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.

_His Majesty's Speech in English and Hawaiian at the Opening of the
Legislature, April 7, 1855._

NOBLES AND REPRESENTATIVES:--It has pleased the Almighty to
gather to his forefathers my beloved Predecessor. This
bereavement has been to me the source of the deepest sorrow;
but my grief has been assuaged by the sympathy of this whole
nation, in whom I see innumerable and ever-gathering proofs of
the love and gratitude they bore their departed Chief.

You meet this day in conformity with the Constitution he gave
you. Had his suggestions, on the many occasions he addressed
you from the place I now occupy, been matured by your
deliberations, and carried into effect, there would, perhaps,
be little for me to recommend, or for you to perform. The
measures he initiated reflect lustre upon his name, and if by
any endeavor of mine those measures shall be perfected, I
shall consider it indeed an honor.

In the exercise of my prerogative, I have availed myself of an
Act passed during your last session, and since approved by me,
by virtue of which I have separated the offices of Kuhina Nui
and Minister of the Interior. To the former post I have called
her Royal Highness, Princess Victoria Kamamalu. The Ministry
of the Interior remains in the same hands as heretofore, as do
the other portfolios of my Government; for, young and newly
come to this responsible position, I have gladly availed
myself of the wisdom and experience of the counsellors of our
deceased King.

I have instructed the high officers of my government to lay
before you reports of their several departments.

For a history of the Judiciary Department during the last
year, and for certain changes proposed in our laws, I would
refer you to the report of