The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1859-11-24
THE PACIFIC
Commercial Advertiser.
THURSDAY, NOV. "a.
The Legislature Of $50.

-
THIS number of our paper will hardly have
reached the remote districts of the islands before
the subject of the general election for Representa-
tives of the People in the next Legislature will
become the principal theme of discussion. If
there is any canvassing for the honors, emolu-
ments and responsibilities of the Office, it is con-
Quoted very quietly and with an entire absence of
party warfare, Of platforms, of principles, and
stump speaking, as much so as if the whole peo-
pie and government were perfectly unanimous on
every subject, or perfectly Indifferent to the de-
eision upon any. In political matters, the Ha-
waiisn people are certainly the most quiet, and
in this respect offer a worthy example to older
nations. Not that they are Indifferent to the
questions of national polity brought up from
year to year, but they look at them in a more
reasonable way, and with less show of frenzy and
agitation, than is the case in older countries.
Our Constitution provides for but one general
election-that of representatives to the national
Legislature, which, according to q recent amend
ment of that instrument, sits biennially. This
mode of allowing the people to exercise q voice in
the enactment of the laws which are to govern
them is no doubt a healthful provision, although
its introduction has been viewed as a step in adj
vance of the necessities of a semi-civilized race.
This might be true, were it not that a foreign ele-
ment is Incorporating itself into the body polite,
and increasing in strength each year, and des-
tined soon to be the controlling, law-making in
Auence in the nation. The amendment to the Con-
s~titution, now before the people for approval or re-
lection, requiring a property qualification, would,
more than any other measure that could have
been raised, tend to exclude the native race from
the Legislature, and place that body in the exclu-
sive hands of foreigners. Whether this would be
q WISE change, time alone can develop.
There are considerations at the present which
should induce every good citizen to take sufficient
interest in our politics to see that his district is
well represented. or, if necessary, make him will
ing to sacrifice his own private interests for a lit
tie season, and offer his own services as a mem
Der. For a sacrifice it is, to most foreigners, to
serve for the beggarly pay which the laws and
Constitution prescribe. Three dollars per diem
poorly compensates for an absence from ones own
island, and a residence in this expensive city. 1t
lily pays the interruption to business of those
who belong here. But if philanthropy and duty,
names so often prostituted, are not mere names of
dead virtues, and do influence men in public ser
vice, they may be appealed to, to secures House of
Representatives of the best men in the kingdom.
Under the New Code. judges are excluded from
the Legislature-which is probably one of the
best provisions passed in that enactment. Had
the same rule been applied to all government en-
ployees. its influence in freeing that body from
the control of the ministry would be healthful to
the prosperity of the kingdom. The House of
Representatives ought to be composed of men
who are entirely beyond the control or influence
Of the ministry, and the exclusion of judges is a
step in the right direction.
Topics of prime Importance will be brought up
before the next Legislature for discussion, and
must in ONE way be disposed of. The first sub
ject introduced will doubtless be the amendments
to the Constitution, passed at the last session, at
the recommendation of the King. As these are
quite important, We publish them as they appear
in the Polynesian
ARTICLES OF AmExpxExr OF THE Constitution PROPOSED
Cossrrrros.
RESOLVED. by the King, the MOBILES and the Representa.
ARrIcLEL Article 55th is hereby amended SO as to read as
The Kings Ministers are eligible to the House of Representa-
lives, excepting those who have been created Members OF the
House Of Nobies by Royal Patent, and they have the right tn be
heard in the House Of Representatives when accused Of mal-ad-
ARTICLE q Article 10th is hereby amended so as to read as
.The members Of the House Of Representatives shall receive
As compensation for the entire sum Of service the sum Of one
in such proportion during The session as the legislature nav
prescribe. and with such sum for mileage as may be provided
AErcLEs. Article I'D is hereby amended so as to read as
The King appoints the members Of the House Of Mobiles,
who hold their seats during life, unless in case CT Resignation. or
subject to the provision Of Article 9th; but their number shall
AR1cIr4. Article roth is hereby amended SO as to read as
follows