The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1889-12-10

SIXTY DAYS from Thursday the
general election for Mobiles and
Representatives throughout the isl
ands takes place on February 5.
Already are heard from different
quarters the steps of the electors
moving to take action in the nomina-
tion of candidates. In each of the
twenty-four districts there will prob
ably be at least two tickets proposed.
In former years the number was
much larger, often dozen candi-
dates in one district. The new law,
which requires candidates to pay a
fee Of fifty or twenty-five dollars for
the privilege of entering the contest
for a Mobiles or a Representatives.
seat, will have the effect of reducing
the number to two or three in each
district. And it will be far better
for the people to have the election
narrowed down to a choice for or
against the platforms of the two
leading parties.
The first of these is the Liberal
Reform PARTY, which adopts the
existing constitution as the basis of
the Hawaiian Government, the main
spring of which is the full RESPONSE
bility of the Cabinet to the PEOPLE in
all executive matters of State. They
hold, however, that it may be wisely
amended in one or more of its pro
visions, to establish greater security
and prosperity for the people.
The restriction of free immigra-
tion of the Chinese is one thing
which demands and must receive the
prompt attention of the Legislature
and Government. Conflicting inter
ests must be adjusted to protect the
local industries as we'll as the plant
ing interests of the country. 1t is
believed that wise counsels can unite
on some amendment of the Constitu-
tion which will correct the evil.
Regarding the questions of public
debt, honest administration, educa-
ton, the proposed perpetuation of
the reciprocity treaty and the inde-
pendence of Hawaii, there can be
but one opinion among all intelli-
gent voters, whether belonging to
the Liberal Reform party or to no
party.
The Opposition party, so far as its
principles have been announced in
its organ the Elele, is understood to
have for its heavy plank the election
of all executive officers by popular
vote, or a biennial rotation of the
government. This, if ever adopted,
will tend more than anything else to
undermine and destroy the stability
of the Hawaiian Government.
Its main object, however, is under
stood to be the overturning of the
existing administration, abolishing
the Constitution, and restoring that
of 1865, (known as the Harris Con-
stitution), and with it the restora-
tion of irresponsible government.
Independent of these parties, is
the recently organized Mechanics
Union, composed, as its name indi-
Gates, of those who are engaged in
various trades and dependent on
them for their support. Their prime
bond of union is opposition to free
immigration of the Chinese, in which
the present administration has pro-
missed to cooperate. A strong pres
sure is being brought to secure an
amalgamation of the Mechanics
Union with the radical Opposition
party of the Elele crowd. The
mechanics now constitute a we'll
organized union of not far from one
thousand voters. They are identi-
fed with the true prosperity of the |
country, and their demand has been
made and will be secured. They |
hold the balance of power in this |
city, and may number before the |
election fully one-half the voters of |
this district. Wisdom would indi-