The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1876-08-05
J0TTINGs.

That incoherent body the Hawaiian Legisla-
ture, which has now been in session seventy-eight
days, has made several spasmodic attempts to ac-
complish some work during the past week, but
resulting in pretty much the usual failure. On
Saturday last a reconsideration was moved by
Hon. Mr.. Gay of the resolution passed the pre-
vious day expressing want Of confidence in the
Board of Health but the motion was lost, there
being 20 noes to Is ayes. In the course of the
debate it was stated by Hon. s.. G. Wilder, that
his Office as President Of the Board was a most
oneroCs and thankless one that it was : all
work and no pay" 1t was altogether a mistaken
idea, although entertained by some, that the
Office was n remunerative one and he would
challenge any one either in that House or out of
it to bring proof that be had ever received a dol
lar for his services either directly or indirectly,
by commissions or otherwise. Hon. j. Mott
Smith followed, justifying the action of the Board
upon the grounds that the danger of tins commu-
nifty from the spread OF smallpox was slight at
any time, and that under the existing circum-
stances the danger was really nothing in compar-
isOn TO the requirements of trade and commerce.
On Monday a memorial from the physicians of
Honolulu (Which appears elsewhere in to-day's
paper) was laid before the Assembly, and laid on
tHO lfpIc IE COusIueTdtIOH Win tue Q1euiCdl Dill,
when it shall come up. On the same day a reso-
luton was brought forward by the Hon. S. X.
Kaai to authorize the Minister of Finance to pay
to Capt. Noyes of the bark Alden Besse the sum
of 81, 700, the same being the amount of passage
money due on the Chinese laborers imported by
that vessel, and for the importation of which i'm
migrants the government had previously contract
ed with Capt. Frost, formerly of the same vessel.
Objections were raised by some of the native
members, who were unable to distinguish be-
tween their prejudices against a race and a bona
hde government obligation but upon being re-
minded by Hon. Mr.. Preston that a refusal to
pay would only involve an additional cost for de-
murrage, as well as unpleasant diplomatic inter-
ference, their better judgment prevailed and the
amount vas granted.
Although there has not been much done in the
way of retrenchment, 1t was amusing to see that
the proposed increase of the pay of Ministers was
promptly voted down by a majority of % to 6.
The salaries still stand at "a 900, which members
seem TO think is ample pay for the kind of tai
ent engaged. fas
Some objections having been made to the ex-
penses attending the mission of Hon. E. H.. Allen
at Washington, it was agreed upon to postpone
the appropriation until his own account had been
received. During the debate some sharp remarks
were made upon the very frequent absence of that
gentleman and the inconvenience and detriment
to individuals and to the nation, occasioned
thereby.
The repeal of the poll tax passed its third read
ing on Tuesday, by a large majority vote, which
was reconsidered on Wednesday, and the bill
may yet be killed. Some of the members, His
Ex. the Minister of Foreign Affairs among the
rest, had once looked with approval upon such a
measure but that approval had been based upon
the anticipated completion of the Treaty, which
event however having been delayed, their views
on the subject had been somewhat altered. Oh
consistency, what a jewel thou art IF the
Treaty had come into operation the government
could well afford to remit ga 900 per annum of
poll tax, although still in need of $60, 900 more
to make up the deficiency caused thereby.
A bill to amend sections |, 2 and 80 of Chap
ter 50 of the Penal Code was passed on its second
reading, seemingly without dissent. 1t provides
that the Board of Health shall consist of five in
stead of three members as at present, and that
three of the members shall be Privy Councillors.
Under this law g permits to practice medicine y
may be granted to such as may prove themselves
competent by examination, without regard to col
lege or university diplomas although specific
" licenses - are granted alone to such as are reg
ularly certifcated physicians. The law also pro-
vides that all who practice medicine or surgery,
shall attend whenever called, if practicable; and
a penalty of 800 is imposed for any violation of
its provisions.
ON Thursday the Hon. Mr.. Kaai introduced a
new opium bill a bill to limit the number of
passengers to be carried by express wagons and
one to limit the weight to be carried on drays.
Yesterday afternoon while considering the ap-
preparation bill, it was evident that some inhu-
ence had been brought to bear upon the members
of the Assembly; which had induced them to
voted out all the salaries for. postmasters on the
different islands, excepting Of course that of Ho-
nolulu) proposing to make the sheriffs do the
work. One member suggested that as there was
no law yet enacted with such provision, there
would be no pOstm0stes, and therefore he would
suggest that as no one could receive the mails, it
would be useless to pass the appropriation for
carriers. The pay for carriers was nevertheless
voted and the secret Of the idea seems to have
been in the fact that the postmasters are mostly
foreigners, whilst the carriers are all native-a
simple question of preference for blood rersus
equitable adjustment-nn idea of no mean signi-
fcance with the native, and one which in time,
if allowed to grow unchecked, will work a revo-
luton in this government.
A,o&bn. no-,1o