The Hawaiian gazette., 1880-04-21

we think with or against them. All thew desire is
to be let alone, and if this is granted they will
push themselves and their peculiar civilization
with irresistible force in every direction. Where
we can not live they will thrive II principles of
economy are reduced to exact science with them.
They do not waste. indeed to them our economy Is
waste. We throw away what they would save
Their intense individuality Is their strength. In
some respects their civilization is perhaps superior
to ours. But, as we believe, our theories of gov
eminent and of the rights of man are superior to
theirs, and with their existing manners and Gus
toms II would be step In retrogression for them
to obtain controlling voice in government. This
they are likely TO acquire in near future. With
out further remark upon the merely political posi-
ton of this great problem in national life it
lies with us to say whether or not we shall exert
an influence upon this people. As an association
we ought to have great power with them. 1t is no
self adulatlon for us to say that the enterprise,
energy, education and ability of the country has
its fair representation in our ranks. Our infiu-
ence ought to be something more than the mega
tive influence of mere uprightness in business and
social relations with them. If We do not exert
powerful aggressive influence upon them, for the
right civilization shall be recreant to our duty
as men and as society.
There are at least two other questions of very
great immediate Importance upon which we are in
duty to our country, bound TO take active inter-
est. These are the opium and liquor questions.
The session of the next Legislature will begin in
about three weeks. 1t is certain that bills to
license the sale of opium, and to remove the re-
strlctlons upon the liquor traffic will be there in
troduced, and for various reasons are more than
ever likely to become laws. These reasons are
the legitimate fruit of certain Generalization
which has been going forward In the country for
several years past. The nation has had a most
unhealthful taste of power, and this taste has not
been retained or curtailed by those IN authority.
With nation so recently in the most abject state
of serfdom such unwonted tastes can not but de-
moraliZe, for 1t not the difference betwixt
liberty and license. If they can elect King why
not have free liquor is simple deduction. With
regard to the opium question, the argument is adj
dressed to the feeling of avarice. 1t is-why not
license the sale of opium if the treasury can get at
least $4,000? The morals of the question has lit
tie or no weight with those who will favor the
measure for it is lightly pushed aside with the
remark that those who would use opium can get it
in spite of the present prohibition law, therefore
the public might as well make fair income from
it as at all. The testimony of the police Off
GERS throughout the country, as well as from the
large majority of those who are brought most
closely in relation with both Chinese and Hawai-
lans, is that the of opium is decreasing, par
ticularly among the Hawaiians that it can not be
obtained at all by the Chinese in many places
which prevents its use, and that the general moral
tone of the lower class is better than under a
license. On the other hand, it is fact estab-
lished beyond dispute, that under the old license
system. the natives were learning to use the drug
and already had begun to suffer frightfully from
its deadening influence. Because that native
Hawaiians might use the drug, it is proposed to
restrict the sale of opium to Chinese only and
penalties The moral perception of any person
who can be the author of such bill, which thus
recognizes the evil and therefore proposes to re-
strict it to Chinese only, is something incompre-
hensible. And the audacity of the introducer of
such measure presumes good deal upon the in
difference or moral bluntness of the community.
The argument for the abolition of the law re-
sricting the sale of liquor is that it is class legs-
lation and therefore, unconstitutional This is
made by the more intelligent the ignorant and de
based use and influenced by prejudice, and
1t is expected that this feeling will carry the
ure. The true light III which to regard this matter
is that of the exercise of the police power of the
government; power not very well understood
perhaps, but as important for the life and well
being of the government as any power it possesses.
10 sweep away the restrictions over the sale of
liquor will be to open the fiood-gates of social
disorder. Rather than enlarge, the right to sell
and furnish liquor should be restricted. Prohibi-
tive laws are not a nullity The statistics of the
State of Maine are demonstration of the perfect
practicability of such laws. Their success de-
ponds, not upon some magic in their construction,
but upon the disposition and ability of those
whose duty it is to execute the laws coupled with
the moral tone of the community.
Two years ago act to license the sale of opium
passed the Legislature. Whereupon the COM
munity took alarm and made known its senti-
ments in such stirring tones as to reach the ear of
the Chief Executive, and he was induced thereby
to refuse assent to what would otherwise have be-
come a law.
Very soon more energetic and decided efforts
must be made, we shall have free opium and
free liquor, and another door will be opened for
the moral destruction of the nation. 1t is our
duty to act in these matters with no uncertain
voice or tone. If we will, the voice of this Asso-
citation can be one of power, and il lies with to
make such efforts as the community shall feel.
Another year lies ahead. Let US make a record
of active, earnest work, which shall cause the
Association to gain a name of honor, not for the
brllancy of our acts but because it shall have be-
come a source Of blessing to many-an indispen-
sible necessity TO our social and religious life.