The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1869-10-16
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men must be had, and our condition is such that
we must have the power to compel the perform
ance of labor by our laborers.
.Iudge Montgomery read Section l4l9 of the
Civil Code, in regard to persons bound to service,
and explained its operation.
". Il. Green explained the coolie system as it
exists in Peru, and showed that there was no
comparison with the treatment and condition of
laborers here. He advocated and upheld the
system rs carried out in the British colonies.
Cuba must become under better auspices an i'm
mensc sugar producing country, affording it much
ch Aper than we can. 1t will not do for us to
look and wait any longer for treaty to help us.
Let us have coolie labor.
The fourth resolution then put to vote, and
adopted, three dissenting votes.
The fifth resolution, endorsing the Board of
Immigration was passed mem. con.
The meeting then proceeded to the considera-
tion of the sixth resolution, recommending that
the contracts be made direct with the Board, and
be assignable, &c.
A. F. Judd-Opposed in toto the plan of as
signable contracts, as contrary to the laws.
1. Bartiett-It is unjust and odious to sanction
the transferring of laborer from one master to
another, without his consent. 1t was degrading
to human nature 1T was n system fraught with
danger to society, and he hoped the meeting
would disaprrove Of it,
s. G. Iyilder-Foresaw danger, but in another
way. Let Chinese coolie understand that if his
master died tonight, he would Immediately become
free and discharged from his contract, and the
masters life would not be worth an hours pur-
chase. Advocated the provisions of the contracts
which read " to him, his heirs, executors and as
signs contrary policy would lead to mutt
nies all over the islands. The practice is legal,
and does no wrong to the laborer
c. J. Lyons -Yes-there you see the legti
mate consequences of this penal contract system.
S. ". Castle--A law which would prevent a
man from making n contract to labor, such as he
deemed was for his own interest, must be an
Just and oppressive one. Many of the plantations
are owned by corporations, and however much or
often the management may change, the work goes
on with the same servants. A contrary course as
to single proprietors would be unfair.
A. F. Judd-The Supreme Court of the State
of Massachusetts, has decided that contract for
service is not transferable.
s. NJ Castle-The laws of Massachusetts, are
not the laws here.
s. b. Dole-Opposcd the contract system as it
exists here. IL is not fitted to free country.
and hundred years behind the age. Objected TO
n system thai required penal laws to bolster it up.
Let US look to the future, and consider what may
be the consequences fifty years hence Of our pres
ent action.
I. Bartiett-Spoke of the danger of the coolie
not thoroughly understanding the nature of his
contract.
Judge WTden,ann-No master would desire to
keep n servant who did not wish to stay.
John ontgomery-Chinamen never complain
of being transferred. All this sympathy for them
is thrown away. Coolies have been known TO ac-
quire handsome properties here, after their term
of service has expired.
w. l.. Green-Any assignment by master Of
the contract should be made only with the con-
sent Of the Board.
C. C. Harris-That is precisely the provision
in the Manahiki contracts.
A. f. Judd-If it is right that the master
should transfer the coolie to some one else, why
should not the coolie have the like privilege of
choosing another master? But it is unconstitu-
tional, and makes a man chattel.
c. c. Harris-In case of the death ofa master,
the Board retained the right to dispose of the la
borcr, until his contract expires.
The resolution was then passed, whercupon the
meeting adjourned until Monday, the Ilth inst,
at 10 A. NJ.
por Nor5ay,s p,,cee,i;ngs see Third Page