The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1876-05-13
LEGISLATIVE JoTTINGs.

There is little Of any interest 10 report IN re-
gard to the proceedings Of the Assembly. as the
time has been mostly occupied by the presenta-
ton Of petitions.
We before mentioned that the question as 10
the right Of the ministers 10 vote was in their
favor. To a person who cares enough about the
matter, the list of ayes and noes on this vote
affords matter for study, the result Of which viii
be, that one viii be satisfied that the people do
not consult their best interests when they elect
to represent them in the Assembly, parties bold
ing Office under the government. The question
we are considering was carried only with the
assistance of five tax assessors, a police msgis-
trate, and a head constable. We are satisfied,
however, that the people can only blame them
selves, and that the Lesson which they might
learn and profit By, will be UNDECIDED or forgotten.
The fisheries bill, TO make all waters free 10
the people. was placed before the Assembly by q
member from Honolulu, Hon. LiIikalani, and is
nothing more than a proposition to take from
certain parties a vested right. in property, and
distribute it among the masses without compen.
sation to the owners This may be the outcrop-
ping lii this community Of an idea which has
wrought dire confusion in France on more than
one occasion. The Honolulu member may have
aspirations to become the Rochefort of Hawaii,
but We cannot let the full weight of our con-
demnation fall upon this young Hawaiian, when
his colleague. the only foreign member for Homo
lulu, could so far forget himself as to vote in
favor of the bill in committee of the whole. and
then upon more matured consideration avoided re-
sponsibility on a vote to refer to a committee, By
ahsentInU himself from rho rnon
We should certainly be lenient in our iudg-
ment Of Hawaiians.
A resolution to the effect that the Assembly
vote by estates was introduced by the member
for North Kona, Hon. Mr.. PiIipo.
The Attorney General in making his remarks
against it, said That the resolution showed
childishness and could not prevail, as it was
manifestly in opposition to constitutional provi-
sions.
The Hon. Mr.. Pilipo in reply asked the As
sembly which evinced the most childishness,. his
resolution to vote by estates, or the Attorney
Generals defence of the right of the ministry to
vote, when the gentleman claimed the right to
vote as the representative of the chief erecutire
OF the nation?
With all due respect for the Attorney Gen
eral, we must say that we consider this no more
than a fair retort. Those who ridicule out of
mere feeling, should not be surprised to find
others ready to play the same game with equal
efficiency.
! Two rather important resolutions were adopt
ed during the session of yesterday one by the
Hon. Mr.. Gay, inquiring Of the Minister of the
interior as to the number, extent and situation
of all lands belonging to government and the
other by the Hon. MIR. Preston, requesting of
the Minister Of Finance, an account of the sums
received from proceeds of government lands since
1864 also what portion of such sums has been
devoted to the purposes of q sinking fund, as
contemplated by the act of 1864. 1t is doubtful
if members OF the present or recent administra-
tions have been aware Of the existence even Of
such an act.