Gentlemen:—Your remarks are also very gratifying to me. The geographical position of my islands is indeed such as to point out plainly enough our policy—to make our ports what Providence destined them to be; places of safety, refuge and refreshment for the ships and merchants of all countries. Nothing more bespeaks the prosperity of a people than the extent of its intercourse with foreign countries. My utmost exertions shall be given to foster that intercourse between the countries, whose commercial interests here are placed in your hands, and my islands. This I shall do the more heartily from a pleasant remembrance of the harmony of our relations heretofore.
To the officers of men-of-war:
Gentlemen:—The feelings expressed by you on this occasion afford me sincere pleasure. The ports of my islands will always be open to receive the vessels and ships of war of the three nations which you represent—the three greatest maritime powers of the earth—the three greatest supporters of the independence of my kingdom.
January 16th, 1855.
Address made by His Majesty to His Ministers and High Officers of State on receiving their Portfolios.
Gentlemen:—On calling you to the high posts you respectively fill, I propose to make a few remarks, with the request that you will bear them constantly in mind. First, let me impress upon you the importance of unity of purpose and action, for I consider it impossible for the business of government to be effectively carried out, unless there exist a great unanimity of feeling among its officers. I have chosen you, because, I thought that being actuated by one common policy, your deliberations would be free from suspicious reserve, and your actions all tend to one end. In a Cabinet divided into factions, differing on fundamental points of policy, I could place no confidence; and should I find mine thus divided, I should feel it my duty to reorganize it. I am determined that my Government, if any power vested in me can attain that object, shall be respected for its honesty and efficiency. Unsupported by these two pillars, no kingdom is safe. I desire every part of the machinery of government to move in unison; to subserve the great purposes for which it was intended; and to be conducted with the strictest economy. Though young, with the help of God, I shall endeavor to be firm and faithful in the execution of the high trust devolved upon me, and never let my feelings, as a man, overcome my duties as a King. From all my counsellors I desire frank and faithful advice, and those who advise me honestly, have nothing to fear; while those who may abuse my confidence and advise me more from personal interests than regard for the public good, have nothing to hope.
One word in regard to the nominations for office which according to law it becomes your duty to make, and I have done. Let your subordinates be recommended by at least these qualifications—honesty, temperance, industry and adaptation to the places they are to fill; and let them be men in whom you see good grounds for placing confidence.
May success crown your efforts and after years approve my judgment in calling you to office.
April 7, 1855.