The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1890-10-02
Afternoon Session.

The House re-assembled at :39.
Noble Crabbe-I would like. to
say few words to explain my
position. The issue for con-
stitutional convention has been raised
since the election of the members of the
National Reform Party, and we all (the
members of said party pledged ourselves
to support the platform of that party, and
there was not a word said about such
convention before, at, or Immediately
after said election. This said issue has
been raised very lately, and really dur
ing the sitting of this Legislature. From
the oath which took before l took my
seat in this Legislature, cannot support
this issue without violating my oath.
But, Mr.. President, if there are any
amendments to be made to the present
constitution, will be only too willing to
support all such amendments, if they do
not conflict with the fundamental law.
Rep. White-This question has occu-
pied the attention of the House for more
than two days. This law in my opinion
is not contrary to the Constitution. A
great many members have declared it to
be unconstitutional. Many members of
the bar gave their opinion on the veto
question. When it came before the
Court all these lawyers were wrong in
their opinion. Those members of the
House who now say that this bill is I'M
constitutional may be like those lawyers,
wrong in their opinion. / know there is
only small minority in favor of it, and
it is said it is no use for us to talk. /
think those in favor of the bill should
stand by it to the last. Similar cases in
other states have been quoted. but do
not purpose to 60 abroad for my law. 1t
is something desired by the people. 1t
is conceded that the present Constitution
was obtained by revolution. Let the bill
pass its second reading, have it engross-
ed and sent to the King and signed, and
then get the opinion of the Court
whether it is unconstitutional or not.
do not know why there is so much oppo-
sition to this bill, without it is thought
that it would stand the test if sent to the
Court. If the bill passes and the Con-
vention is called, the new constitution
could be considered section by section,
and if any section was felt oppressive it
could be stricken out. All this talk
about revolution and deeds of violence,
does not come from native Hawaiians.
All remarks of that kind are made to
produce wrong impressions abroad and
among foreigners here. hope the mem
bers will vote for the passage of this bill.
Zone of the members here asked to have
the remarks more fully interpreted. The
Interpreter said the hon. member had
not said anything fresh.) l think the
foreigners here are inclined TO favor
and help the native Hawaiians. l am
half-white and have got to help the
foreigners. think the present Consti-
tuition was not obtained by proper
means. was in Hilo at the time, and
took the oath, but really believe l COM
mitted perjury by so doing. l did not
believe it. The House ought to consider
the bill, pass it and have it tested. We
do not know whether it is unconstitu-
tlonal or not. 1t is simply waste of
time getting up here and saving it is un-
constitutional. We had better have the |
Convention and have the Constitution |
amended. l do not belong to the Ma
tional Reform Party. am Independent. |