The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1888-12-04
A FORECAST.


EDITOR BULLETIN: II has now be-
come significant question, in po-
ltical sense, as to which race resid-
ing on the Hawaii Islands the |
term "Hawaiians" is applicable,
or whether Hawaiians do not mean |
all permanent residents of any race
or color. a few years ago the /
aborigines only were termed Ha-
waiians; but recent important |
changes in the makeup of the popu
lation of these Islands, have render
ed the term in the original sense
practically obsolete.
Numerically, the Hawaiian-Chi-
nese element, alone, has more males
than the aboriginal race can boast,
and the Portuguese immigrants
number about one-half of either.
The light complexioned residents of
this kingdom, although compare
lively weak in numbers, are the
dominant class; and the changes in
the same direction are still in pro-
gress.
The sentiment OF Hawaii for the
aborigines is no longer practical in
the face of increased communicaa
tions and progress, and the aspira-
tions of the white race to have the
Islands fully settled. The abor-
iginal natives, already reduced to
about one-third of the total popula-
ton, are steadily decreasing in num-
bers; and the naeIes and songs, that
they sing in public, are but the
walls of an expiring race of man
kind for which the world in its pro-
gress has no further use.
Politically there should now be
the same consideration for all classes
of permanent residents upon these
Islands; except foreigners, such
as the Chinese, who cannot assimi-
late with tue people. There should
be no favored race or class, and
merit or fitness for positions should
regulate all Government appoint
ments. If native is not so fit for a
position as white man let the lat
ter be chosen-there should be no
favor of race; as all are alike be-
fore the law, so let them be alike
politically.
1t is well known fact that the
aboriginal races, of all the islands
of the Pacific, hinder civilization in
their localities, and the aborigines
of Hawaii are no exception-as a
class they shamefully abuse trust,
and cast discredit upon any high
office that they are permitted to fill.
The objection may be urged that
the islands still belong to the origi-
nal natives; but this view of the
question is more nominal than real,
and the political independence OF
the group exists upon sufferance of
the leading powers. Supposing
that the aboriginal population ol
these Islands was reduced to about
dozen individuals, and the whites
had increased to 1000; could the
Government be carried on in the
name of that dozen darkskins
Certainly not! Well, the aborigi.
nails still number about 20, GOO; but
is that number, of a very inferior
race, sufficient to have the govern
ing power of 60, 900 foreigners domi-
ciled in the Islands? 1t is true that
the Cabinet is composed of whites,
between whom and the king there
can be nothing but distrust; but il
political power is practically vested
in the Cabinet, why not make il
nominal also and do away with the
expensive sham of native rule.
That these Islands will, in few
years, be settled and governed by
people of the white race, is a matte
of certainty which every well in
formed person clearly understands
but is it not wisdom 10 anticipate
this future of the group, and 81
shape the political policy of tn
kingdom as to prepare for its ar
rival?
Among the many conflicting ques
tions that must be agitated betwee
now and the next election, the abov
are likely to be included; and what
ever changes of policy are resolves
upon they will fall short of wha
should be done, if provision is nc
made for selling the lands with
yeomanry that will cultivate an
make the most of the waste place
abounding on all the islands.
A SoJoURNER.