The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1866-08-18
THE PACIFIC
Commercial! advertiser.
AUGUST Is.


WE finish this week the publication of the
laws of the last Legislature. That relating to
Weights and Measures was passed in anticipa-
ton of a change III the standard weights and
measures of the United States, with which ours
by law must correspond. There was a PROPOSE
ton brought before Congress at its recent ses-
sion to abolish the present English systems,
which, from time immemorial, have been the
standards not only in England, but also America
and other nations and to adopt in their stead
the new decimal system of France, which cores
ponds in some respects with the American deci-
NAL system of money. We are not aware that
Congress has yet passed any law altering the
standard of weights and measures. As the law,
whenever passed, will create great confusion for
awhile, until the new systems are learned, and
will necessitate an entire change in mathematical
and school books, it will not be done hastily.
The passage of the Hawaiian law referred to
was wholly useless, unless it is in contemplation
to introduce the French system into these islands,
which would be annoying, ve1atious and mali
cious, so long as the countries with which We
principally deal, employ the systems at present
in use here. Whenever the United States and
England adopt the new systems, it may be well
to make the change here-but not till then.
The law next in order changes the time o.
holding the election for Representatives, from
the first Monday in January to 1" the first Mon
day IN Februdry.'' The next election conse-
quently will take place on Monday, February =,
1868. There was not much debate in the Legs
lature At the time of the passage of this law, but
the reason assigned by the Minister of the Inte-
rior for making the change was to allow the
Tax Collectors more time to make up the lists 0.
voters, which include all who have paid their
taxes up to the end of January, and are possess
ed of property or incomes as regulated by the
Constitution. The alteration in the date OF
election can have no material effect on the cleo
ton itself.
Regarding the act authorizing the Minister
of Finance to borrow $40, 600 for the purpose
of meeting a portion of the public debt coming
due and for sundry public improvements, We
have before expressed our opinion, and stated
that it is not wise or proper for government to
incur debt except for absolute necessity. At
present, there Is no necessity, as there is a sur
plus in the treasury sufficient to meet all accru-
ing obligations, and to carry out all proposed
improvements. There is a tendency under all
governments to make lavish expenditures, and
to exceed the income, which tendency can only
be counteracted by repeated incubation of the
first principles of government-ECoSoNY. We
regard this law as wholly uncalled for.
The law to amend Section 9l4 of the Civil
Code, regulating the duration in office of District
Justices, is n decided improvement on the old
statute. under which those officers could only be
removed by formal impeachment-a very difficult
mode of resort. and uncertain in its results.
Under the new law, the District Justice may
be removed by Il majority of the Justices of the
Supreme Court or of the Circuit Court, on any
formal complaint made by the Attorney-G General
or his deputy, or by the Governor of any island.
When proof can be adduced against any District
Justice. of malfcasance in Office. as is alledged
the case on Molokai recently, in which the
Judge is said to have aided and connived with
house-burners,-the complaint should be made
10 the Governor or the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
The law a. defining the duties of the Attorney
has been framed and passed to enable
the government to employ 4 gentleman now
daily expected from Boston, to fill that Office.
The old law, which was passed mainly to get
Mr.. Bates out Of office and Mr.. Harris into Office.
that the incumbent be able to speak
md uTife HalrmiGH, IL very wise requirement.,
where two-thirds of the suits involve natives