The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1890-01-23
Sugar and asia,,c Questions.


Sugar and Asiattc Questions.
Mr.. EDITOR: Permit me little space |
on the "Sugar" and "Asiatic" questions. |
And allow me first to say that in the 7. |
G.. A. of Goth inst. you made uis-state
ment which it is proper l should correct.
You stated that l owned 'no sugar stock
at ALL" For several years l owned no
such stock, but recently | bought few
shares.
AS TO the question of whether | am a
Cougar man" or not, | wish to state that
/ am most emphatically in favor OF fos-
tering the sugar industry, and every
other lawful industry which may tend to
develop the resources OF the Islands and
add to our permanent prosperity.
This sentiment is not in any manner
inconsistent with the equally earnest de-
sire that the immigration OF Chinese and
Japanese to this country be most strictly
and wisely guarded.
No present profit can justify us in per-
hitting this country to be over-run with
| classes OF people who are not fit to be-
come citizens. 1t is useless to quarrel
about the fact the duties of the present
| and our welfare for the future are what
we must see to.
In dealing with the "Asiatic question, y
by far the most difficult problem is what
shall be done about the Chinese and
Japanese now in the country. We
occupy a somewhat different relation to
them from that which we will hold to
those who may be admitted hereafter.
| With all those who come hereafter we
can tafter adopting a suitable amend
ment to the Constitution make such
conditions as we see ft-absolutely pro
hibiting them from engaging in, or carry
ing on any kind or kinds of business, we
may choose to indicate. If they will not
accept such conditions they can stay
away. Those now here who are engaged
in such kinds of business have certain
rights we cannot disregard. And in deal
ing with those now here who are moi
engaged in the prohibited kinds of bust
ness, the difficulties are great. We mus
not do wrong to them, and We must no
. do wrong to ourselves.
The question what to do cannot be de
ferred. Delay only adds to the difficulty
and the peril.
D am inclined to believe that the frs
step-the step which will permit OF the
q speediest and safest solution OF thu
problem-is to adopt an amendment o
amendments to the Constitution declar
ing the principle that laws may be en-
acted applying only to Asiatics (nOt sub
f iects of this kingdom) now in the coun
try or who may hereafter enter, withou
any limitations whatever. And thel
trust the country as to the legislation
will thereafter make.
Ii such principle were now part of tn
fundamental law of the land, l believe
would be impossible for any outrageou
law to receive the sanction of a majorlt
Z. OF the members of any legislature whicI
could be elected. The great difficult
would be to pass any measures whlcl
would meet the case at all.
The effort was made during the las
session of the Legislature to frame a.
amendment with limitations. The great
: est consideration was given to the VAR
GUS provisions by the members OF tn
V House, and by all classes OF citizens
= For many weeks the vain attempt wa
made to reconcile the conflicting views
The work was honest ana earnc,t.--Ru
in seeking to legislate in the ConstitU
o ton and provide for all contingencies tn
s task was hopeless.
In the whole subject of Legislation
whether it relate to constitutional prov
sions, or to ordinary statutes, all ques
y tons must ultimately be decided by tn
- people.
/. Ii Japanese now in the country stan
upon a different footing from Chinese
owing to treaty stipulations, the legisls
ton will have to be modified accorC
s ingly. W. y. SMITH.
g Honolulu, Jan. 81, 1890.