The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1881-01-05

San FRAscrsco, CAL, Dec. 20, 1880.
TARIFF.

TARIFF.
With the opening of Congress comes up the
usual attempt to revive the tariff on sugar. A.
though no change will probably be made in this
session, in face of an expiring Administration,
still modification of the present high duty will
possibly be made in the near future. The contest
in the Eastern States hinges, it does here, be-
tween the proiss Of reners and those of retailers
of sugars The sugar-growers of Cuba and Deme-
rara, by means OF their improved processes are
able to send to market grades of sugars which,
without aid Of the refners, are ready for consump-
ton, and therefore compete with the reiners'
sugars in the open market Hence, while the
retners desire to have low duty on low grades, and
high grocery grades, retailers desire just the
contrary. The Carlyle Bill, upon which discussion
centers, provides that sugars below No. IL shall
pay 81 duty; between No. IL and No. is, 81 25
above that, s. per hundred pounds; The refiners
object that whereas sugars below No. Ii are ini-
pure, and loss of p per cent.o IN refining
them, the bill if passed will in reality impose on
their business duty of 81 80 for the same grades
which importers will get for 3 % that IN reality
the sugars between Nos. IL and Is are refined
sugars, and ought 10 be subjected 10 heavier duty
than is now imposed. IL is Just possible that be-
fore the expiration of the Reciprocity Treaty the
tariff may be reduced, and by Just so much as it
may be reduced will 1t affect the profits of your
Island planters.
JUSTICE.
Attempts to take life, or downright murder, are
of the manifest evils prevalent in this CITY and
State The habit of CARRYING concealed weapons,
the laxity of Juries in giving capital convictions,
the low state of morals of the public all play q
part perhaps in bringing about this condition of
affairs Last week thirty persons were IN custody,
under arraicnment for wil,ful murder. The editors
write homilies OF the turpitude of this state of
things, and advise the way by which to correct the
evil and also advise few instances of condlgn
marked punishment; but to the observer from
more peace able communities than this, it does APP
pear that nothing is easier for person in this
state, with real or fancled grievance, than TO
murder his victim and trust To uries to vindicate
his conduct,
Not long since young man went to n political
gathering of AN evening. Was accosted by pot
house politician with rough and insulting words.
Sought out the politician next day TO make him
eat his words. Failed to do so; and as a con-
tincent, drew his pistol and killed him out of
hand. Verdict of the jury, self-defence. Acquit-
tai. The politician was supposed TO have drawn
pistol. First point not very clear but politician
being in his grave, jury unwilling to send living
man there.
The trial Of an Oakland homicide has Just re-
suited in an acquittal. man goes with his wife
TO a dentists office, calls him from patient to
another roon and out of hand plants a bullet in
said doctors breast. Result death within an
hour. Provocation alleged at trial, seduction.
Point not made out clearly. Wife's character not
above reproach. knowledge of fact ON the part of
the criminal very cloudy and uncertain. Verdict of
jury, acquittal.
A man IN prison to-day. Strangled with his
hands his wife's sister, with whom he was on
criminal terms of intimacy. Informed the police
at midnight of the crime, which he had committed
ut p. NJ. Wanted TO be hanged immediately
Court not ready for such swift justice. Forms
must be complied with. Victim therefore buried
out of sight and criminal having time for reyul-
sion of feeling, not willing to be hanged. Where
fore plea entered of sudden and uncomfortable
insanity. Probable result of jury will be acquit-
tai
For the number of murders committed certainly
fewer criminals pay the penalty in this State than
in any other part of the world. Y.