I regard a regency by the Queen, in cases of temporary vacancy of the Throne, or during a minority of the Heir Apparent, as the best means to secure a wise and safe exercise of regal authority, with proper regard to the rights of all persons. It would be a safe depository of power, for no one can feel a more sincere interest for the honor and prosperity of the Kingdom than the Queen Consort, and the mother of the Heir Apparent. Amendments which will secure these objects, you will regard as the part of wisdom to adopt. There are some minor amendments which will be submitted, to which I do not regard it as essential more particularly to advert. Of their wisdom and propriety I am fully impressed. Relying upon your wisdom and your devotion to the integrity and prosperity of my Kingdom, I have the most entire confidence that the amendments proposed will receive your most careful consideration. AUGUST 28, 1860. _His Majesty's Speech at the Prorogation of the Legislature of 1860._ NOBLES AND REPRESENTATIVES:--In meeting you to-day at the close of your session, I have first to ask you to join with me in returning thanks to the Ruler of all nations for His beneficent providence in restoring to health one of your number from that dangerous illness with which he has been afflicted, whose loss would have been a grievous calamity to the welfare of my Kingdom.[B] I beg to congratulate you on the termination of your labors, and trust that the new enactments passed by your joint wisdom may prove to be for the advantage and welfare of my people. I have to thank you, Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, for the provisions you have made for the expenses of the State during the current biennial period. While I regret with you, Nobles and Representatives, that, owing to the near approach to the termination of this session, you have been unable to take final action on the Amendments to the Constitution submitted to you with my late Message, I fully concur in the wisdom of your course--as made known to me by your Joint Committee--in deferring that important subject for that more mature consideration it requires. Nobles and Representatives, in conformity with the Constitution, I now and hereby do declare this session of the Legislature to be prorogued. [Footnote B: The King here refers to H. R. H. Prince Kamehameha, who had been dangerously ill.] NOVEMBER 28, 1860. _Replies of His Majesty to the Addresses of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the Joint Declaration by Great Britain and France of the 28th of November, 1843, Recognizing this Kingdom as an Independent State._