The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1876-05-20
PAY OF N

ONE of the members of the Legislature for Ho-
nolulu, Hon. Mr.. Lilikalani, moved on Monday
last to amend the Constitution in regard to the
pay of Representatives, so that they should here
after serve without pay. Now to our minds, this
is exactly what is needed, and we were much sur
prised at having to note that the Ministry, upon
this question, were found voting in the negative.
1t was a question that did not concern them, and
it would certainly have been more appropriate
had they RETAINED from m~eddling in a matter
which concerned only the members elect. But,
to the matter itself-ayoiding further depression,
ton OF such an amendment depends in a great
measure the welfare of the nation and it is a
mark of a truly enlightened appreciation upon
the part of the mover, that such an amendment
should have been introduced. Perhaps in the
opinion of some, it would be derogatory to the
dignity of this government to be found following
in the wake of other governments, since their
fiat to the contrary had once gone forth, no mat
ter what principle is concerned, or what extensive
popular interest could be subserved by a reyer-
sion of previous rule but although perhaps in
the minority, we have been and still are, of the
opinion that until we can be assured of having
none to serve the people as representatives but
those who are willing and able to serve the peo-
pie for consideration other than the mere amount
of dollars to be received, that our legislators will
not as q class be those from whom to expect in
telligent or impartial legislation.
Such n regulation has worked well in other
countries, especially in Great Britain, and al
though differing materially as to conditions of
existence, the principle being broad and involv-
ing the most ennobling feeling of self-respect
and loyalty, there is no reason why, irrespective
of such difference, the same rule should not equal
ly and universally apply; nor is there reason
why Hawaii should be exempt from such sway.
No one doubts, as some have remarked, that
8 the Iaborer is worthy of his hire" yet it is
equally undeniable that difference in tenure may
make a difference as to those would hold and
why such terms should not apply to representa-
tiyes, we certainly are at a loss to see. deed of
charity has its own reward equally so a loyal
deed; but none the less is the remuneration in
each case sure but in these cases. the difference
in remuneration marks the difference in the man.
The man who would do nothing for his coun-
try without the stimulus of a monetary consider
alton, is exactly the man with whose services the
nation could most easily dispense as a legislator.
As at present, our elections are in a measure
ruled by a spirit foreign to all but purely selfish
feelings, and the man elect is too often to be
measured by the bonus,-at present, $4,000.
With such an inducement, it is not wonderful
that the scurf and scum of the country should
use their utmost efforts to gain the surface.
The ignorant and unsophisticated native elector
is not by nature, or education, capable of making
distinctions between the deserving man Of modest
pretensions and the brawling demagogue; but is
too often wont TO be governed in his choice by
the ~yehemence of what he supposes to be elo-
quence and feeling.
Amidst such boisterousness as the existing
system of competing for q sum of money induces,
with the chances largely in favor of the loudest
talker, there are few of our most intelligent men
who are agreeable to being mixed and the con-
sequence is, that with occasional exceptions in
favor of good men, we have many of a less defect
able class returned.
Reverse this system however to one of free SER
vice, and there would be little inducement to
Others than the better class of men, both native
and foreign, to come into competition.
A feeling among the natives is largely prevalent
that something in this direction should be done;
and it was clearly in subservience to this feeling
that some foreigners were returned at the last
and We regret to have to record to the
gaze of the country. that the Ministry, above all
others, should be found lending their aid to en-
barrass. what we had looked upon as a most hope
full beginning.
H. B. NJ. S. MYRMIDoN, sailed last Saturday on
an exercising cruise to Kauai. and will nrobablv