. . . .
. . . . The breeze is freshening, and the Costa Rica's head lies
nearly due north. The sun is sinking, and on the far horizon the
summit peaks of Oahu gleam like amethysts on a golden sea. Farewell
for ever, my bright tropic dream! Aloha nui to Hawaii-nei!
I.L.B.
A CHAPTER ON HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS.
A few facts concerning the Hawaiian islands may serve to supplement
the deficiencies of the foregoing letters. The group is an
hereditary and constitutional monarchy. There is a house of nobles
appointed by the Crown, which consists of twenty members. The House
of Representatives consists of not less than twenty-four, or more
than forty members elected biennially. The Legislature fixes the
number, and apportions the same. The Houses sit together, and
constitute the Legislative Assembly. The property qualification for
a representative is, real estate worth $500, or an annual income of
$250 from property, and that for an elector is an annual income of
$75. The Legislators are paid, and the expense of a session is
about $15,000. There are three cabinet ministers appointed by the
Crown, of the Interior, Finance, and Foreign Affairs respectively,
and an Attorney-General, who may be regarded as a minister of
justice.
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