The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1880-12-11
CORREoPONDEN OE.

We are not responsible for opinions expressed by cor
respondents, our columns being open to all for the dis
cussion of public affairs from every point of view.
Correspondents will please observe that all letters
must be authenticated by the names of the writer's, not
necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee Of good
faith.
Mr.. EDIroR.-In- a recent number Of a local
paper IS the following sentence. " The question
of Hindu labor has been discussed here TOO oiten
with reference to matters which ought TO be entirely
irrelevant, as for instance, the probability that the
introduction Of such labor would or would not cause
British influence to predominant, and the Interior or
personal motives which may actuate certain persons
who have urged its introduction
This is news to most of us. Indeed it was gener-
ally supposed the discussion on the subject OF
Hindu laborers was confined TO not many gentlemen
on one side, and fewer on the other.
Can you say whether any discussion, pubic or
private, has been had. beyond what has appeared IN
your own paper and one other
No public discussion besides this has taken place
or every one would have heard OF II. II there has
been any private discussion TO which the puDhc
we're not invited, no one, not present, could know
what passed there, and not knowing could take no
part in it.
Can you Mr.. Editor point out when the question
has been discussed that the Introduction Of Hindus
would or would not cause British influence TO pre-
dominate?
The question appears to be altogether new, and
now imported tor the first time. If not, the public
should be informed by the person who has brought
IL lItO uOtiCcs " IL uIlklIhlNuf VIM pAplN0NN ~
and where il has been discussed
The argument in favor Of employing Hindus IS.
The benefit to the entire community OF having an IN
exhaustible supply Of men and women at a low rate
of wages on which to draw for laborers and servants.
On the other side Il has been said that their intro
duction would be too costly and when this obJec-
ton was shown TO be fallacious, il was suggested
that unless Great Britain would at the outset modify
her laws in our favor, they could not be brought.
This difficulty being found to be equally baseless, 1t
has been discovered that British interests would pre-
ponderate too greatly if Hindus were brought here.
The answer to this is; that British interests are
measured and limited by treaty.
We ought to treat Great Britain as respectfully ms
we do other nations, and to remember that since the
negotiation of the treaty in 1867 no question with
her occurred until (as has been stately one arose
from the fault Of Hawaiian officers in 1876.
But mention is made of personal and Interior
motives of those urging the introduction OF Hindus,
and that the personally offensive mode with which
one or two gentlemen have discussed the question,
and the distrust they have caused have had much TO
do with the delay during the present year.
Is it possible that a respectable professional gentle
man who has filled some of the highest Offices in the
state can stoop to employ such a plea in discussing a
public measure affecting the welfare of thoasandsr
Are the families OF all classes of Hawaiian residents
to be subjected to extortion, loss, and discomfort;
are planters, merchants. and men Of every rank in
life to be ruined, is the nationality to be destroyed;
because one or two gentlemen have made themselves
to some others'
Such a plea is unworthy Of men pretending, | will
not say to craftsmanship, but to respectability. IL is
monstrous. If opponents of the measure have no
thing better TO justify their opposition would not
consistency, if no worthier motive, suggest to them
propriety of changing their resolve