The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1881-01-22

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faith.
To the Editor Of the Pacific Commercial Advertiser.
SIR SO much has already been written on East
Indian Immigration that a letter from the Minister
Of Foreign Affairs to the diplomatic and consular
corps on the same threadbare subject takes one by
surprise. Our rulers have really walked up from
their Stimulated y nap rubbed their sleepy eyes, and
disclosed facts which the public has known all about
for years past. One fact they themselves only seem
to have recently discovered ; namely " that to obtain
British Indian laborers, special arrangement with
Great Britain would be necessary" Does any one
forget that the gentleman now filling the office of
Minister of the Interior was entrusted with the execu-
ton of that self-same measure years ago, and that he
failed to accomplish it, although every facility was
afforded for its completion
To judge by a very half hearted and uncertain
sound onesof the objects aimed at by Ministers is
& to obtain q Few thousand East Indians with their
wives and families to remain in the country
and " become Hawaiian Subjects" Is it possible
Ministers expect the British Government will order
East Indians to become Hawaiian subjects ? If they do
they may make up their minds to abandon such a
hope. Those people are free not chattel property or
slaves to be disposed of by the stroke of pen. If they
choose to become Hawaiian subjectsn no impediment will
probably be thrown in their way, but no compulsion
will be used or permitted. The inducement must
come from Hawaii. They must first be convinced
that their own interests will be advanced, their con-
sent may then be had. The whole paragraph from
which these words are taken leads one to believe that
Ministers are not more in earnest now than OH the
memorable occasion above alluded to.
There is nothing reassuring in turning to the
Board Of Immigration. One of the judges of the
Supreme Court who has uniformly opposed the en-
deavors Of those interested in introducing East
Indians, being still q member of that Execu tive
Board, although the Constitution DEGREES that the
Executive and Judicial Power shall always be pre-
served distinct. One would imagine that a regard
for decency, if not principle, would dictate to that
judge the impropriety of filling the two Offices, the
judicial with its salary, the executive with its
power to influence, perhaps control. the destinies
Of the country and the fortunes of individuals but
as he clings to both, he must in his executive capa-
city be subject to criticism which does not rebound to
Judicial dignity.
Fortunately for the country Els Majesty the King,
has taken the preliminaries of East Indian i~mmigra-
ton personally in hand. May he succeed in arrang-
ing them. If the cost be now greatly enhanced, tax
payers must thank those persons who have been the
means of imposing the additional burden. Whatever
may be said as to the ~propriety or otherwise. of a
Judge of the Supreme Court filling an executive
Office, no complaint can be made that the Sovereign
in undertaking this business is acting unconstitu-
tionally.