I. was born for the age
in which he lived, the age of war and of conquest. Nobly did
he fulfill the destiny for which he was created, that of
reducing the islands from a state of anarchy and constant
warfare to one of peace and unity under the rule of one king.
With the accession of Kamehameha II. to the throne the tabus
were broken, the wild orgies of heathenism abolished, the
idols thrown drown, and in their place was set up the worship
of the only living and true God. His was the era of the
introduction of Christianity and all its peaceful influences.
He was born to commence the great moral revolution which began
with his reign, and he performed his cycle. The age of
Kamehameha III. was that of progress and of liberty--of
schools and of civilization. He gave us a Constitution and
fixed laws; he secured the people in the title to their lands,
and removed the last chain of oppression. He gave them a voice
in his councils and in the making of the laws by which they
are governed. He was a great national benefactor, and has left
the impress of his mild and amiable disposition on the age for
which he was born.

To-day we begin a new era. Let it be one of increased
civilization--one of decided progress, industry, temperance,
morality, and all those virtues which mark a nation's advance.
This is beyond doubt a critical period in the history of our
country, but I see no reason to despair. We have seen the tomb
close over our Sovereign, but it does not bury our hopes. If
we are united as _one individual_ in seeking the peace, the
prosperity and independence of our country, we shall not be
overthrown. The importance of this unity is what I most wish
to impress upon your minds. Let us be one and we shall not
fall!

On _my_ part I shall endeavor to give you a mild, and liberal
government, but at the same time one sufficiently vigorous to
maintain the laws, secure you in all your rights of persons
and property, and not too feeble to withstand the assaults of
faction. On _your_ part I shall expect you to contribute your
best endeavors to aid me in maintaining the Constitution,
supporting the laws, and upholding our Independence.

It further pleased His Majesty, in accordance with a suggestion made to
him, to make the following _impromptu_ remark