Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1862-08-23
No. IL.

The undersigned believes that the imposition of
excise duty would efectually proteet the reye-
nue., and that point settled. there is ques-
ton in his mind about the proprety of legalizing
the distillation of spirits Ii is not for nstans
to be supposed, that because, under certain re-
strictions, distlation is permitted the whole CAP
ltal OF the country, or even large part OF 1t, must
necessarily be transformed into distilleries, and
that we should have them springing up like mush-
rooms IN all parts Of the country.
No. Men possessed of the requisite knowledge
and capital to carry on q business of that descrip-
ton, would not be apt invest until they had dis
covered that it would be, or, at all events, was
likely to be, paying business. 1t does not ne
cessarily follow that, because the distlation of
spirits is allowed, the multitude will at once en-
gage In 1t. 1t Is some years now since the manu-
faeture of wine was legaized-and how many IL
censes have been taken QUIT Why, during the last
two years, one. The revenue has benefited to the
extent Of fifty dollars by the wine licenses, and
would probably benefit to an equal extent in that
item of licenses by the legalizaon Of distlla-
tion so that If it be expedient that this bill,
properly amended. should not pass this House, the
true reason is not that the revenue would suffer
for that could efeetually be prevented by proper
excise law-because no person, perhaps, is to be
found who would undertake the business, not
being assured that it would pay. The fact
of its paying, once satisfactorily established
what an advantage to the country-constant em-
plOyment for a certain number of mechanics and
labOrers-the utilization Of substances now lost or
wasted-additional employment for the shipping.
and wealth for our merchants.
But, say the opponents to this bill The prin-
cpe still remains-it would bring death and de-
struction to the native race. Here again, the
undersigned is directly at issue with them on
the fact. The effect of the repressive laws under
which this people has struggled for the last forty
years is patent to all. We have seen them dwindle
under our very eyes, to one half, or nearly so, of
their original number, whereas, these same laws,
had there been any efficacy 10 them for good,
should have been productive of a very different
effect.
We have seen these people, in those places
where o wholesome beverage was not to be OBJ
| tained, as at Maui, Kauai, and some parts Of Ha-
wa, poison themselves their vile potatons fer
mented XII sweet potatoes. oranges, and other abomi
nations spite of those laws and so they will
tinue to do, as long as those laws figure the
| statute book, monument of narrow-minded and
mistaken legislation.
But If distillation allowed on these Islands,
would its products, under suitable regulation, find
their way amongst the nativesl The undersigned
contends that they would not, for common sense
and universal experience show that no man is so
generous of his property to gratuitousy bestow
it among his neighbors and, for the sake of argu-
ment, taking for granted, that the people them
selves are universally addicted to drunkenness,
such distribution. whether on a large or small
scale, whether gratuitous or for a consideration,
could not fail to entail visit of the police, and
an inAiction of the penalty provided for the COM
mission of the ofense.
The undersigned goes further and contends that,
if, under proper regulations, the prohibition of
using these commodities were taken from the
natives their strength of character, selfrelianee
and self-respect would increase; the hankering
after these forbidden goods, and the demoralzing
methods of obtaining and indulging in them would
cease, and the effect their habits and morals
generally would be- beneficial. Some irregularities,
undoubtedly, would occur, but certainly not nearly
SO great, or numerous, as those, which, under
the repressive system of legislation that has
long obtained, have now gone far to destroy this
nation. GODFREY RHODES,
Minority of Committee to report on Bill TO
Legahze DistiAatiOn.