Saturday press. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1880-1885, 1882-08-26
PENNY WISE AND POUND FOOLISH

PENNY WISE AND POUND FOOLISH.
No subject is Of greater Importance to the
planter, at present, than that of labor supply.
Large crops have been harvested the past
season, which in many cases occupied more
time than usual, while the large area planted
last year demands attention. 1t is also desira-
bic that this seasons planting should at least
equal that Of last year. Theso conditions |
have demanded, and still demand, larger
forces Of laborers than usual, but the supply |
from abroad during the past year has fallen
| far short OF the requirements, and moreover
the contracts of large numbers previously pro-
cured have expired, and still greater number
will expire during tho next six months. Many
of the planters, after severe struggles with
the numberless obstacles in the way of sue
cess, are emerging from their difficulties, and
with a sufficient supply Of labor they would
have been able, during tho two coming har-
vests, to receive measure Of reward for their
perseverance, aud industry. But without the
requisite supply Of laborers they will not be
able to properly caro- for the growing crops,
nor put in the necessary planting for the fol-
lowing crop
Al the planters meeting last March, this
question Of labor supply was the paramount
one over all others. Many possible sources of
supply were discussed tried and untried
fields were considered information sought
and suggestions. theories, Queries and plans
in variety were presented. The matter was
| tal in yvh oh atolr, nl,, inli
Gated it's absorbing Importance The remarks
and bearing of plany of those hard worked,
enduring men, showed that they were terribly
in earnest After providing necessary means
for making experiments, and relying on the
Portuguese Immigration already established
and in successful operation they returned to
their homes with brighter hopes for tho future.
Former administrations had made faithful
efforts in attempts to introduce immigrants,
of which tho Portuguese scheme proved the
most satisfactory, both as laborcrs and for
population. The expense of bringing them
had been large, but this was we'll known, and
was not Of sufficient moment to deter applca-
tons as those filed with tho Board of Immi-
grafton will show.
In the light of these facts, nothing but con-
demnaton of the severest kind could follow
the announcement that the Gibson Ministry
had forwarded orders to stop the immigration.
The fact in itself was sufficient to procure
: profound apprehensions, but the subsequent
Developments as to the hasty and secret man
nor III which the Government had taken the
action and dispatched the instructions, caused
curses to be heaped on the authors of it. That
men intrusted with the direction of the affairs
of the country, and who should have the inter-
es,s Of the people at heart could deal such q
blow at the best interests of tho country Seems
inexcusable. Many waited to learn if there
were any adequate reasons for the course pur-
sned, but the only reason 80 far given is theii
1 cost, which the Ministry state is excessive, tc
support which Mr.. Gibson presented an ex
, hibit to tho Legislature of tho cost of thos,
y brought here by tho Monarch. Tho truth o
this can be judged Of when tho fact is shown
It that the cost of tho lot by the Monnca-wa.
: not known to the Board Of immigration unit
@ sometime after the instructions had been sent
# But even if it had been known, what justiica
o ton is there for their action when, as alread,
u """"'b '"o "PP''S@'o"ob io6"io "
IS cost, were largely in excess OF the number
Z reported to be Ell route.
/. Whether the true reason was the persona
9 spite of individual members of the Cabne
d toward the representative sent by the forme
o Ministry, or some intended snub aimed at tn
# Planters Company, or mere wantun asser
d ton Of power. the result is the same. Plan
9 tations are crippled and the Government la
1t willfully wronged and injured the best friend
ID OF the country. Deep feeling and stron
10 language are justihable in this matter Man
b follies and excuses may DO overlooked, br
5! unwarranted and wide spread damage Of thi
nature will produce results which neither I'll
N Ministry nor the King can now prevent 1t
g Of no avail for Mr.. Gibson to say that tn
10 interruption OF the immigration Of Portuguese
to is only temporary. II even SO, at this juncl
ts ure the damage will BIO done before immigro
D. ton can be again established, and no on
to knows how permanent tho interruption una
90 be. 1t was interrupted last year, and only b
10 prompt and active measures was it re-estat
D lishcd.
N All civilized countries watch emgratio
Is from it's borders with jealousy; and now aft,
IS all the assurances Of tho past year, who cs
or toll what effect this pre-emptory order ma
lie have on the Portuguese Government