Saturday press. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1880-1885, 1882-02-25
SATURDAY PRESS.
A VIEW OF THE SITUATION,
FEBRUARY 25, 1882.

AT the present juncture, and in view of what
not long since transpired in our politics to dis
turb the equanimity Of the community and its
business interests, it is not surprising that per
sons OF a thoughtful and contemplatve turn of
mind should look forward to the approaching
session of the Legislature with degree of So
licitude and concern hitherto unknown in the
history of our Legislative sessions. Espe-
caly will such feeling be intense if iudi-
cations are wanting of an abatement Of the
theory and principles which before have led to
discord and disoension. AS it was impossible
to ioresee the grave results following upon Il
political scheme, of which pamphlet, so alb
surd and incohercnt only to provoke laugh
ter was the herald and forerunner. so matters
which OF themselves and in their present state
OF development, though appearing trivial may
be but the quickening of intus no less pro-
digious and unsightly than the now historical
birth of two years since. We arc aware of
nothing that has transpired to make political
schemes less possible or less dangerous TO
community interests now than then, although
1t is to be hoped that experience may have
lessencd the spirit Of temcrity with which they
were once brought forward. OF the probability
however OF the existence of the same policy
and ideas that led up to the unpleasant cpl
sodo enacted in August, 1880, we are led to
judge from certain facts and the attitude of n
certain class or sect of persons known to look
with eagcrness for any change in the admins-
tration Of affairs with the hope of personal
benefit.
We have not, it is true, again had q Hoapili
Baker pamphlet and manifesto thrust upon us,
nor have We here again a Moreno to direct the
play; but we have one over Lilikaans name,
aud the indication is as plain to-day as it was
in 1880, that the object then is the object now;
but whether the means for its accomplishment
will again risk what was then rislied of curse
remains to be seen, and no honest man will
hope it so. 1t may be said we are prone to
look too much at tho dark side of this sub
Ject; but 1t is peculiarly of the human
mind to draw conclusions from analogy, and
reasoning thus we can see nothing very bright
In store 1t was dangerous attempt of one
estate to cncroach upon the rights of another
that caused trouble in 1880 and when we see
the first indications of rcsusctation of such a
spirit in the tralnmclling of elections, we can
not see but that there is reason TO look on at
least with concern. Ten million loan and free
phis6ey in prospect can afford US no encour-
agement, especially at moment when the
commercial prosperity of tho Islands is being
assailed from abroad, and systematic efforts
are being made with growing effect to rob the
country OF tho boon of Reciprocity. A watch
full eye, more than perhaps at any former time,
is upon us from abroad, and unwise legisla
ton is not likely to help the estimation of our
ability to govern ourselves, which ability has
already been called into question by the ene-
mics of the treaty, and has been made one
count among many upon which it is held it
should be revoked.
But, in whatever may be done, or in what
may be contemplated, it should be well under
stood that capital and business interests will
never allow themselves to be subordinated
without struggle to any but the most press
ing necessities, and will stand firm against tho
indiscriminate and wasteful expenditure of
public revenue. Merchants and business men,
and all such as have a direct interest in the
welfare of this nation would have it remem-
bered by such as assume the functions of leg
islators that majority in value, as we'll as in
number, should be considered in all legislative
acts affecting business interests; and espe-
cially at the present time they can i'll afford
that such distinction should be thrown away
We await the issue in anxious hope that
notwithstanding the portentous utterances of
proiessed rcformers, nothing unwise or heed
less shall be done to break tho harmony, or
hazard tho commercial prosperity Of the King
DOM