Daily Honolulu press. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1886, 1886-05-03

to the members elect and Mr.. Parker
could be sworn in at the same time.
Mr.. Kaai dissented from the deci-
sion saying that the House was unor-
ganized and therefore bound by no
rules.
The chair, however, remained firm.
Noisy silence prevailed in the absence
of the committee
At length Mr.. Cecil Brown rose to a
point of order He cited the House to
Rule 61 which assigns the duty of de-
termining the credentials of members
elect to the Judiciary Committee He
therefore moved that the House pro
ceed to the election of President and it
would then be in position to act upon
credentials and proceed with other
business.
The motion was seconded by Mr..
Kaulukou.
Mr.. Bush said the proceedings
throughout had been irregular: A
committee had been appointed from
among members elect to sit in judg-
ment on their own claims to seats. He
contended that the credentials of mem
bers elect should be referred to a com
mittee of Mobiles as that bodyis legally in
session, and that the representatives do
not become legislators until their quail
hcations are passed upon.
Mr. Kaulukou, denied that the
Mobiles could constitute the House. 81
am here" said the honorable gentle
man, ''to represent the district of Hilo,
and no one can question my right to a
seat except the Legislative Assembly,
which consists of the House of Mobiles
and 20 representatives" F."
! Mr.. Neumann argued that members
elect cannot exercise the function of
Legislators until the oath is administer
ed. The election of President is Of
Legislative function, therefore, until the
qualifications of members are determ-
ined and until they are sworn in, they
cannot vote for President.
Mr.. Brown called for the ruling of
the chair
The chair remarked that the appoint
ment of the committee is in conformity
with former customs of the House.
The committee on credentials merely
considers the b1ima f7cie evidence Of
each members title to seat. The Gre
dentials must afterwards be submitted
to the Judiciary Committee.
At this point the committee reported
favorably upon the credentials of the
members elect as above given. The
report was adopted
On motion of Mr. Kaai a commit
tee was appointed to wait upon the
Chief Justice and request his presence
to administer the oath to the new Noble
Mr.. S. Parker and the members elect.
The committee consisting of Messrs.
Kaai, Kaulukou and Brown retired and
shortly reappeared accompanied by
His Honor, the Chief Justice, in Of
fcial robes. After administering the
oath TO Mr.. Parker, his Honor admin
istered it to the members elect present
in the following order: Members from
Hawaii, members from Maui, members
from Molakai and Lanai and Kaua,
and members from Oahu.
Mr.. Kaai then nominated Hon. ]. S.
Walker for President of the Legislature,
and Mr.. Dole placed in nomination
Hon. Godfrey Rhodes.
Mr.. Rhodes in feeling speech re-
turned thanks for the honor of this
nomination. He had filled the Chair
several times and the present renom-
nation showed an appreciation Of his
former course during his incumben
cies. AS a tribute of approval it is
highly grateful to him. But declining
health would shortly compel him to
crave leave of absence TO go to a
colder climate. Therefore, with most
grateful thanks, he must decline re-
election.
Mr. Kalua, in a eulogistic speech
then placed in nomination Hon. c. R.
Bishop. Mr.. Bishop had been mem
Der of the Legislature as far back as
he (Mr Kalua) could remember and
had filled the Chair in on acceptable
manner
| Mr.. Kaulukou admitted the high
character of both of the candidates.
As they are of equal fitness and capac-
| ity, he hoped the members would give
Mr. Walker the preference. Mr..
Kaulukou favored rotation, and as Mr..
Bishop and Mr.. Rhodes had formerly
been honored, now let Mr.. Walker be
Iequally honored.
Messrs. Dickey and Baker were APP
pointed tellers and the House pro.
ceeded to ballot The election re-
suited as follows: Whole number Of
votes cast 80, Of which Walkerreceived
~, Bishop 10, Rhodes I.
Mr. Rhodes then vacated the Chan
and the President elect Hon. J. S.
Walker assumed the Chair and ad-
dressed the Assembly as follows:
Mobiles and Representatives: am not in.
sensible of the honor that you have beer
pleased to confer upon me, neither am un
mindful of the duties and responsibilities.
Looking back to the past session many of you
who were here will remember that the chaii
has been filled by gentleman Of great ability
and large parliamentary experience which
cannot claim. am prompted to remind you
that the President is simply the presiding
officer to be governed by the rules, precedent
and practice, and without your aid and sup