The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1875-07-28
HoxoLrLr. July 2sth. 1875

Honolulu, July 26th, 1875.
SIR:-If it be true that the Reciprocity
Treaty has received the ratification of both the
Hawaiian and the United States Governments,
we may assume, 1 suppose, that in few
months we shall be in possession of those bene-
fits which we have so earnestly sought, as a
relief to the agricultural interests of the country
1t is doubtless true that this change will di-
rectly or indirectly affect all other interests
here, and for the most part advantageously.
At the same, time venture to think that no
such radical changes as are contemplated un-
der this treaty, can take place without giving
rise to considerations of a very grave character,
and which it is the especial duty of CONNER
cial men to anticipate.
1t is, 1 believe, a free trade maxim that
commerce should be as free of legislation as
possible; and whilst we claim to have special
reasons, and perhaps justification, for violating
this maxim at the present moment, it can
not be wise for us to permit a commercial revo-
luton to come upon us, without our having
discussed, even if we cannot mould its condi-
tons and results.
So far as l can Judge, the secrecy in which
the clauses of the Treaty are involved, is
very unfortunate; for we are unable to make
any preparation for the change that awaits us.
1t is, think, very inconvenient necessity
that has compelled us to give up all control;
and to leave not only the existence but the
time of operation of Treaty of such import
ance, to the vote of the first Congress that
chooses either to confirm or to postpone it.
This would matter less if it had heen stipula-
ted that either six or twelve months should
elapse between the publication of the Treaty
and its coming into effect But what will be
the position of importers after December 4th?
Any day may bring word that the Treaty is
law, and the same day will probably bring
glut of goods which the enterprising California
houses are only too glad to throw into a free
market. Or, this may be delayed from mail
to mail, until in March we may find our vague
expectations put off until another December.
In the meantime with a threatened depreci-
alton of at least ten per cent on many classes of
goods, dealers will be hardly likely to keep
more than hand to mouth assortment. This
suggests possibilities sufficiently harassing to
those interested, and something ought, if pos
sible, to be devised, that should enable them to
regulate their supplies for months to come
with some certainty.
second very important consideration affects
those who have the disposal of next years sugar
crops. 1 believe the plan now in operation has
worked advantageously for planters and refners;
and that most planters would be satisfied to renew
the system for next year. In two or three months
at farthest, it viii be necessary for the reners to
know whether they may depend upon for next
years supplies; and how are we to answer theml
If we agree to SELL subject to all remission of duties
we shall be told that we jeOpardize the treaty in
Congress. And if we decline to SELL and then miss
the Treaty, planters viii have to face a very omi
year. In fact the uncertainty of the action of
Congress compels planters to make prudent terms
for themselves, aud there is no doubt many will
close with the reners if they arrange the terms
at the risk of delaying or even sacrificing the
Treaty.
a third question is labor-and it demands the
earnest attention of the immigration Society, or
the Chamber of Commerce, or both.
The Treaty offers as much to Rice planters, who
invest almost nothing as it does to sugar planters,
and therefore threatens to draw heavily on our
scanty supply of labor. In many places, cane is
now being planted without the owner having any
clear idea as to how it is to be taken care or The
pinch is already very severe and the present con-
tracts run out, the scarcity of labor is becoming
more serious. What will ii be when every laborer
has the chance of cuiivatng little rice patch that
will pay him better than any sugar planter pay
him.
Is there not possibility that the sugar planter
may yet stsrTe in the midst Of the plenty his Treaty
has created
These are the practical points which present |
themselves to my mind and do not pretend to /
do more than give them expression. Ny first in
teuiiou was to bring the subject before the Chamber
Of Commerce, but IL it has any importance it is i'm
portant to many who are outside the Chamber.
And If happily these thoughts shall prove to be only
faueies Of my own cannot think II wrong that the
subject should al least be ventilated
! do not know that the discussion Of the Treaty
By the Chamber Of Commerce, especially under the
secrecy in which it is hidden, would be beneficial;
but do think that the bearing OF the Treaty on our
future commerce are at least worthy OF formal
recognition at this early date. With the diplO-
matte points, II there are any have nothing to do.
merely wish to regard steadily the Treaty IL is
likely 10 affect Us here the islands think the
document itself ought 70 be before the publcFn ad
vance Of lie operation; and If the Government has
not the power to grant this facility, y certainly
would not be asking too much If the Chamber Of
requested from the Government such in
formation as should enable them TO consider the
new conditions that prudent men should prepare for
New conditions OF competition are Ia store for
planters, merchants, traders, mechanics; and some
nay have TO contend with serious changes, serious
enough 10 Justify all the information, and all the
preparation that are within their reach.
I am sir, your o6edient servant,
THO. II. DAVIES.