The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1883-01-13

We clip the following from the San Fran
cisco Daily EUening Post of Dec. %:
Among the several questions now under
consideration by the general government at
washington of important interest to the
Pacific slope and San Francisco, especially.
IS that of reciprocity. While our local
Boards of Commerce and Trade are doing
their utmost to obtain reciprocal treaties
with Mexico and other countries, an effort
IS being made by the Eastern sugar retifers
and importers to have the treaty of reci-
procity with the Hawaiian Islands abroga-
ted. In this attempt considerable misrepre-
sentation as to the effect of the treaty upon
tie Pacific slope has been INDUCED in.
Statements have been made that the mer-
chants of San Francisco earnestly desire
its abrogation and that its continuance is
only desired by one firm In order to
practically and correctly obtain the views of
the leading merchants on the subject, a list
Of some thirty or forty of the leading firms
was selected haphazIrd and irrespective Of
their business connections with the island.
Out Of the large number called upon the
interviews which follow give the cream of
THE FEELING OF THE MERCANTILE COM
UNIT
At large, and to give more at the present
time would simply be a series of repetitions
of the same ideas. Many of these gentle
men, however, spoke of the growth OF
American influence in connection with the
civilization of the islands and the conse-
quent results of peOplIng them with Euro
pean inhabitants, principally from Scan
dinavian countries or Portugal. In course
of time, as the natives succumb, the event
ualities msy lead to the purchase or pOliti-
cal absorption of the islands by the United
States, when the class Of people referred to
and their descendants would make a de-
siTable body of citizens. This would be far
preferable to permitting them to become a
rest of Chinese, as was desired by the
notorious Celso Caesar r Moreno. A gentle
nan who has fut recently returned from
the islands states that the slavery charges
brought against the planters are absolutely
without foundation. He never saw Il hap
pier set of laborers than those on the planta-
lions. They were we'll fed and cared for
and housed, and this fact was shown in
their anxiety to renew their labor contracts.
No work was permitted to be done on Sun
day, nor could any liquor be purchased i'll
Honolulu on that day. So far as the sugar
question was concerned, nearly all who
were approached on the subject stated that
the United States ought not to interfere in
a private mercantile fight to it's own preju-
dice and to thai of a
RAPIDLY TRADE,
Which would eventually benefit the East
and the whole country in the like proper
ton in which the Pacific slope was now
reaping the results of the treaty. In cor
rObOration of this view the fact was cited
that the Cramp Brothers., of Philadelphia,
were even now constructing, at a cost OF
3 1,OOO,0 900, two steamers for the trade be-
tween San Francisco and the islands. The
United States cannot afford to lose an ex-
port trade which even now amounts to at
least 50, 800 900 n year Some feared the
possession of the islands by Germany more
thar by England, as they would materially
assist in the completion of the chain of Ger
man naval stations. All Of the gentlemen
laid great stress upon the political necessity
for the ontinuance Of the treaty, and in
this connection a letter from General SchO-
field will be read with vivid interest.
THE MI OF COMMERCE.
The Chamber of Commerce of San Fran
cisco is n most important body, of about lT5
of our leading merchants, and although 1t
has not at present taken any consolidated
action in the matter, the views of the ma
jOrity of its members are undenlably repre-
scented by the views of its President, w. r.
Babcock, of the firm of Parrott q Co. Mr..
Babcock was of the opinion that for political
reasons, If for none other, the treaty should
be maintained. Its abrogatiOn meant the
dominant control of the Islands by England
or Germany in a very short time Ihey
would then become a thorn in our side, IN
the event of war. Commercially regarded,
the treaty was of great value to San Fran
cisco and the Pacific slope, and to the coun-
try generally. The sugar question would
right itself. In Mr.. Babcockis last report to
the Chamber, he briefly but Pertinently
says: "The healthful working of the reci-
procity treaty with the Hawaiians has
helped to develop their island product OF
sugar and rice, and at the same time has
augmented the export trade to the Islands,
and in many ways has been OF great value
to the manufacturing interests of this city"
Statistics are then given, which show the
great increase of the imports and exports
to and from these Islands. Among the ex-
ports are found the following articles: Bar
few, beans, boots and shoes, bread, bran,
bricks, lumber. shingles, posts, laths, pick
cts. candles, corn, dry goods, salmon, flour,
apples. canned fruits, canned meats, hay,
hops, leather, lime, machinery. meal mans.
WHAT A THINKS.
Tn connection with Mr.. Babcock's views,
the following letter is of Importance. IL was
written in December, 1875, by General j. NJ.
Sehofield to Hon. j. X. Luttrel, NJ. C., from
the headquarters of the Military DIVISION OF
the Pacific. The General says:
"Knowing your interest III the subject, L
venture TO give YOU briefly my views III re-
spect to the Hawaiian treaty, which Is soon
To- come before Congress Tor LEGISLATIVE
HThe Hawaiian Islands constitute the
only natural outpost to the defenses OF our
Pacific coast. In the possession OF II IoTelSh
naval power in time Oh wal, a9 uePo1
which to fit out hostile eXpedltlons aSalnss
tbis coast. and our on the racine
Ocean. they would afford the means Of in
o"IcnIabIe injury to the United States. Ii
the absolute neutrality of the Islands could
ALWAYS be insured, that would suf1ce. But
sLaybave not, and they never can have,
the mower to maintain their own neutrality,
and now their necessities force them to
seek alliance with some nation whIeh can
@eiiave their embarrassment. The British
1910 through its North Pacific ana
Snnfh Sea colonies, stands ready to enter
80 such an alliance and thus to complete
its chain of naval stations from Australia TO
IlInnds the little aid they so sorely need
& ~ the same time deny their right to
seek it elsewhere. The time has come
seSn We must secure forever the desired
"hen oyar these Islands, or let it pass into
cther hands. The financial interest to the
United states involved in this treaty Is very
emaH and if it were much greater II would