Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1850-03-16

right, seems to be the policy Of those vested
with authority But, though | cannot say
they would do any thing directly detrimental
to those other parts, yet there are many evil
dences tha; narrow, selfish policy has we'll
nigh done its work. ss>es
Dismissing the subject Of policy, would
venture the recommendation Of a measure of
interest 10 all parts of the islands. Before
any extended improvements can be made in
the way Of agricultural pursuits there must
be public roads surveyed and provisions
made for their construction. How, other
wise Is one who takes up an inland farm to
reach the seaboard with his produce? The
measure would certainly enhance the value
of such lands. Besides, a purchaser would
be able to make his purchase with reference
to these public lands more conveniently, and.
much subsequent evil be prevented, when,
in few years the necessity of'such roads
shall be found. Now they may be surveyed,
and their course and breadth determined
without discommoding or disconcerting any
one. But if no attention is paid 20 their con-
struction, and the lands are sold, without any
reserve for this purpose, the settler must ne
cessarily make purchases regardless Of what
the public exigencies may eventually de-
mand And as the lands are destined to in
crease ia value, when the public may de-
mand roads it will have to re-purchase them
at the increased valuation, for certainly it
could not be expected to obtain them after
being improved, at the purchase price. And
then though the government may be willing
to re-purchase them at a fair valuation, sand
assessors be appointed for that purpose, It
may not be the value attached by their Pur-
chaser and If he is forced to give up his
lands forless than his own valuatiou'it will
embitter feelings.
The old maxim is that s'it is easier to
prevent than to remedy il is on this ground
I that would strongly recommend the speedy
adoption Of the measures requisite to the
survey Of all roads that an enterprising, ,sthri-
wing, and numerous population may need
On some parts Of the islands an extended
road system IS not required; but certainly
where there is an extent Of from fifteen to
twenty miles of arabic soil, inland roads
must and will be required Will it be said
that private as well as public interest will de-
, mand it In some instances this will be the
case, but not all, so that it seems evident that
it were better to consider the effect of enact
ing or neglect to enact measures avoiding
I even the least disagreeable consequence.
! do not mean to be understood that a mar
row and selfish policy has been Intentionally
pursued. But would ask with all due def
erence of those entrusted with the care Of
public interests, if the system Of internal inn
1 provements is as broad and liberal as the
future well being OF our people may require;
for il is to the future we should have an eye.
1 identify myself with Hawaiians for il is
my present purpose to find here my :" "clods
of the valley.
have, from my earliest residence at the
Islands, felt lively interest in all that con-
Germs their abhants:-therefore, with a
feeling of anxious solicitude, regret any
measure that makes one place the focus of
all interest and influence. The metropolis
must necessarily have the greater influence,
but not all; as in the system of animal life,
so in the body polite, if the blood 6Ow not
from the heart into all the extremities of this
system, healthy action ceases. So If public
measures are not upon the same principle,
diverging in their influence, healthy action
The surveying and laying out of roads, as
well as all other public improvements, comes
within the province of government, and
feel persuaded that when the subject has
Ibeen given moments thought that they
will receive prompt attention..
Yours Sc,
friend of internal Improvements,
J. +. w!
u HIuo Hawaii Feb 1856 ssses.-