earnestly hope that every effort will be
made to carry out all necessary internal improvements throughout
the Kingdom.
I note with pleasure that surveys are being made between the
western coast of the United States of America and these islands,
for the purpose of laying a submarine cable. I sincerely hope
that every effort to connect Hawaii by an electric cable with
the outside world will continue to receive your assistance.
I commend to your earnest attention the invitation received by my
Government from the President of the United States of America to
participate in the celebration of the four hundredth anniversary
of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus by sending
an exhibit to the World’s Columbian Exposition to be held at the
city of Chicago in 1893.
My ministers will submit for your consideration the reports of
their several departments and the laws necessary for the welfare
of the Kingdom and the promotion of the objects I have referred
to.
Nobles and representatives, invoking the blessing of Divine
Providence upon your deliberations, I now declare the
Legislature of the Kingdom open.
