The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1841-06-26

some years IanHulSll1g I'D dilloSt "othihS,
at others brisk and profitable. This year,
owing to the low prices and stagnatlon OF
business in the United States. and the COM
petition between merchants of rival nations,
this market has been flooded with goods, and
prices reduced proportionably, while the
number among whom the reduced profits are
to be divided has increased two fold. In adj
dtion to this the market of California, upon
which the merchants here have mostly de-
pended to dispose of their surplus stock Of
goods, has been by a decree of the Governor
OF this year virtually closed, and our ware
houses are filed with what in common sea-
sons could have been disposed of there to an
advantage. 1t is very evident that if this
state of things shonld continue, losses must
accrue somewhere, consequently it behoves
those who are doing well now, to examine
closely before they venture upon uncertain
grounds. Industry, economy and temper
ance are as sure paths to fortune in a trade,
as in profession
But we commenced this article rather to
examine into the present sources of bust
ness, and future prospects for these islands,
rather than to enter into disquisition upon
a subject which must be as evident to all our
readers as to ourselves. Business here de-
ponds upon the wants Of the inhabitants, and
their ability to pay depends now, principally
upon the wants Of the shipping, and upon
the articles raised for export. The nhabit-
ants of this Archipelago may be rcckoned
at 100000, of which perhaps not one third
are clothed to any considerable extent, ard
that number mostly with the cheapest Amer
ican fabrics. The consumption Of fine goods
is very limited The average number of
ships that recruit here annually may be reck-
oned at from GO to 10, spending from 500
to $500 each, say 500 900 inclusive, most
of which goes into the hands of the natives
The consumption of the products of the
country by the residents cannot vary much
from that sum, consequently we have $780,
600, and in addition to this the staple pro-
ducts of the country. to pay for the importa-
tons. Up to Aug. II, 1910 the imports
amounted to S2I8, 200 while the exports to
the same date including supplies to shipping
amounted only to $4,000, leaving large
balance either to be shipped away, or to
wait until the natives have acquired the
means of purchasing.
These facts are sufficient to shew that I'M
til an export is found for the country, bust
ness Wi! never increase to any great or per-
manent extent, as the natives will not have
the means OF consumption. Consequently
those who have the real interests of the is
lands at heart, cannot do better .han to az
ford every encouragement to agricultural en-
terprlse. Instead of clogging them with
heavy land-rents, short leases, and impeding
their advancement by injudcious legislative
enactmcnts, bountics had better be offered.
and even land given upon the condition of
cultlvating it. Not only the people but the
government derive an income from every
dollar of fore On capital invested here As
the demand for labor increases, wages rise,
and their civilization keeps pace with their
purse. The prospects for an increased en-
port, and an awakening to the industry of
the country, were never better than at the