The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1867-03-23
To The Editor of the p. C. .1drertiser.

To the Editor Of tie Z. C. IdrertiSer:
SIR The dilemma in which the law courts are
at present placed, seems to be viewed in only one
light-which is formidable enough. The Attorney
General. they say, would be an excellent successor
to the deceased Judge, but cannot be spared from
his present position, and, in addition, cannot trans
act business in Hawaiian. The Grst objection is
valid, but is the second ? which must apply to any
adequate nominee, if a foreigner, and any other is
out of the question. Why is an Interpreter out OF
calculation in the adjustment of the difficulty 3? Not
the class with which we are familiar, obtained as
iobbers. in a hurried and light manner. who look
more ut an influx of lucky gain. than at the duties
required. but one selected from the island-boru
and educated. with all the qualities eminent and
conspicuous, which are necessary-aud bottomed
upon a substantial and permanent salary of at
least $4,000 per annum /; for less than that will not
meet the expenses of an ordinary good livelihood
in these times of high prices, which are about 40 to
50 per cent. higher than they were a few years ago.
And this salary must be made unattainable by the
near and short sighted, and conscientiously scrupu-
lous in spending the nations money. In Il word, to
be efficient, the office must be endued with the
element of respect protected by the same security
of continuance. as the best. thereby preventing in
calcula5le evils inherent in a make-shift policy for
tie sake of economy, which would leave the vitals
of the national well being, of sound ld,o and I'M
finching principle. as "a secondary object only.
When the French commenced the protectorate at
Tahiti, the first law cases were principally between
the former English residents among themselves,
some of them weighty and difficult, particularly
ship cases, and partnerships. In such a state of
things, an English magistrate was preferred by the
GOvernOr-whose decisions were translated very
elegantly in weekly issues in French. and some
times in both languages. After a time the cases
became principally French, and many had to be
referred to the arbitration of the prominent iner-
chants. while the ordinary cases increased so fast
that a competent French Judge, or an Interpreter
became inevitable. The Governor preferred the
latter at that time of difficulty. as the least evil in
a Babel of languages, and diversity of thinking
and interest. The measure worked very well and
satisfactorily to all parties; but it was happily
founded on a wise selection of the individual who
was, / think. Il Genevese, simple and mild in man
ners. fair and upright in constructions of evidence.
and speaking aud translating English accurately,
and of course he was at home in the French. The
French code of laws was the governing authority
of the community, with some printed local laws in
the Tahitian.
There are some Young men here Of Hawaiian
birth as to country, well educated in all business
knowledge. one of whom. might be selected pos
sessed of sense, talent and courteoUsness, and of
thorouJh acquaintance with the H1,cdijqn language.
whose imperative necessity Of knowledgei is a paral-
lei case with the one just referred to Of English
There appears no reason why ii should not meet
the demand, if the rage for speed can only be de
tached from an intellectual object. and efficiency
allowed 10 substitute il. Yours. &c, ;.