The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1871-12-13

dissented from his views; and now think
it advisable to offer some suggestions why
the sum at the disposal of the Ministry
may be paid. At frst-in the inception
of large enterprise, encouragement and
assistance, which would be Of little or no
weight in determining its success when in
full progress, IS of the greatest Importance.
1t is like the greater force that is required
to overcome the inertia of a stationary
body and set it in motion, in comparison
with that which is required to keep it in
motion. 1t is said that our business would
attract the steamships in question here
Perhaps it would, if the line were firmly
established, that is to say, if it were fully
determined to run a line of steamships
from San Francisco to Sydney or Mel
bourne, and if the contract to do so was
really made and concluded with any Of
the Australian Governments, or with that
of the United States. But this is pre-
cisely not the condition of the Webb Line
at this present time. 1t is our object to
connect with the Australian Continent as
well as New Zealand, and if any prefer
ence is to be given, of course it is of more
advantage to connect with Melbourne or
Sydney than with New Zealand, inasmuch
as the population of the Australian Col
onies is so much greater than that of
New Zealand. And it is precisely on
that point where our subsidy may be, of
avail now to help to establish that line
whilst the contracts are yet unsigned
The idea of our correspondent Inquirer
seems to be at fault in this respect He
says that the Australian Governments
have taken action under which it " is i'm,
probable that any business can be DONE
This is certainly true; we would 90 even
further than he, and say that it would be
quite impossible that any business could
be done. And it is Just here where our
subsidy may come in to strengthen Mr..
Webb's hands, and to enable him to use
persuasion sufficient to induce those Gov
ernments to amend their action. Or even
so small sum as two thousand dollars a
month may make the difference between
a small profit and a small loss on large
and thus justify men in con
tinuing an enterprise in the hope of a
further Improvement in profits as business
may develop itself, when otherwise, pru-
dence might require them to drop it alto
gether And again, although it is true,
as it is said, that the sum is small one to
receive in view of the large expenses of
such an enterprise, yet it would go to
strengthen Mr.. Webb's hands by showing
the good will of this Government and /
people, which of itself, in the inception of |
m enterprise, is of very great oonsidera-
lion. But leaving for the time being, this
view of the subject, there is another one
Of a material nature which would seem to .
rs to be of some weight with thinking
men. 1t is said that {" the boats, if they
continue to run, win without doubt, con
inue to touch at Honolulu to land and
'eceive the American mails, and such
passengers and freight as offer" Let us
49,. - --.-... 60. ,nIs sentence the i'm
'ortant clause, II they continue to rms
or, as we have said before. this is the
,oint. And although they NAV touch
lere, there will be no contract with them
S to how long they viii stop to receive
nails, cargo and passenge,s. The arrp-
nent may be adduced that they will stop
ong enough to transact their BUSINESS.
Sut there is a great difference between
topping long enough from their point of
lew and stopping under contract long
nough for the convenience of shippers
nd passengers, and to suit the views of
he public as to their advantage.
Again we say that we will welcome
iscussion on this point, and will cheer
lily publish anything written on this
lbiect in good spirit. calculated to infu-
nee the action of Government or the
ublic mind. The ideas which we
ave above expressed may not appear as
Drcible to others as to ourselves, but we
ave deemed it our duty to give them.