The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1891-11-20
MECHANICS NEE Tin
"The Election of Government
Officers By the People"

The Mechanics Political and Pro-
tective Union held its meeting at
the Robinson hall yesterday even
ing, with Hon. Jno. Phillips in the
chair. Mr.. Thos. K. Nathaniel acted
as interpreter Several new names
were dded to the roll. The admis-
sion fee was raised from twenty five
cents to fifty cents.
President Phillips then stated the
subject, to consider which the meet
ing was convened: "The election of
government officers by the people"
He further stated that the subject
brought up for discussion was in
serted in last elections platform,but
that question was not reached. The
constitution will have to be changed
in order to effect our aim, but the
subject is before you for discussion.
There is no election of officers in
England. In America the officers
of the government are appointed
subject to the approval by Congress.
The State governments, however,
elect their officers. We have in
cluded this subject in our platform
because Of official rottenness in the
government. The cabinet officers
should, after their election, go be
fore their constituents to be ratified,
the same as in England. In that
way we shall have voice in the Sc
lection of the cabinet which we do
not now have.
Captain j. Ross said that he was
heartily in favor Of the sub
ject for discussion. We want to have
the will of the people participate in
government affairs. The worn out
words, government of the people by
the people, and for the people" are
all very well, but we want a little
will of the people shown. Let the
cabinet be elected by the legislature
and submitted to the sovereign for
approval. The heads of bureaus
should be elected by the people.
We have enough of favoritism and
family-compact in disguise under
Mr.. Bowler said he was not in
favor of the cabinet being appointed
by the Legislature, for it will tend to
bring in corruption. The cabinet
should be selected from outsiders,
not Legislators. They will then not
only be free from corruption, but
also give satisfaction to the people.
Mr.. Crowley was the next speaker.
He said that not all officers in Eng
land are appointed; many of them
are elected by the people. Since he
left England, the civil service is
entirely out of politics. Officers in
the civil service are appointed by a
board of commissioners. The ap-
pointment is for life or during good
behavior. Any young man can pre-
sent himself for examination, and if
he pass, he is elected to Office. The
sons of the rich and the poor are on
a perfect equality in this respect.
The head Of departments are not
appointed. Any apprentice work
ing up by degrees, is eligible to Office
if he be found capable of filling that
portfolio. He was not in favor of
the Cabinet appointed by Parlia-
ment going before their constitu
ents for ratification. That system
is not good for Hawaii. It will in
volve severe expense. He wanted
simpler system for Hawaii.
Mr.. Walter Brash said that if we
want election of heads of depart
ment by the people let us have it.
But I am certain the poor people
will get left; they will not be ''in
it." The monied men will control
the election and be the one to be
elected.
After number of other speeches
among them a strong one by Mr..
Rosa against the proposition to
make government Offices elective,
the meeting adjourned, without
coming to vote.