The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1879-02-08

The impetus given to our trade and to the
development Of our agricultural resources during
the last year, Is bringing into employment all
the resources Of the country. The late rains
have given a new stimulus to enterprises,
checked for a while last year by the drought.
The effect Of all this is seen in the advance in
the rate Of wages, in the price of animals, in
the value of real estate, especially in tile case
Of large tracts ON the other islands hitherto
held at nominal prices in the increasing num-
Der of vessels frequenting our harbor, and our
busy streets. This increasing business, these
enterprises and the advancing prices are not
based upon any speculative bubbles, they are
generally, in fact almost in every instance, based
upon sound foundations. Our soil and climate
are well adapted for the cultivation of sugar
and rice, our market is a large and increasing
one, our laws just and e~quitably administed,
thus we are comparatively free from danger of
loss OF crops, from our production, or from
revolutionary troubles or foreign complica-
tiOns.
Such safe foundations and promising conditions
naturally invite enterprise and extension.
But there arc two difficulties which meet our
planters and their agents, and they are to pro-
vide Iahnr ord cnnifaI The former 10 hain~ 49,
by inducing Chinese to come here from California
which seems to be the most convenient, though in
some respects naturally considered in an objection
able way. The difficulty with reference to capital
seems lcss capable OF solution. Capital is pro-
verbally timid, and though IS we have remarked
there is nothing extra hazardous about the bust
ness Of this country, and although few if any in
ycstments in other countries promise as sure and
profitable returns, but little foreign capital seeks
investment among us and many enterprises
which promise well for their originators and the
country are in danger of being abandoned for the
lack of such financial aid as could be easily Sc
cured in other countries on more hazardous ven
lures. This is largely owing to the failure of our
agents and planters to exert themselves in inter
esting foreign capital. 1t may be that hitherto
there has been something of class corporation
feeling among our mOneyed men, and propositions
from abroad may not have been cordially receiv-
cd. Whatever may have been the difficulty there
should be very decided effects on the part Of the
business community to invite foreign capitalists
and representatives of banking institutions to ex-
anime the opportunities offering for investment
here. The Importance Of such a supply of capt.
tai as our growing business requires is us press
ing as the need of labor, and may well claim the
attention of our merchants, planters and govern
ment. An easy money market is an essential to
our success. Economy is another essential ele-
ment. 1t might happen however that a string
ency of means may lead to iIl-timed economies,
or may check the promising enterprises just at
the moment when success is assured. The in
crease Of our business ut present is so much
greater than the increase of our capital that seri-
Gus complications might arise at any time. Why
should not our Chamber of Commerce consider
seriously 50 important a subject?