Ka Leo o ka Lahui, Volume II, Number 186, 5 May 1891 — Page 4

KA LEO O KA LAHUI.

"E Mau ke Ea o ka Aina i ka Pono."

 

KA LEO.

TUESDAY, MAY 1891.

NOTICE.

            Copies of the KA LEO OKA LAHUI can be found every morning at both the News Agencies in town.  Price 5 cents a copy.

 

PEARL HARBOR.

No Treaty, No Cession.

            The LEO has had the honor of an attack from the San Francisco Chronicle, a newspaper that formerly stood first on the Pacific Coast, but who now-a-days, is read by no decent people, fair-minded readers being loath of its wellknown tendency to distort facts and pervert the truth whenever this suits its purposes or helps to satisfy its passions.  The Chronicle is especially deemed of no account on these Islands, in consequence of the hostility it has always displayed against every thing connected with the welfare of this country.  Therefore praises from the Chronicle would be more damning to us than its trumped-up attacks, and we feel quite proud of having been taking to task for the article written in these columns about “Pearl Harbor and the Reciprocity Treaty,” for its proves that we did hit the nail on the head and attended to our duty to our country.

            In order to get the appearance of scoring a point against the LEO; the Chronicle does not get “slightly mixed”…oh dear no! not at all!...but it boldly assumes that the appropriation of $700,000 for Pearl harbor, has “failed to commend itself to Congress”…Now then, if the Chronicle died not purposely resort to its old tactic of distorting the truth such an assertion would only evidence the most disreputable and inexcusable ignorance of the affairs of its own country, at any rate, the LEO will only beg of its great and “infallible” California contemporary, to kindly refresh its memory by the perusal of the last navy estimates of expenditures, voted by Congress, which will surely be found to contain a certain sum of $700,000, “for the work of depeening the bar of Pearl Harbor”…Thus far, the LEO is right, whatever the Chronicle may choose to say; on the other point, that of the kind threat by which the San Francisco Matamore closes its tirade, it is ridiculous enough to make a dead man laugh, and it only shows how mad some California people are of the mere possibility of the Hawaiian Islands bettering their condition by some treaty outside of the U.S.  Some few Americans, and the Chronicle at their head, like to consider us as in a state of “quasi” vasselage and dependency; they cherish the opinion that this archipelago could not exist without the American patronage.  Now, none more than the party represented by the LEO acknowledge and gratefully remember all the benefits we have received here from the United States, but we consider that it ought not to be forgotten also that it is Hawaii, that furnishes the bulk of the foreign commerce of San Francisco, and any interruption of relations between the two countries would be equally deplorable for both.

            But whatever may be the sentimental feelings between Hawaii and America, at present material facts stare at us in the face, which cannot be ignored and preclude all sentimentalism.  These facts are the following:

1.       That the United States, as a political

body, by the passage of the McKinley Tariff bill, have injured beyond redemption the staple industry of these islands, and have thus incidentally broken faith with us, by rendering useless the Reciprocity Treaty which had been made for the sole purpose of protecting that said industry, and in exchange for which alone we had consented to cede the possession of Pearl Harbor.

2.       That in presence of this infraction by the

U.S., to the promises of the Treaty of 1887, the Pearl Harbor clause grows void and null, and our Foreign Office ought to notify as much to the U.S. Government.  Of course, we do not object to the United States spending $700,000—or more, if they chose,--to cut an entrance into Pearl Harbor, but it must be well understood that it will be at their risk and peril, and that no expenditure of money on their part will now be considered by us as giving them any title or right to a permanent occupation of that portion of our territory.  It must also be well understood that, even if the present treaty does not come to an end through mutual understanding before its legal termination, (as it seems most probable), yet most assuredly it will never again be renewed with the Pearl Harbor clause unless the United States have some advantages to offer us, more tangible than what we have received from them as yet; and here, let it be said that the occupation of Pearl Harbor would be of no benefit to these islands, further than the personal interest of the few wealthy land-owners around its shores, who have already discounted by fictitious valuations the possible boom to their properties.

            3.         That, since our sugar can no longer find a profitable and privileged market in the States, we must look out for some better markets elsewhere, and it is the duty of our Foreign Office to now see whether such markets cannot be obtained and open by proper negotiations with the nearest sugar consuming countries, which are Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

            The LEO intends to fully study these three points, under all their bearings, and to elucidate what ought to be the active policy of our Government at this juncture.

 

ROTTEN.

            Such was the almost universal comment on the administration when, on the 1 ^st of May, it was known that the Cabinet had again deceived the public, and that ministers had once more violated their words and pledges, in the matter of the removal of obnoxious officials.  Again has the national party been insulted by a nondescript cabinet, and again have we been made aware that popular government cannot be obtained by our present system, where four men persist in setting themselves up as an independent party in defiance of public opinion and of the political dictates of a popular vote.  In this respect the present cabinet have proved no better than their predecessors, and as the former Premier was cunningly manipulated by an unprincipled colleague, so the present Premier has allowed himself to be be-fooled by a cranky colleague who has already proved himself unfit for his high position, and seems to think more of “faterland” and countrymen than he does of his adopted country and the native among whom he has intermarried.  We have been disposed to support the Premier and his cabinet, for we believed that they would right the wrongs committed by two previous administrations, and that they would conduct public affairs in the interest of Hawaii and Hawaiians and on the lines of the national policy clearly outlined by the people at the last elections.  But we have been awfully disappointed, and the LEO is sorry to have to announce, to its large circle of readers throughout the islands, that the Queens’ cabinet is faithless to her people; and, as we cannot pin any faith upon them, we must again make a struggle at the next election in February to secure at last an administration that will have character enough to recognize their duty and to stand by the people.  We must have a national policy and a national party that is controlled by no ring, class, clique or family compact, but will be based upon the political rights and wishes of the people, and we hope that all right thinking men will pull together for that object.  Unity is strength and the LEO will be found ready for its share of the battle.

 

A VALUABLE INSECT.

            Among the obstructions retarding the development of certain valuable plants that grow on these islands.  which other-wise would bring in an immense revenue, are the parasites or bugs that attack and almost destroy the productiveness of these plants.

            The most prominent of these, are the coffee and orange, important industries that have suffered severely in consequence of the blight or attacks of these minute pests.  It seems to us that the government, through those who have ably managed the government nursery, should take steps for gathering information and means for the eradication of the blights that attack our most valuable trees and plants.

            For years the orange growers of California were pestered with the cottony cushion scale, which promised to devastate the entire orange industry of that state.  But the enterprise of the people, did not wait for the government to help them, as is the case in this country. They bestirred themselves and found an antidote in the lady-bird, the Vedalia Cadinalis.  So great was the increase and so effective the work done by the Vedalia, that in one year—1888 to 1889,--the extermination of the cotton cushion bug was practically accomplished.

            With the enterprise of other people as an example for us to imitate, it is surprising that no thought has been given to these two industries, other than a bold attempt to obtain government money to start a coffee plantation for private parties.  We hope that honest efforts will be made by the government to find a cure, if possible, to the blight on orange and coffee, and that proper information may be gathered and submitted to the next Legislature for its consideration and assistance.

 

A ROMANCE.

(CONTINUED.)

            When the steamer arrived at the capital of Bowowee, Nyama and wife were allowed to land through the influence of their friend, while the voyagers were compelled to go into quarantine on a sandbar in the bay.

            They went to a cheap hotel and spent the first days of their stay in that pleasant city, strolling through the long avenues of palms and admiring the never failing variety of tropical foliage and the beautiful residences on either side.  In the evening they sat in the park and listened to the music of a fine military band.

            Moromoto called on them frequently and assisted them in many ways.  He had already told them that there were very discouraging reports of the work the immigrants were to be engaged.  After further inquiry, he informed them that he was convinced that it was of the question to go as laborer to one of the plantations.

            The work and the living were such that only the strongest could not endure it.  Therefore he was making every endeavor to secure for Nyama a position suitable to his rank and education:  The fact that Nyama had a fair knowledge of English would greatly increase his chances of obtaining work.  He had spoken to the chief supervisor of immigration, a Japanese, whose business it was to look after the interests of his countrymen in Bowowee.  This official swelling with his own importance had received the young officer very graciously.  His face fell when Moromoto asked if he could give employment to a young man, a friend, a gentleman of good family and education.  But after some consideration he said he thought he might find a place, a position as vice-supervisor, at a salary of $130 a month.  He asked a great many questions and appearing satisfied with the answers, said he thought it could be fixed.  Then in a lower tone he said:

            “Is your man a christian?  A great deal depends on that.  The people here are very religious.  Did you notice those fine churches?  These christians are very wealthy; they akll own the plantations where our countrymen are working.  If a man gives satisfaction to them his fortune is made.  They have a great fondness for converting heathen to christianity.  Now, if your friend is not a christian he had better get converted as speedily as possible.”  “That is,” said the dignitary.  “I thought I would give you a hint.”

            “But you represent our government,” said Moromoto, “surely you don’t have to ask the approval of these foreigners in appointing your subordinates.  Does a man have to worship their Gods in order to live in their country?”

            “Oh, no, not at all,” replied the supervisor, “but we constantly strive to secure harmony between the two governments, and to prevent discord and trouble.  Now bring your friend and his wife to the church at the corner of N. and South Streets this evening and I will introduce you to some of the best people in the country.  There is a meeting for Japanese there, and there will be some interesting ceremonies.”

(To Be Continued).

 

ON DIT.

            That Frank Pahia is to be Sheriff of Hawaii.

            That the profits of opium is demoralizing the labor market on the islands.

            That one of the pursers of the Inter-Island Steam roasters was arrested for peddling without a license.

            That Purser Grey retires from the opium business with a competency; and that he proposes to buy a wife and farm and grow the poppy—on the farm to be sure!

             That Madame Pele has banked her fires under instructions from the Sheriff of Hawaii, until the Queen arrives at Hilo, when she will be at liberty to show her good will towards their royal guest, by a grand display of nature’s fireworks.  The Sheriffs’ pay is too small for even an ordinary pyrotechnic display.

            That Judge Bickerton will hold forth in Tacoma, Washington, whilst his pay will go on in Hawaii, all the same.

            That Evans’ case is postponed until after the departure of the Australia.

            That James Hardbottle is going to supercede Wannamaker on the 15 ^th inst.  Very proper, very proper.

            That the new Port Surveyor of Kahului has a bottle shaped telescope through which he peers into the arid sandhills around the Port of Kahului for opium, in doing which the poor man has been blinded.  Heavy strain on the eyes this telescoping after opium.

            That there was a thrill when the name Terrill, was seen on the bill, of those who leave by the Horseterriller.

            That the Sugar Planter Baby Preacher together with the Major, R.A., are booked to go home to hold Hingland by the Australia.  We sympathize with the young of darkest Hingland.

            That our good Queen wishes to see the great Camellia reflect the lady of the footlights; but as the Premier has seen the great Sarah before he urges business before pleasure, and points at the LEO.

            That Sheriff Hitchcock—notwithstanding his aversion—is in a state of feverish excitement on account of the part which he has to fire off at the Marshal, Premier and the Queen.

            That the old war hulks will again be put in commission, with the ram Kaimiloa as the flagship.  Orders will be issued from the Navy Department direct in case of action with the opium fleet.  The Cabinet is undecided whether to send the Admiral, the Commodore, or the Cook, or the three together, in command.

            That to overcome an impediment in speechmaking on the part of those going with the Queen, manufactured speeches will be given by the quantity through the phonograph, closing with a hymn by Prof. Berger.

            That opium peddling is tolerated on the high seas under the flag that got intolerable about slavery some years ago.

            That the Finance Minister mistakes his own notions of obstinacy for firmness of character, petty spite for distributive justice, inertness for steadiness of design, and stubborn blindness to facts for dignified resistance to outside pressure.

            That the Bulletin allow itself to be branded a “humbug” on the republican racket.  Shame on the whipped cur!

            That somebody is curious to know where Sam was on the 3d of May.  Sam, Samuel, you are getting to be bad, and Ma don’t know it.

            That it was announced from the sanctum sanctorum of the P.C.A. that the P.M.G. would leave the nest by the fifteenth.  Nun Polenist verloren.

            That the Premier and the Marshal, though not very loving towards one another, propose to bury the hatchet on their trip as waiters on her Majesty the Queen who goes to meet the officials on Hawaii, who have managed to subscribe $200 for her reception.

            That the net proceeds of the Koolau opium gave $3000 a piece to each of the six stockholders in the business.