The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1858-01-07

without our having to notice any undue interference
on the part Of government officers. At the election
in this city, there was less than usual tampering with
voters, and the day consequently passed off more
quietly. The only act that we noticed worthy of
apprehension was that of the Minister Of the Interior
ordering VIM. Ragsdale, who was CONTRASTING for the
independent ticket, to convass for the ministerial can
didates or cease convassing altogether. This caused
a good deal of ill-feeling at the polls, % Ragsdale
was one Of the most active canvassers. The ground
on which he was ordered to cease convassing for the
independent ticket was that he was employed by the
government as clerk.
At Waialua on this island, a considerable distur-
bance was created by the arbitrary course of the in
spectors, who it is said acted under orders from
Honolulu. The law in regard to the rights of voters
and duties of the inspectors in conducting elections
is sufficiently explicit and we hope to see some notice
taken of this fraud at Waialua, if there has been any.
We quote below sections 16 and II of the law of 1850,
regarding elections:
who acts as an inspector at the election for representative, shall
be proved before the governor Of the island to have been guilty
Of fraud or unfair dealing at such election, he shall be immedi-
ately deprived Of his office, and disqualified from holding any
Office under the government for Eve years.
ali. If any person shall by bribing another with money or
promise of reward, or by using threatening language towards
erwise would not have voted, such person so bibing or threaten
ing shall be fined, ON conviction before a police or district JUS
Of Schools ~
We have received a full account Of the affair,
which, as it exhibits fraud and has resulted in the
defeat of the popular candidate, we publish entire.
About two weeks ago, the leading citizens of the
place, both natives and foreigners, united in an invi-
tation to S. P. Kalama, Esq, their Representative in
the last Legislature, to he their candfbte for this
year. He gave them encouragement, and appointed
the Both December to meet the people of Waialua,
talk over their g ~pilikias,' and state his views of the
proper course to be taken. The District Judge, Tax
collector, and other leading men were among the
number who promised him their support if he would
come over. and be the candidate. But, shortly before
the close of the year, it was reported that Henry A.
Kahanu was the candidate desired by certain author
tiles at Honolulu, for this district, and that Kalama
was going to Eva.
On the Both Dec. Kalama came according to APP
p%ointment; but the meeting of the people was post
poned to the 31st. The next day, after the close of
the exercises of the thanksgiving, a few of the lead
ing men met Kalama, heard his remarks upon the
present state of affairs, promised to stand by him at
the ensuing election, and to use their influence upon
others to have him elected. As he was known to be
popular in the district, there was a fair chance of his
election. Thed following, however, it was reported
that the District Judge and Tax-collector were in
is'VA Va Nsi"hU wi OIduSCA tuCiI ulluS ~
please those in authority who had commanded them
to vote Tor Kahanu. But still, relying on the popu-
larity of Kalama, this did not dishearten his friends.
Kalama also received a letter from one in authority,
urging him to go to Eva, stating also that the Dis
trict Judge there had been instructed to push forward
his election at that place. To this letter Kalama
replied, stating that it was his desire to remain here
as candidate.
On Saturday, the Judge stated that he had issued
orders for the constables to vote for Kahanu, and also
that they should go two and two, place votes in the
hands of the voters, and see that they deposited them
in the ballot-box. This information. together with a
second missive from the aforementioned authority,
deferred Kalama from staying any longer, as a
candidate, and he left for EVA.
On Monday morning, numerous voters were on the
ground at eight O'Clock; the Judge also was in read
mess but the Tax-collector and School superintendent
did not arrive till about nine, when the box was iu-
spected, and closed for the reception of ballots. The
Judge then gave out word that Kalama could not,
according to law, serve as candidate, and that the
people must not vote for him. On his friends assert
ing their right to vote for whom they pleased, he
brought his hand down with great violence upon the
table, saying, 'There shall not a single vote be put
into the box for Kalama." After this, orders were
given that one of the chief constab,es should stand at
the door and inspect the ballots, to see that there was
but one in each mans hand, as they said, but as it
afterwards proved, to see that none we're brought in
for Kalama. Voters were at first assured that he was
not to interfere, but only to see that there was but
one ballot in each voters hand as he passed in at the
door. So it went on for a short time; but it was soon
apparent that the door-keeper was exceeding his
authority, telling one who had a vote for Kalama
that he could not vote for him, at the same time
taking away his vote and giving him another.
Another man who would not change his vote, was
ordered aways Learning this, one of our most re-
spectacle men went in and protested against such a
prohibition. as contrary to usage, and to the consti-
tuition. He was rudely pushed away, and ordered
out of the house, and called a disturber of the peace.
But disobeying such a tyrannical command, he again
went up to the Judge, and urged him to desist from
such an unlawful course. The Judge, on his part
urged MIN to desist from such disturbing conduct,
ah1 again ordered him out of the house. But upon
the assurance Of the aforesaid gentleman, that it was
his right to protest against such a course, destructive
of the liberties Of the people, and contrary to the
constitution, the Judge lost all self control, caught
hold of his arm and pushed him towards the door.
Considerable excitement ensued, during which a
negro was severely injured.
After the mob dispersed. the voters were allowed to
pass in without being compelled to submit to an in
spection of their ballots by one who was pledged to
support the government candidate by fair means or
foul. The Judge challenged those who claimed the
privilege of voting, according to law, and the polls
continued, for the remainder of the day, to be con-
Quoted in a legitimate manner.