The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1876-02-26
Re population.

To the Editor Of The Pacific Commercial Advertiser:
SIR Il have much pleasure in commencing very
highly the general purport of your editorial article
Of last Saturday, pressing upon the government the
urgent need Of devoting its attention TO tho re-popu-
lation of these islands and Of diminishing our expen-
diture.
All nations need at all times the best government
they can get. Were we n populous and thriving
country, we still should need to be led by able and
honorable men. But now that we are n dying ma
ton in a desperate condition. keeping our name and
status only by sufferanee amid painful questiOnings
whether our independence can possibly be maintain
ed. the laisses -faire system of the present govern
ment can only be regarded with grave condemnation.
But let us be careful and just. Possibly not all the
blame is due to the Ministers. but part of it to the
system under which they work. And this brings
me to comment upon a portion of your article, from
which, while 1 cordially commend the rest. I most
emphatically dissent. You suggest that the num-
Der of Ministers be reduced. and that the King gov
ern with the advice Of the Privy Council. | read
"That it has very properly been the course generally
pursued during the last and the present reigns, to
seek that advice instead of proceeding upon minis
terial responsibility alone.'' This means, in other
words, our government while nominally ~constitu-
tional and representative, has really been for the
most part personal and despotic. To give but a sim
gle proof of this Observation-Disclosures ", Of his
own free will, and without consulting his Ministers
beforehand, abolished the constitution. This state OF
things is a great evil. but you, when 1 fully credit
with the best intentions, propose to make 1t worse.
And you excite a smile when you expect persons
of character and ability could be found who would
nominally hold the ministerial offices that are pro-
posed to be abolished No doubt persons could be
found to act as fgure-head Ministers; but / think
that men Of ability and character would not be found
among them.
The plan proposed by you is altogether retrograde.
1 beg te offer one more in accordance with the usages
of constitutional governed countries. Let our gov
eminent cease to be personal and become c~onstitu-
tional. Let the King choose a Premier, the best man
he can find, to hold the portfolio Of the Interior or
Foreign Department. Let him be responsible for oil
the measures Of government. Let him appoint his
colleagues to the other three offices. men whom he
trusts, and with whom he can work. Let the King
abstain from ell direct share in government, except
the exercise of the Royal Veto, at the request Of the
Ministry. J Personal government is rarely tolerable
10 O free people, even when the monarch has been
placed on the throne for his own high personal quail
tiles. Bat when the King has come to the throne by
inheritance or any other reason than that Of great
qualifications, it is evident that the only safe system
of government is that where the King governs BY his
Minister'S. In such a case his own business is before
all things to set q noble example to his subjects, and
take the lead in promoting works Of social improve
ment, and to choose for Premier the man whom the
popular voice, expressed by the best part Of the com
munity, proclaims as the httest.
We need a man Of ability to save the country.
There is much good intention and thought in our
community. Combined and organized it would ef-
feet much good work, but now it lies useless for
want of q head to gather it together and shape il
into noble order. On future occasions | hope to en-
large on this great subject.
Meanwhile | would urge upon all who desire the
welfare Of our state and city, who pray that peace
may be within her walls, and prosperity within her
palaces to bring their minds to bear upon the sub
iects Of repopulation and better government; and use
their best influence to bring them abou'. ltsa
popular remark nowadays that governments can
but give effect TO the voice Of the people; that as the
people are, such are the rulers. Is it possible that q
society cut up into cliques and sects, self-seeking and
to the higher interests, can support a gov
Of noble and far-seeing statesmen Is our
political fountain so pure that we can expect sweet
waters to flow out Of it? Can the nation be saved
Must it fall by its own corruption and internal weak
ness? fear much;-butw would flin be persuaded
better things of you, brethren, and things that nc
company salvation. though l thus speak"
CrvI.