We Do Not Approve.

As we read the words which President Johnson spoke at his audience with Queen Emma, we nearly ridicule them. Were he instead the greatly beloved Abraham Lincoln, were it perhaps during his time, then the words would have been splendid. He was a very humble man, whereas this President is arrogant. It is unfortunate that it was him, and that he is the head of the Nation which we love. Here are his good for nothing words:—

“I offer you my esteem as you enter the Nation’s capital, for a people of 30,000,000” [He knows that Hawaii is a tiny Nation, and is boasting of America’s greatness.] “It is not because you are Royalty that I give you my regard, but because you are a woman who has looked out for the interest of your people.” [What is wrong with showing aloha in her Royal status?] “I can say that in our country, we are all royalty, we are all Kings and Queens. Therefore, when you speak to one of our people, you are speaking Monarch to Monarch.” [Queen Emma is aware of how America is; what purpose does it serve to speak those words in a welcoming address? You’d imagine that he would have words of aloha for Hawaii. America couldn’t be more against their President [? Oi ole kue ko Amerika i ko lakou Peresidena].

[Johnson’s speech as quoted in Memphis, Tennessee’s Public Ledger of August 24, 1866, is as follows:

“I am most happy to renew to your Majesty the assurances of profound regard and esteem made to you by the Acting Secretary of State, and it affords me pleasure to offer you a cordial welcome to the capital of these United States, the seat of government for over thirty millions of people. And in according you this earnest welcome, permit me to assure you that it is not because you bear the title of Queen; it is induced solely by the prestige that has preceded you, that has assured us of your virtues as a woman, and especially of your efforts in the cause of Christianity, civilization and education among the people of your country. It is more on that account than of the rank or appellation that you bear. If I were disposed to be facetious on this occasion, I might say that while none of the people of these United States wear crowns, while no man is acknowledged as a king and no woman as a queen, yet while you are here in these United States, you will have none but queens to associate with.”]

(Kuokoa, 10/27/1866, p. 3)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke V, Helu 43, Aoao 3. Okatoba 27, 1866.