MAY 20, 1859. _Replies by His Majesty to the Felicitations of the Commissioners of France and of the United States, and to the Captain of the Honolulu Rifle Corps, on behalf of its Members, on the first Anniversary of the Birth of H. R. H. the Prince of Hawaii._ GENTLEMEN:--I receive with unfeigned satisfaction the congratulations which you offer on this the first anniversary of the birth of the Heir to the Throne. As the Representatives of nations so pre-eminently called upon, by virtue of their physical and intellectual resources, to watch and foster the progress of the human race at large, I rejoice in those aspirations with which you have connected the future career of my infant son. To you, gentlemen, and to the Governments of which you are the honored organs, the best thanks of the Father and Mother of the Prince of Hawaii are cordially tendered. GENTLEMEN OF THE HONOLULU RIFLES:--For the loyal and generous expressions your Captain has offered in your behalf I thank you in the name of the Prince of Hawaii, who doubtless will one day hear in what manner your good wishes were made known on this occasion. For in families it is not uncommon for certain incidents and expressions to become traditional, and I know that neither I nor the Queen can ever cease to cherish the remembrance of the many tokens of good will and sympathy this day manifested, or fail to tell our Son in time to come how the anniversary of his first birth-day was welcomed by the "Honolulu Rifles." OCTOBER 3D, 1859. _Speech of His Majesty at the Extraordinary Session of the House of Nobles held at the Palace October 3d, 1859._ GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF NOBLES:--I have thought proper to convene you in special session in order to consult on a matter, which in my judgment relates to the highest welfare of the nation. In contemplation of a vacancy in the chief executive office, at all times liable to occur, it is important that the succession to the crown should be definitely established in a constitutional manner. To this subject I invite your attention, in the full confidence that the recommendation I am about to make will receive at your hands a hearty concurrence. The Constitution points out the mode of procedure to be adopted, and I avail myself of the authority thus vested in me to designate my infant son, the Prince of Hawaii, as my heir and successor to the Throne. Your assent and co-operation in the measure are required, but I do not doubt your ready and loyal support, not only on grounds relating to the stability of the existing dynasty, but from motives intimately connected with the public good. PROCLAMATION.