The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1861-10-10

the heart to propose as an humble inscription on
the monument which may be raised over the
tomb of the Government Press
"REQUIEscAr IN PACE"
= We commend to our readers the following
communication on the state of the public finances
and the necessity of some prompt and efficient
action. The mature views of the writer, well
and forcibly expressed. will command the atten-
ton and respect of all who read them
HoNoLULU, Der. 4. 1861.
Mr.. EDITOR Il do not often intrude my
views upon political matters upon the public,
but as governments are or should be instituted
nor for the benefit of individuals or classes, but
the good of the rchoIc community, the people,
the nation, so all individuals, as component
parts of the nation are entitled TO be heard, if
they choose to speak. If they speak wisely, the
public good may be promoted, for their utteran-
ces, will sooner or later find Il response in the
national heart. If unwisely, their words will
make no abiding impression upon the public
mind. As one then of the community, the
people, who feels Il deep interest in the welfare
of this nation, and who is conscious of nothing
but the kindest of feelings and good will towards
every individual officer in the Kingdom, from His
Majesty down, | beg briefly through your col
umns TO say a few words respecting that most
important branch of the public service which is
presided over by the Minister of Finance, and my
remarks are designed to apply to principles and
not persons, as j trust your readers will readily
believe.
/ hold. as above stated, that all governments
should be administered for the p bic good, and
for that object alone. And however prosperous
any government may be. it is an imperative duty
upon its executors to administer it economically
economically, but not parsimonlously. The
labors of the public servant should bear a Just
relation to the labors of private individuals of
similar social position, who are taxed TO sustain
him, and the salaries of public officers should
bear the same just relation to the salaries of pri-
vate individuals in posts of similar responsibility
in private life, who contribute to pay the pub
lie servants. Where the public position calls
for extraordinary expenses, the salary should
bear a just relation to such necessary expenses.
This principle | take TO be equitable for all
governments of whatever extent or strength.
Public servants are not TO be ~overworked or I'M
derworked, neither are they to be ~overpaid nor
undergrad. Public trusts are created and exc
cutcd for the public good, and not for any pri-
vate advantage. Taxes, whether direct or in
direct, should be levied TO meet the necessary ex-
pense of administering the government on tins
basis. If Il Legislature creates an office as a
mere sinecure or without fuil employment, or one
not required by the public welfare, then it
abuses the trust reposed in it by the people.
When public necessity calls for additional Off
GERS or government employees, then only, is the
appropriation of government funds justified.
=. A. ~ 1900. Z III. J.
Dor, and the public necessity is the only just mea-
sure of taxation.
For any government TO owe a foragn debt is
at least dou6ttudif not decidedly bal policy, but
for "A fecJ1e government to owe a foreign debt is
dangerous, by its liability to lead 10 complica-
lions with stronger powers whose subjects or
citizens are its creditors, and which may in the
end be ruinous to its independence.
1t is unwise for any government to create a
debt TO meet its ordinary expenses. These should
be based upon its ordinary income. The vast
national debt of Great Britain was chiefly incur
red for extraordinary expenses to carry on her
wars, in supporting her army and navy, and sub
sidizinS continental powers. 1t is mainly, if not
wholly, due to her own subjects, and | apprehend
that neither debtor nor creditor ever expect the
payment of the principal. The stock held by her
own subjects, may, as some contend, be an ele-
ment of strength by the interest which it gives TO
every stakeholder in maintaining the stability Of
the government but whatever the effect of a
domestic national debt NAV be. it is clear that no
debt should be incurred for ordinary expenses.
These should be covered by the ordinary income.
and here. whatever might be thought of a domes-
tic debt for extraordinary improvements. still to
in debt for ordinary purposes. seems to he
unwise. and should not be done. Ways and
means should be devised to administer the govern
nent without increasing the public debt. Every
feasible measure of retrcnchment should be adopt
"a ut the earliest day. Increasing debt for ordi-
nary expenses, will be ultimate disaster. Nor
under any circumstances can the government
afford TO be prodigal in its expenses the people
Are poor, heavy taxation will destroy them, high
import duties Will drive away commerce, thus
cutting off revenue from This source and a pub
lie debt created for ordinary expenses, would be
in the end. Nothing then remains for
the gorcrqmcnt but ultimate ruin. on the one
land, or a wise economical administration on the
Every well-wisher of the nation most
sincerely desires the latter, and rejoices that a
Of retrenchment Is about being ommenc
d. Without any knowledge of the plan of the
government. | will venture 10 indicate what /
should recommend and urge, were | honored with
seat in His Maiesty's Councils. 1t is well
to most residents here. that q few wears i