been faithfully observed by Hawaii; they described in some detail the extent of the American trade; and announced their readiness to enter into treaty negotiations, for which they possessed full powers.
Mr. Webster promptly replied to their note, making just acknowledgment for the protection extended to the trade of the United States and the hospitality to its citizens; and proceeded to state the views of the President, in terms highly gratifying to the commission. This was followed the same month by a special message of the President to Congress, carefully drafted by Secretary Webster.
Its importance to the islands and the future interests of the United States justifies the following extract:—
"Just emerging from a state of barbarism, the government of the Sandwich Islands is as yet feeble; but its dispositions appear to be just and pacific, and it seems anxious to improve the condition of its people, by the introduction of knowledge, of religious and moral institutions, means of education, and the arts of civilized life.
"It cannot but be in conformity with the interest and wishes of the government and the people of the United States, that this community, thus existing in the midst of a vast expanse of ocean, should be respected, and all its rights strictly and conscientiously regarded. And this must also be the true interest of all other commercial states. Far remote from the dominions of European powers, its growth and prosperity as an independent state may yet be in a high degree useful to all whose trade is extended to those regions; while its
