The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1862-04-24
Correspondence of the p. C. Advertiser.l


Mr.. EDITOR In the days of darkness, when
these fair isles were shrouded in dark clouds of the
Nations wickedness, then it was that a strong and
iron arm ruled its destiny then it was that peace
prevailed throughout the kingdom, and all were hap
by and contented-funds in the government Golfers
were plenty, at least none were heard to say that
the department of finance could not pay even a small
tradesman's bill. No all bills were paid on presen-
tation in those days, and not permitted TO stand over
until next term as a favor, much to the inconvenience
if not injury of the holder of the bill, and the dis.
grace of such a system of fnanciering as has been
the lot of the tax payers of this kingdom to witness
the last few years.
At that time there was no e~xpending government
funds on internal Improvements without a certainty
of being able to quiet the demand, and the perfect
knowledge that the country was to be benefited by
such "A measure. But there were those who sighed
deeply for the time when opportunities would present
themselves to enable them to drain this young and
promising nation to its last dollar, drive it on to the
verge of bankruptcy, and if successful in obtaining
Office for themselves. drag in some invaded relative
or friend of theirs to occupy situations more honestly
due to old and competent residents of the islands. who
would gladly accept of smaller salaries and serve the
government far more faithfully. 1t may with much
justice be said, that when such Evoritism is permit
ted to exist, there can be but one object in view-get
the money, honestly of course. | mean no disparage-
ment. yet your readers will readily observe that there
is more truth than fiction in the above remarks. Does
the welfare of the country trouble such /? Nay, verify.
Reckless spirits in whose hands the Government
reins have been held, by n sheer want of interest in
the country, have turned the scale of prosperity
against it n breach has been made, and expenses been
increased, in order to make a hollow show among the
rest of recognized kingdoms in the world, ere the re-
sources of its entire group had been developed, in fact
scarcely ushered into existence. Nor can it be said
even now how far we can depend upon cur resources
for home consumption alone. And yet. in the face OF
all this, the order seems to have been, bleed while you
can. The country has become burthened with debt,
our revenue will not meet the absolute necessary ex-
penses. Our position is not unlike that of an Emperor
of this, the 10Th century, who after running his ma
ion into a state of bankruptcy, finds himself nonplus-
and calls his cabinet together to devise some
means Of escaping entire ruin. So much for the po-
litical and domestic economy in that country. In
the case Of this country the difference is here the
dilemma in which this nation has been placed is not
to be attributed to the King. but to those who hold
the reins of government in their own hands. The
work is their own. The voice of the people, after
submitting to be taxed, and that heavily,
~ "" S@S "'VN% E5
made in every department of the government. Homes.
poverty is better than splendid beggary. Better by
far that the same state of things should exist that
lid fifteen years ago, when the government had just
he officers required for it's work. Why, it may be
in this our crippled. poverty stricken condition,
should there be any sinecure berth in this govern
nent. Why should any one individual be permitted
hold more than one office ut the same time, keeping
many an honest and faithful man out of employment:
bear in mind. it is but just and reasonable, when
hese items are taken into consideration, to expect sup
in and from a country that the honest laboring
nan has adopted for his home. Has the remainder
{ his days TO be passed in misery and want while
is enough for ala How would outsiders receive
he announcement that more than one or two officers
{ this government, have realized from their Offices,
Dgether with their emoluments, sums varying from
900 to 5000 dollars annually. Facts speak loud
r than words figures do not lie. And it has
lot been a solitary instance where such officers have
Iisted on the meanest fare during their stay in Of
ce, in order TO take out Of the country every cent
hey had earned or drawn from this government.
low much, may | ask, is this or any other country
enehtei by such people Favoritism, the curse
lat has hung over this would be happy country so
yet daily makes it appearance, and the fact has
cen spread world wide, how in this land of milk and
oney, the Government pap yields to the slightest
ressure, amply repaying those who have impu1ence
Rough not simply TO ask but beg, If not demand, po-
tons un1er the government. for which they have
claim, and frequently have no qualification.
Why, in the selection of officers, are not the young
en- horn in this Kingdom, or those who have long -
sided here and have taken the oath of fealty, why
e they not placed in such positions? Are there
,ne competent Are there none who have a prior '
aim ON their country, the writer hopes, for one, u
at at the coming legislature some measures will be &C
ken to check the system of favoritism so detriment- &C
to the true interests of the country. III