The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1886-09-22
THE LEGISLATURE.

The Legislative Assembly has been
doing some good work of late, although
the tendency to tedious debate is still
apparent However, members really
manifest growing disposition to bring
the session TO close, and some even
cherish the hope OF finishing it by the
end of the present month. 1t is possible
to accomplish this by diligent applica-
ton to business; but we by no means
think it probable. Mr.. Cecil Brown yes
terday moved that there should be night
sittings, but his motion was not adopted,
Mr.. KaunamanO having delivered a
humorous speech against it, in which he
illustrated the difficulties in the way Of
getting the House to settle down to bust
ness after dinner. 1t was resolved I'm
stead to assemble earlier each day and
be more diligent in work. We note
these points because they are of interest
as showing the bent of the legislative
mind on the one hundred and seventh
day of the session. 1t is about time
some change of method was adopted to
save appearances.
In the Assembly on Monday resolu-
ton was passed instructing that select
committee be appointed to report upon
the measures to be adopted for becom-
ing celebration of His Majesty's fiftieth
birthday. The resolution was moved by
Mr.. Aholo, and supported by His Excel
lency Mr.. Gibson, who thought that
the committee should likewise make
a recommendation as to expenditure
This is proper course to take. The oc-
casion is an interesting one, the Kings
life being coincident with nearly all the
great progressive movements in the
country, and his own name, as ruler and
promoter, is inseparably associated with
the more important of these. 1t is not
for us to anticipate the action of the
Committee when appointed, but we trust
its report will not be put off until too late
for consideration and review by the
Legislature. The fiftieth, or Jubilee
birthday of His Majesty the King, should
be made the occasion for national dem
Onstration of loyalty and affection un-
surpassed in any of its features hereto
fore. The Legislature will be called
upon to vote the money for this object,
and there should be no niggardly spirit
evinced when an appropriation is asked
for that purpose.
The length of the session, and the ex-
pense incurred for engrossing, trans
lating and printing bills, reports and
public documents, imposed the neces-
sity OF providing more money for the
expense Of the Legislature, and a joint
resolution appropriating $15, 900 for that
purpose was considered and passed on
Monday, and reported back approved
yesterday. This was prompt work, and
shows what may be accomplished when
the Legislature really means business.
A bill to amend the law relating to
private ways and water rights, intro
duced by Mr.. Castle, was the subject
of animated debate on both days.
1t is needless to follow this debate,
which disclosed not little error and a
great deal of prejudice. 1t is sufficient
to say that the bill passed, with several
members of the Bar having seats in the
House are based upon facts-and we be-
ieve they are-then it was high time
that the law should be amended 1t is
to be hoped the bill in question will cure
these defects.
The Electric Light bill came up for
discussion yesterday, and after consider
able debate, and a statement of policy
by<he Minister of the Interior, it was
laid upon the table. This was the best
thing to do with it. The bill in posses
sion of the House was the committees
substitute, and not the original
measure introduced early in the ses-
sion. The subject, no doubt, is a diff
cult one, and it should be left |
to the Government either to carry
the project out themselves or enter into |
contract to have the work done. |
But when much older and richer COM !
munities than Honolulu have abandoned |
electric light after trial, this city may |
very well be excused for exercising a
prudent discretion in its adoption.
The Appropriation bill came up for
consideration in committee yesterday, /
when it was passed to engrossment, and /
is to be read third time next Monday |
The Finance Committee reported that
the total amount of appropriations up to
yesterday was S., 1875, $40 SO. This is a
large sum of money, but it did not cover
all the permanent settlements en-
bodied in bills that have been passed by
the Legislature. There are other addi-
tons to be made to the bill. This will
probably delay the final passing of the
bill for day or two.
Complimentary Dinner.