The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1878-09-21

4. A. SCHAEt Xix, secretary.
To The Editor Of Pacific Commercial Advertiser /:
You will favor me by publishing the accompany
ing letter Of the Secretary of the Queens Hospital.
1 am a Trustee Of that Institution, but in a minority
upon a measure most intimately connected with one
class Of patients. which I honestly believe should-bs
admitted to the privileges of the Hospital. 1 know
very well that the Hospital was originally designed
for the benefit of the native population, but a great
change has taken place during the past twenty years,
while the native population has been diminishing the
foreign element has been upon the increase, and es-
pecially during the last few years. Now it appears
to me that the constitution Of the Hospital demands
Naehange. -
Among the reasons for this change | would men
this in particular-that according to the exist
ing laws of this Kingdom every passenger from q
foreign country, landing on these islands, is required
to pay tao dollars for the support Of the Queens
Hospital, yet the Constitution Of the Hospital allows
no special privileges to a foreigner in INDECENT cir
cumstances, unless he has taken the oath of allie
glance, and even then only upon certain conditions.
If, when sick, he goes to the Hospital. either himself
or some benevolent Association must pay the Hos
pital fees. This may be right, in case the patient
has means, but if not, then / honestly think the doors
of the Hospital should be opened free, Tor at q re-
duced price, } for his entrance. 1 am not alone in
this opinion. Intelligent visitors not unfrequently
express themselves very freely upon the subject. and
among them such men as Judge Cation, Of Illinois,
and others.
1t should be borne in mind that this tax upon for
eigners forms no small part Of the annual income for
the support of the Hospital. Last year it amounted
to nearly $4,000. and only the last quarter the
Treasurer of the Hospital reported that be had re-
ceived 81 700 from this one source. For these and
other reasons. l am inclined TO think the Trustees Of
the Hospital should alter the Constitution. / am not
ignorant Of the specious objections which are made
to any change, and when the subject shall be fairly
considered, 1 would allow them all the weight which
they merit.
In conclusion, Mr.. Editor. allow me to offer a few
words upon the general subject Of aiding the INDECENT
in sickness and want. 1 rejoice that 1 live in a
part Of the world where the practical benevolence
Of the community is so commandable, bat those
called to carry the principles Of benevolence and
charity into practice, do not always find their path
way strewn with flowers. Applications are not un-
frequently made to the british Benevolent soci-
ety." the american Relief Fund.-" the Ladies'
Strangers Friend Society," and the reply is, . the
case cannot De admitted, because contrary 10 our
rules - " l pray thee have we excused"
am aware that with the increase Of foreigners the
number requiring aid is also increased, hence our
citizens must look upon the subject candidly and
fairly. They should bear this in mind that hitherto
the Hawaiian Government has not imposed a " pau
per tax" upon those residing on the Islands. |
hear from some the remark, "let the Strangers
Friend Society look after all such cases-it has a
fund.- The ladies best know how to manage their
own society, but let me add that the fund Of $4,000
was contributed twenty-five years ago, under very
peculiar circumstances, and some Of the ladies feel,
in regard to expanding any more than the income
from it, much as the Trustees Of Oahu College
or Queens Hospital would, about expanding rested
funds, and argue with no little force, that should
the fund be expended the society would disband and
its usefulness cease altogether. Asking your pardon
for 60 long a communication, I remain, yours,
Honolulu, Sept. 10, 1873. s. c. DAMoS.
To the Editor ofths Pacific Commercial AdUertiser