The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1880-07-28
Communicated

"A government of the people, by the people, for
The people, is the instructive desire of every civ
iized nation, and with probably but two excep-
tions, every civilized government at present
listing, whether republican monarchcal, is prac-
ticay SUCH being controlled, more less directly,
by the people. nation which does not control
Its government fails to do so simply because II
lacks the intelligence to form a desire for self
government sufficiently strong to make itself felt
by the rulers.
One of the two exceptions above alluded to is the
Russian government, and the other Is that OF
Hawaii nei. If the present highminded legisla-
tors take exception to this let them ask themselves
If they could control the appointment of, or can
keep In office a single of the Ministers, who
according TO the Constitution are responsible for
the administration of the government; or if they
can pass any measure against the wishes of the
King That our King has the power to veto the
measures of this legislature is fact for which We
should be devoutly thankful, and we hope he VIII
use the prerogative much and often. But the con-
unuance of an article III the Constitution which
allows final veto by the King and the quiet sub
mission of the people TO the frequent exercise of
this power, implies an Acknowledgement by them
of their untitness for self-government. 1t Is
resolution of want of confidence IL the legislature.
This legislature has shown that II does not de-
serve the confidence of the nation by passing the
Baker Liquor Bill, as dangerous and pernicious
bill as ever passed the Hawaiian legislature, III
spite of petitions against it from every part OF the
Islands, and contrary to the well known wishes OF
a large majority of both the native and foreign
population
surprise 1t is only what might have been expected,
and it is shame and reproach to the intelligent
foreigners of the Islands that they did so little TO
induce the natives to select good representatives
at the last elections, and that they have done so
little TO influence the proceedings OF the leglsla-
ture while in session.
We have heard some wholesome truths lately in
regard to the necessity of building up character
as a foundation for education. Educating with
fba
This has been VIGOROUSLY the case with HawaIlans.
Many of them have fair education, but, without
exception not one has character which can be
trusted, unaided by foreigners, with the great
duties and responsibilities of leaders of the peo
pie.
We all know this but have not acted accord
ingly. We have, to be sure, secured the enact
ment of many, good laws but have trusted TO luck
for their execution.
We have given the natives a code and ddrised
them to that its provisions were enforced, but
have not given them the assistance they need
When school teacher gives his pupils his books
and points out the lessons, he does not consider
his duty done, and go away and leave them to
their own devices.
Formerly the legislature and government were
much more under control of the foreign element
than now, and were entitled to and obtained far
greater degree of respect. Of late owing to the
increasing years of those who used TO take active
interest in politics, and the engrosslng business
cares of those who have succeeded them the gov
ernment III many respects. though not In all, has
degenerated Not in intelligence but in conscience.
Foreigners still supply the government with brains,
but do not make it feel the importance of character
What has been the result !? The government
has talked much about g Ud ydH ke 0 kG alma
kd poHo." and " Ho0Ifiu L1IAH" but has lent Its
influence directly against both of these wise
maxims. When persons In high positions, not
only at home, but when travelling on the other
Islands encourage natives In their tendency to
beastliness by holding series of heathenish hula
hulas, to say nothing of worse example set by
some of them, they are a disgrace TO the nation
and are unfit to be leaders. However well they
may understand the truth of Lunalio's motto,
they have not sufficient strength of character to
conform TO 1t In practice And when the personal
influence of men in high position In government
is strongly and persis.ently against every effort
that is made to separate the lepers from among
the people, and so relieve them from this terrible
afiction which is steadily spreading, and do what
they can to spread the use Of the most destructive
poison the world has ever known among the ma
tves of these islands, and to obstruct the execu-
tion of the laws by appointing and retaining dis
reputable and incompetent men IN office, 1t be-
comes evident that this government Is sadly In
need of strong and stern foreign influence TO di-
rect and control IL, and strengthen its resolution
TO 'Hooulu Lahui.'
The intelligent foreigners of this kingdom own
by far the largest part of its wealth. they founded
and support the government and maintain its IN
dependence. and from the position they occupy as
the leaders and guides of the Hawaiian people are
morally responsible for its proper administration
And they ought by concerted and decided mea-
sures to make their influence felt where it Is
needed. A