Kamehameha IV
king · Hawaii · 1834–1863
Fourth king of the Hawaiian Kingdom, born Alexander Liholiho. He came to the throne at twenty and died at twenty-nine. Troubled by the decline of his people, he founded a hospital together with Queen Emma.
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January 11, 1855 · Impromptu remarks made in English to the foreigners present, after his address on the day he took the oath as king. The book says they were taken down at the time by a practised stenographer.
I therefore say to the foreigner that he is welcome. He is welcome to our shores--welcome so long as he comes with the laudable motive of promoting his own interests and at the same time respecting those of his neighbor. But if he comes here with no more exalted motive than that of building up his own interests at the expense of the native--to seek our confidence only to betray it--with no higher ambition than that of overthrowing our Government, and introducing anarchy, confusion and bloodshed--then is he most unwelcome!
Speeches of His Majesty Kamehameha IV (1861) · remarks to foreign residents on the day he took the oath to the Constitution
April 7, 1855 · The English text of the speech he gave in English and Hawaiian when he first opened the Legislature as king. He is speaking of the falling population; a proposal to found public hospitals follows at once.
Our acts are in vain unless we can stay the wasting hand that is destroying our people. I feel a heavy, and special responsibility resting upon me in this matter; but it is one in which you all must share; nor shall we be acquitted by man, or our Maker, of a neglect of duty, if we fail to act speedily and effectually in the cause of those who are every day dying before our eyes.
Speeches of His Majesty Kamehameha IV (1861) · speech at the opening of the Legislature
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