The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1874-09-26
PeddIing Licenses.

Mr.. EDIToB-1 write through your columns TO
oppose the bill lately become law permitting the
~peddling of goods in this country, encouraged to
do so from the fact that by the wording OF the
law, seeing it is that he I" may" an option is left
with the Minister of the Interior whether or not he
shall grant the licenses, and hoping that should it
be shown that such a law is unnecessary, its policy
shortsighted and its effects an injustice upon a
numerous and respectable class of citiZens,-its
action may yet be stayed.
In a country sparsely settled, whose inhabitants
were out of convenient reach Of those commodities
which stores supply, it might be argued as a necek-
sity that some means should be provided whereby
goods might be more readily obtained, or in case
of anything approaching a monopoly resulting
in eXorbitant and oppressive charges, such a law
as this might properly be made but here, through
out the country, we have an almost excessive
number of we'll stocked stores. and a consequent
competition which brings goods to the public at
scarcely paying prices.
One object, or perhaps the sole object, the advo-
Gates or this bill had in view was the probable in
crease of revenue but we venture to foretell that
in the long run it will not meet the expectations OF
It's supporters, for the consequence Of an extended
exercise of this law is plainly ruinous to store
keepers placed by it, as they are, 30 every disad-
vantage, the result may probably be the closing OF
many country establishments which are at present
paying, beyond licenses, a tax upon valuable
stocks and premises, whereas the return upon the
merchandise of itineTaat traders will be nominal,
OF nothing, as their stocks can quickly be reduced
at tax time, or by moving from one district to
another they may avoid the collection altogether.
We would not anticipate the character Of those
who will take out the licenses, but we more than
suspect that the visits Of the new trader will be
attended by anything but good, and almost certain
to prove a public nuisance and a moral injury.
1t is not necessary to state in detail in what
ways this law bears adversely on store-keepers I;
but if in one way more than another it is that
owing to the payment Of wages being generally
made monthly or to the prospect OF produce, in
doing business considerable credit is given, but
by pressing goods upon people at their doors or
in their houses, encouragement is given to spend
money or barter produce which they intended for
and which virtually belongs to their creditor.
We were not surprised to see the numerOusly
signed petition of merchants and others of Homo
lulu Directing to the bill, and cannot think that on
making it law the Representatives gave it due
consideration. N
A few licenses have been granted, but it is tobe
hoped that public sentiment and his own Judgment
will restrain the Minister ofthe Interior from Issuing
more. a COUNTRY STORE-KEEPER.
This is the latest idea of Boston sharpers Two
thieves, well dressed, of course, enter a jewelry
store and open a conversation with the matchmaker.
Presently a customer enters. He wants his watch
repaired. The conversation OF the customer fur
nishes the raseals with the number Of the watch,
the repairs to be done, and the time it will be fin
ished. On the day the watch is to be ready, a boy
the watch. As the order Contains a full descrip-
money, the jeweler has no reason to refuse to de-
liver the article, When the owner calls be is minus
a time piece