The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1879-03-15
The Labor Question.

In pursuance of the object aimed at by the
Hon. Mr.. Rhodes in the letters which have ap-
peared 10 our last two issues, we learn that six
mercantile firms in this city, representing in the
aggregate forty-six out of our %sixty-one sugar
plantations, and four others owning in planta-
tions, on the Ilth instant memorialized the Min
lister Of tine Interior, requesting him to call a
meeting Of citizens interested in the introduction
of foreign laborers, in order that The measure,
which is certainly no new one, might be thor
oughly examined, preparatory to n request for ac-
ton by the government. Two firms, one repre-
senting eight plantations and the other FIVE, did
not sign the memorial.
The Minister answered the memorialists very
cautiously, promising all the information and
aid in his power but intimating that the re-
quest to call a meeting should properly come
from a preliminary meeting of the Honolulu
Chamber Of Commerce and parties representing
planters. The position assumed by the Minister
must be characterized as sound, inasmuch as the
very first question to be asked ut the proposed
meeting, when called by him, would be-What
measures, if any, the government has TO propose.
As we understand the matter, the government,
while ready to do anything in its power to Sec
ond and support any properly organized and de-
vised measures for the introduction of the much
desired labor, must await suggestions which may
come from a general meeting and discussion by all
parties interested.
But we may remark, that the proposed
measure concerns the planters principally, and
the members Of the Chamber Of Commerce only
secOndarily. Therefore it might Be said that
the dseisi0n should not be subjected to the
chance Of a hostile vote by some not so deeply
interested as the memorialists. Planters are
now for the most part busily engaged in taking
of their crops and preparing for planting new
fields, and cannot leave to attend a public meet
ing at the metropolis. But a majority of them,
--forty-six out of si~xty-one-having already
through their agents expressed their opinion,
there can be no doubt as to the direction in
which their wishes point. Many of the mem
bers Of the Chamber of Commerce do not repre-
sent any direct interests in our plantations as
regards agencies, while some of our citizens
somewhat deeply interested as plantation owners
have no seat or voice in the Chamber. NOtwith-
standing these incongruities, in view Of the
gravity of the subject, we have no doubt that due
weight will be given to all arguments that may
be presented on every side Of the question. The
following is the correspondence on the subject.
By reference to our advertising columns it will be
seen that a meeting is called for to-day at 10 4.
". at the Rooms Of the Chamber of Commerce.
HoxoLuLU, March IL, 1879.
To His Tx. 5. G.. WILDER, Minister Of Interior, Sc.
Sir:-In view Of the pressing question of a
supply Of labor for our plantations, and the pos
si6iiity Of obtaining such u supply from India,
we take the liberty to request you to call a
meeting of citizens interested, in order that the
matter may be well examined.
We beg to suggest that Mr.. Horne, the gen
tIeman now in Honolulu on business relating to
the sugar plantations OF Mauritus, and Captain
Daniel Smith, who has had experience in carry
ing natives Of India to the British West Indies,
be invited to attend the meeting.
We have the honor to be, sir, very respect
fully. your Obedient servants,
C. W. Macfarlane X Co., Henry Cornwell, C. f.
Hart & Co, Thee. III. Davies, II. Hackfeld
x Co.. +. \. Schaefer & Co., W. G. Irwin d
Co, f. p. Adams. j. T. Waterhouse. James
DEPARTMENT or INTERIOR,
Honolulu, 18th March. 1879.
Gentlemen:-i have the honor TO acknowledge
your letter OF the llth inst. petitioning the Min
ister Of the Interior to call a public meeting of
citizens Interested IN procuring a supply Of labor
for our planistions-
in this matter Of labor and immigration for these
and Of my willingness to meet any and
all in any meeting Of citizens that may come to-
gether. aud 70 place before them all the facts re-
lating to The action Of the present Board OF I'm
migration. the funds that the Government have
at command, and our views as to future action.
The calling Of the meeting 1 think should
from the Chamber Of Commerce and the
Assuring you Of my full sympathy with you in
the present emergency. / have the honor to be,
your Obedient servant,
SAM'L G. WILDER,
Minister OF Interior, and President Board
of Immigration.
Messrs. Jas. Makee, C. F. Hart & Co, and Others.