The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1885-12-14
STATUS OF FOREIGNERS.

A tone of resentment pervadeS
Government editorials, whenever for
eign interest manifested in national
affairs is mentioned. This must be
put down as one of those modern
mysteries that cannot be solved to
the credit of the producing agents.
Why the present Cabinet should ar
rogate superior position over the
foreign element resident here must
battle anybody not an expert in the
ways of impudence. The Ministers
stand foreign themselves three to
one in respect of nativity and eX-
traction. 1t is only an impertinence,
coming from that quarter, to insist
that no foreigner should have opin-
ions upon national politics until he
has qualified as an elector of the |
realm. The naturalization process,
in either of it's different forms, is |
such that the foreigner DESTROYS of
acquiring citizenship has to assume
the risk of rejection upon grounds
other than not possessing qualifica-
tons that would give him respect
able standing as a member of the
body polite in his own country.
This consideration presents humili-
ating obstacle to hundreds of foreign
residents who would otherwise gladly
assume the responsibilities of citizen
ship in the nation for so long as
they live within its borders. 1t is
the nations loss that so many people
reared under progressive institutions
are thus debarred from participating
in the privileges of self-government.
However, we claim for foreigners
having stake in the country the
right to hold and express opinions
pertaining to the conduct of public
affairs. If they have taxation with
out representation, they should have
the exercise of whatever legitimate
influence they may possess in the
community, and the free expression
of their sentiments, by voice or pen,
within proper bounds. AS contri-
butors to the national wealth, they
have right to say in the admins
tration of the public revenues, so
far as the individual voice may yield
it's quota to public opinion. Bearing
their share of the public burdens, it
is theirs, surely, at least to state
their views regarding the degree or
manner of the levying of tribute.
From the influence foreign resi-
dents may possess to operate upon
the powers to which they are subject,
it would seem to be very impolitic
to have them snubbed by apologists
of the Hawaiian Government, for
venturing to show concern in the
welfare of this country. Most desira-
BILE is it for this nation, under the
circumstances in which it is placed,
to be governed in harmony not only
with the highest indigenous and
adopted intelligence, but also Will
the alien product domiciled fol
longer OR shorter periods within thu
group. BY profession the Govern
ment has boastedly adopted thu
| Kings motto, Increase the Ma
ton Is it in consonance with tn
l spirit of that sentiment that tn
: numerous class of residents, posses
e sing the highest qualities for citi
e zenship, who are making trial of thi
j kingdom as place of permanen
e abode, should be insulted for ventul
G ing suggestions upon the conduct. G
n public affairs? Apart from the in
G policy of such line of tactics,
:, does not lie with the present Cabin'
It to hold unnaturalized residents
d such contempt. The Ministers max
% no scruples about employing allie
C writer's to set forth their own CLAIM