The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1888-12-14
FRIDAY, DECEMBER IA, 1888.

In A recently published letter from
Hon. W. A. Kinney, the expression oc-
ours, "The revolution last year turned
on . single idea, VIZ: to mako the white
mans civilization dominant at the Is
lands" %SAS "What brought the
mon out was the purpose to make the
Islands q white mans country" He
qualities this by adding, That did not
mean the drawing of any race lines, but
1t did mean drawing line between those
who are of our civilization, and those
who are not and who will not adapt
themselves to it," By the first named
class are undoubtedly meant the Ha-
waiians and white foreigners, by the
latter the Chinese. We do not refer to
this language to contest the correctness
of the statement as it is evidently meant
10 be understood, although the terms
"white mans civilization" and white
mans country are very liable to
thoughtless misconstruction on the one
hand, and intentional misrepresentation
on the other. We are inclined to think,
however, that the writer overestimates
the weight of the anti-Chinese feeling
among the motives which gave energy
to last years. movement. That feeling
undoubtedly existed at the time, bat not
10 the same extent, or in anything like
the same intensity as at present. Events
which have happened since the rsvolu-
Sion have widened and deepened the
Anti-Chinese sentiment immensely.
What We wish to especially emphasize
is his depreciation Of the drawing of any
race lines" between HawaiiaRs and
haeles, and to insist on using the terms
"a white mans country" and I" the
white mans civilization" Ia no sense
inconsistent with the NEST scrupulous
regard for the rights and interests of the
aboriginal inhabitants Of these Islands.
The relations of the natives and whites
have habituslly been most kindly and
mutually serviceable. We trust they are
20 continue so. The Hawaiian has been
very hospitable to foreign ideas and
practices, both 70 benefcent and to per-
AIC4OuS OnoSS AA0 AesS OOOA 0OSOA OAA6
Che white mans civilization and ideas
about as fast as the disadvantages
Of hereditary sentiment and habit
could be expected to let him.
All his ideas of what is superior
and worthiest of attainment point in the
direction Of the white mans religious
and social practices and his fiscal eco
Asrnies. There are, of course, frequent
partial reversions to old and nominally
discarded ways. The Hawaiian some
times, and of necessity, wearies of the
strain and effort Of moving In civilized
lines Of conduct. Still he recognizes
their necessity, and cordially makes and
Tenews his efforts to follow them. So
long as he does this, and does not set
himself in wilful opposition thereto, We
think he adequately makes good his con-
tinued right to exercise full share of
political power, and to part in the adj
ministration of affairs, according to his
ability.
The Government was once exclusively
the Hawaiian's. In compliance with
the imperative necessities Of the incom-
ing tide of commerce and white eiviliza-
tioA, the Hawaiian cordially accepted the
white mans partnership in the Govern
nent, aud the guidance of his wider ex-
perience and training. This arrange
ment still exists. The Hawaiian is full
partner by right in the government of
the country. At the same time, the logic
Of events, and the inevitable necessities
Of the case would imperil that right,
should he insist on such arbitrary and
otherwise obsolete and barbarous ideas
and methods IS the late regime was I'M
questionably tending towards. To this
extent we recognize the truth that the
white mans civilization must be dorni-
nant. Located whore these islands are,
with their existing productions and com
merce, there is no choice in the matter.
The situation forbids the supremacy of
any social or administrative systems an
tagonistic to those of the white man.
The Hawaiian has heretofore conformed
thereto. We have no doubt he will con-
tinue to do 80. In this limited sense,
this is "white mans country" But it
In not 30 in any sense that would relegate
The Hawaiian to an inferior position, nor
do We think that any one Of recognized
influence or representative position de-
sires anything Of the kind. Any move
ment In that direction may count upon
the ADvERFIsnR's most determined oppo-
sltlOn.