At the request of the President, Mr. R. Armstrong read the Royal Message in Hawaiian, after which the Chancellor read the same in English. The following is the English version:
Nobles and Representatives:—I called the attention of the last Legislature to the amendments of the Constitution. Experience of the practical operation of that instrument has impressed me with their importance, and in this view that body coincided. But from some omission the publication was not made in conformity to the provision of the Constitution, and hence you have very properly expressed your constitutional inability to pass finally upon the amendments as adopted by them.
Therefore, it has become my duty to call your attention to some of those amendments, as well as others, which a more mature reflection has suggested.
I regard favorably the eligibility of the Ministers to the House of Representatives. The experience of monarchical governments has illustrated the importance of their services to the popular branch. It is a power of selection which may be wisely entrusted to the people to exercise. A property qualification of a limited amount will tend to make the selection from the more substantial men of the Kingdom, and the payment by a salary for their services, I regard as more just than a per diem allowance as now provided. A limited number of appointments to the House of Nobles for a term of years may afford that body valuable aid.
When the Constitution was adopted, its provisions in reference to a successor to the throne, were made with especial reference to my Predecessor, who had no lineal heirs. Additional provisions now seem to be necessary as a protection to the Heir Apparent to the Throne, and so secure beyond reasonable contingencies the stable administration of the sovereignty.
I regard a regency by the Queen, in cases of temporary vacancy of the Throne, or during a minority of the Heir Apparent, as the best means to secure a wise and safe exercise of regal authority, with proper regard to the rights of all persons. It would be a safe depository of power, for no one can feel a more sincere interest for the honor and prosperity of the Kingdom than the Queen Consort, and the mother of the Heir Apparent. Amendments which will secure these objects, you will regard as the part of wisdom to adopt.
There are some minor amendments which will be submitted, to which I do not regard it as essential more particularly to advert. Of their wisdom and propriety I am fully impressed.
Relying upon your wisdom and your devotion to the integrity and prosperity of my Kingdom, I have the most entire confidence that the amendments proposed will receive your most careful consideration.
August 28, 1860.