The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1880-11-13
Is Cooperation Among Planters
Desirable

Mr.. EDIToR,-At a meeting of the Board of I'm
migration, on the goth of October. to which some
gentlemen were invited. it was stated that Europeans
were being introduced as laborers for plantations by
two or more of the agents, the passages of women
being half-defrayed by the Board.
The introduction of Europeans at a lower rate of
wages than that given to Chinese may, to some
extent, reduce the cos. of production, but will still
leave it so high that, were it not for the existence of
the reciprocity treaty, we should not be able to COM
pete with other sugar-growing countries in the
worlds markets.
But that introduction, though il may have the
wholesome effect of checking exorbitant Chinese de-
mands, will tend to increase the difficulties of planters
by rendering the newly-introduced people dissatisfied,
as will be the case when they see men of a different,
and as they will consider inferior, race. receiving
for similar service higher pay than themselves.
This will be followed as 4 natural consequence by
insubordination, indisposition to work, and deser-
ton. Unless supplemented by cheaper labor, it will
also leave the future entirely in the hands of some
who, up to the present time, have successfully for
warded their own interests and designs regardless Of
the rights of others. and even trading on their
troubles. For as many Of the Europeano, on the
expiry of their term of service, may be expected to
become producers on their own account, should the
reciprocity treaty not be renewed, they will not be
able to live with the high rate of wages they, in turn,
will be called on to pay for hired labor.
This unsatisfactory state of affairs may be avoided
provided we introduce laborers in sufficient numbers
at a rate of wages not higher than that paid in other
sugar-producing countries. But as Government,
supported by some plantation agents, seems deter
mined to withhold requisite action, to the detriment
of the entire planting interests, cooperation of
planters in self-defence, becomes a necessity if for
no other purpose than to secure a supply of cheap
labor. Cooperation, guided by principle. will over
come interested and unjustifable opposition and it
remains to be seen whether, even without the aid of
Government, q united and determined effort will not
succeed in carrying q measure vital to the interests
not only Of planters. but of all classes in the king
dom. Cooperation has effected mighty changes,
and conferred many benefits in other countries, and
we shall find, if once successfully organized. it will
operate in like manner here. 1t is worth a trial.
Individually, planters are weak and without in
huence collectively, they should be a power ire
sistible in the prosecution of their rights, for they
are the basis and groundwork of the country. With
planters prosperous, general prosperity follows ; in
distress, all classes suffer. Nothing will tend to the
of prosperity more than cooperation.
The opportunity of establishing it presents itself.
For us this is the tide IN the anairs OF man, which,
taken at the food. leads on to fortune. Shall we. in
defence of our rights and liberties. seize it like men.
or. humbly thankful for the supervision exercised
over our affairs, resignedly play the part of puppets.
and contentedly dance as the wires are pulled by our
masters
feel assured the answer will be Let us have no
petty sectarian or national jealeusies- We are all
all embarked in the same adventure let us by
honest and earnest endeavor bring it to a successful
issue by Co-oPERATIoN. |