The Hawaiian gazette., 1888-08-14

..Es.s....-sz., -
would be much nearer its close. As it
is not much time has been wasted, UNI
less it be waste OF time to discuss the
pounds bill, the various acts relating to
konohiki and hoaaina rights and some
others of a like nature. Important
changes are proposed in the general
policy of the country, notably in
the adjustment of the Office OF governor
and in the military establishment. Both
of these measures have passed through
the House, both elected much discus
sion and. were examined and criticised
in all bearings and may be considered
as settled. The appropriation bill has
been presented in new form, section
providing for the absolutely necessary
expenses of the government, section
provides for internal Improvements and
expenditures-the funds wherefor are
to be derived from sources other than
ordinary income, and for which the
country will become debtor, as for the
receipts from the postal savings bank
and loans. 1t is right and proper that
all such receipts should be used only for
permanent improvements. Section 3
provides the means to meet any extra
ordinary contingency The bill is new
departure in our legislation and is step
in the right direction, tending to check
and prevent unauthorized misappropris-
ton of public funds.
Among the most important bills yet
unconsidered is the measure intro
duced by the government, looking
toward a reform in the assessment and
collection of taxes. A reform has long
been needed in this department If
taxes are properly assessed, the eollee-
ton is not so difficult The assessment
is in many respects judicial proceed
ing and calls for the exercise Of judg-
ment and qualities OF no mean order.
While there is no doubt that much prop
erty is over valued, it is equally true
that much is moderated, and proper
equalization OF. ;ht to result in consid-
cradle increase OF revenue. The meas
ure ought also to result in reducing our
expenses. We now pay high rates for
the assessment and collection, amount
ing to not far from nine per cent. Of the
total revenue. The appointment OF per-
manent officers on regular salaries ought
to permit the employment Of deputies in
each district to do mere detail work, at
wages which would altogether be con-
siderably less than the present rule of
commissions. After reading the bill,
We see no reason Tor altering the Opin-
ion previously expressed in these col
umns, that the new office might we'll be
made an elective one. 1t would be
fair and square blow at the cry of CEN
tralization, because that each island
then would nominate and elect the
officer whose opinion would practically
determine the amount to be paid in
taxes by the citizens Of each. The cleo
ton of proper officers would be insured
by the submission Of the names Of all
candidates to the Minister OF Finance,
whose approval should be required Of
the half dozen or more candidates for
election Let the system be arranged
and perfected and at the election of 1890
have the first candidates chosen. 1t is
at least worth trying.
II the present session cannot take the
time to carefully consider and digest
that most important of measures, the
bill for the reorganization Of the judi
ciary, it should be allowed to stand over
till 1890, but not without the passage of
some act to prohibit the appointment of
any more judges to the Supreme Bench
in case of the reduction of the present
number by death or otherwise, except
ing always to keep three judges on the
bench.
Some kind of an election bill will be
passed We believe that it would be for
the best interests of the whole country
to enact that now before the House in
substantially that form, but it is prob
able that in some respects material
changes will be made
The session should not go by without
providing for commissions to report upOn
an entire recodifcation of our laws, and
upon the important matter of municipal
government for Honolulu, or general
law for municipal corporations.
House Notes.