The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1876-01-15
Immigration and National Independence.

To he Eiitor of the Pacific Commercial Advertiser:
SIR:-The subject Of Immigration has been brought
before the Hawaiian public I" in sundry parts and in
divers places" II is at this time probably the one
Of the greatest Importance to US, and | beg leave TO
set il forth from q somewhat different point Of view
from any hitherto taken, so far as | know.
No less q question is involved in it than the con-
tinued independence Of these islands. The native
race is steadily diminishing. As matters are drifting
now there is nothing to look forward to but annexa-
ton sooner or later. OF course if that is the best
thing for the islands there is no more TO be said.
But if not, the time seems opportune to urge upon
the people and especially the leaders OF the natives
the fact that it is for their best interests to throw
themselves with all their weight into the i~mmigra-
ton ovement Suppose annexation TO take place
soon, the country viii certainly be governed in the
interests Of the foreigners rather than Of the natives.
Suppose annexation does not take place, but some
years hence q great immigration does; the natives
will then be poor and feeble, a dying race-the pres
ent political arrangements, even if still existing, will
only exist On sufIerance. In all measures where the
interests Of the native and Of the foreigner clash, the
former will be swept on one side. But If the immi-
grafton happens soon the probable effects will be diff
ferent. The native race is still numerous and
powerful enough to make any measure that shall
ignore them impossible. The imported strangers
may be expected to fuse themselves with the natives,
and coming in gradually, they will produce no revo-
luton but assimilate themselves with the present
people and institutions.
1t may be objected that the effect Of a great immi-
grafton will be to destroy the purity Of the race.
True, but that purity can be in no way maintained.
The Hawaiian of the future must be Of mixed blood.
Who supposes that fifty years hence there will be a
hundred babies Of pure Hawaiian blood in all the
islands?
What race then will be the best TO combine with
our own? Without doubt-the East Indian. The
Chinese, admirable in many respects, are always for
eigners. We want immigrants who shall become
citizens. The japanese are better, but do not 20
press upon the means Of substance at home that
their government should be glad to get rid Of large
numbers Of them. But India has an enormous pop
ulation, increasing at q rapid rate-industriou 10
the highest degree, yet 80 pressing upon the means
of subsistence that in spite Of all the government can
do, fearful famines take place aud must become more
and more frequent. There, too many people, here
too few. Cannot a treaty be made with England
whereby some thousands Of these people may be
brought herel | say advisedly, p~eople-not men
for at least as many women with their children ought
to come as men,-families not merely labOrers.
You cannot get uneducated people 10 see beyond
the ends Of their noses; and Of course the native
objection 10 this scheme is ready. Why should
we support a movement the first effect Of which
will be to bring down the rate Of wages?
The answer is simple,-as you are now going
along there will soon be none Of you left TO get wages
at al. II the Hindoos come the price Of labor will
fall; no doubt Of il. But then the plantations
and other industries Of the country can be carried on
probably, and the demand for labor. and with il,
the wage rate will rise again. There IL no need 10
bring in laborers 80 fast as 70 swamp the market.
And no fear that it will be done. Immigration will
be too costly 10 run ahead Of the demand.
Under what conditions shall our new citizens
Gomez As mere plantation hands, or az small farm
ere working land Of their own or leased II may be
doubted whether a foreign paternal government
would send away large numbers Of its subjects 10 be
mere plantation hands. Surely they would have 70
be placed upon land which they could cultivate upon
the cooperative system as is already being done here.
But the land is largely held by big owners who have
rarely the capital to start such little colonies. Here
is q great difficulty. No doubt the whole subject is
very difficult. and the longer one looks at it the more
so it appears. It is for 4 thoughtful, benevolent and
patriotic public, If we have one, 10 find out whether
il is insuperable.
The purpose Of my letter is TO give a small stir to
the discussion Of this great question, and TO feel If
the time is ripe 10 make q great and far reaching
effort TO save the native race and the national indie
~pendence. / know no other way 70 DO this but the
one set forth above. And If the natives are TO get
their full share Of the benefits Of such a policy, they
will do well, what they DO, TO do quickly.
The above remarks are but a few condensed notes
Of q large subject. +. b. II.
PARIS, Dec. q The following ramed gentlemen
we're elected members Of the French Senate: Admiral
De Montaignac, Minister Of Marine; and Leon Male
vile, member for Taru-et-Garonne, Of the Left
Center. This completes the list Of Senators so Tar as
fha National Aegamhfv IL concerned IA member