In a newspaper article published in 1869, a Native Hawaiian historian reported that
Hawai'i was the only Pacific government to be represented at an Exposition in Paris.
Granted its first constitution in 1840 by King Kamehameha III, books of law,
newspapers, agricultural products, Bibles, textbooks, as well as other examples of
“civilized” accomplishments were exhibited. European visitors to the Paris Exposition
were, for the most part, ruled by monarchs and only their highborn were privy to
excellent educations. Faced with their failed preconceptions about Hawai'i, some
exclaimed: “This...island is ahead in literacy; and the enlightened countries of Europe are
behind it!” cechambers.com/hawaii-highest-literacy-rate-in-the-world/