The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1882-12-06
The New Liquor Law.

EDITOR GAZETTE; Two years ago the Hawaiian
Legislature presented to the King for approval an
Act repeating the restrictions on the sale of in
to1icating liquor to natives. The provisions of
this bill created 50 much anxiety among foreigners
that the Chamber of Commerce unanimously
adopted resolution to memorabilia the King;
praying His Majesty to refuse assent to the Bill,
and expressing desire that rather than permit
the removal of these restrictions an Act should be
presented TO the Legislature then in session pro-
hibiting the importation sale of any intoxicat-
ing liquors in the Hawaiian Kingdom. The ad-
dress was presented to the King through the Head
of the Cabinet and His Majesty concurrine, 1
believe, in the views of the Chamber vetoed the
bill.
During the recent Legislative Session, another
bill has been passed with a similar object, but
with more stringent provisions against abuse of
the new freedom to be given to Hawaiians. I do
not know whether any representation was made to
the King or to the Cabinet on the part of foreign
or other residents, adverse to tie Bill; but the
Royal assent was given, and now the Hawaiian il
IN possession Of the rights and privileges which n
has so long been bis custom to foreRo am free
to confess that in the measure Just come into
operation, there are clauses which justify the con
tention of many of its advocates, who claim that
If vigorously administered, the new law wouId
check drunkenness. vas glad whilst abroad 10
see IN the Hawaiian papers, expressions of hope
that the natives would not abuse the new power: |
and am confident that amongst those who voted |
Tor the Dill, or who supported il in the country
were some Of the most sincere friends of Hawaii /
But fear that all illusions have been dispelled |
has fallen on the land.
The curse of drunkenness rests on many lands;
and statesmen and patriots would welcome any |
measure that would check II. l have often heard |
q a fnf zaTf- .fro1l
she dared to enact laws to govern her own appe-
utes. but few weeks ago gentleman was ex-
pressing his admiration of this evidence of ma
tlonai vlgor, and felt Rrieved as told him this
was no longer true, and that the Hawaiian now
claimed the dangerous freedom from which In
nearly every land it is deemed necessary 10 protect
the colored races.
A short time ago a procession of rnouruers fol-
lowed 70 the grave one whose sudden death had
stricken many hearts. As we passed along Bers-
tania street, dozen natives came trooping out of
IN enclosure opposite the Commercial Hotel ,
They were half drunk, and as they rushed yelling
across tne street and apparently surrounding the
1earse and chief m0urners' Carriage they seemed
more NE eannibals waiting for their feast than
lead vas man who has for years worn royal ,
livery and they danced and screeched through end
lcross the funeral line. and laughing into the
lotei premises, where their voices were raised 70
higher pitch Of drunken Rlee Some ran out at The
Aunanu street entrance 10 get another view Of the
uneral procession but there was not one sinn Of 1
ecency: lhe sight appalled, me- and sent me e
lome thinking. Such scene is surely unknown
Z any Christian realm, and am clad to know | 4
hat It Is a terrible novelty here. If
IL Is said that in two years the Act viii srun 3
self out But much will happen in two yaars / q
nd with such unchecked license as Is now roin1 4
2, where and what win the Haxaiians Be- then.S b
ICE Ike disease IS contagious and Il is as un- 4
sasonable 10 expect that all those Havaifans Who
ave hitherto resisted temptation viii oonfirue 10 d
land amid snch scenes as ara being enacted AZ q
nat flock Of sheep shall cunfinue uritaintcS viii
group Of diseased ones in their ranks. i Am n
I'D that IN SONS districts hawaii where drink Il
~ formerly sold secretly, it can now be had y
most openly and no arrests are made. II
The law has passed from the hands Of those who el
nee could have prevented Il; and now nothing VI
II me vigilance, tbs royalty and the devotion Of n
q Executive from the highest 20 The lowest can G
'ili and We sho1ld sppeal toal Who feel anxistv II
responsibility for the rescue Of the Harafians ,,
a1q whatever measures can be taken 20 STAY fhis ii
II food. -, i.
For some Of us there may Be nothing ieft but 70 s
oiesii and as ono who signed the nennriai 10 =. ii
q King asking that rather than Che restriction G.
remqYeu me of Intoxicating liquors II
Qula 70 prohibited, feel II to DO ny dufy 10 ol