The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1891-02-04
THE HA WAfIAN SITUATION.
BY CLAUS sPRECKELs.

/ do not think that can give the Ex-
aniner any points about the Hawaiian
Islands which would be new TO its read
ers, as 1t is usually we'll informed on Ha-
wailan affairs, but as one largely inter-
ested IN the Islands, l might perhaps
assist IN aiiaying the somewhat prevalent
feeling OF anticipating changes OF radi-
cal nature, as a consequence OF the Kings
death, if | say that do not share in that
feeling at all. The death of kalakaua,
as matter OF course, will change con-
dltions somewhat, but not as affecting or
influencing politics. The succession TO
the crown was fixed good many years
ago, and the new constitution recognized
PrincesS LlhuokalanI as the heir appar-
ent. She Was Regent OF the kingdom
under the Constitution during the Kings
absence from It, and upon the arrival OF
the Charleston with his body she will be
proclaimed sovereign without question
or delay. She eau then designate her
successor, or she may leave the next
ruler or Hawaii TO be elected by the
Legislature as Kalakaua and his predeces-
scr were elected. | am not prepared to
say what course she will pursue time
will show.
| think there is no likelihood of Queen
Lllluokalanl attempting reactionary
measures. She Is shrewd, sensible
woman and she understands the condi-
tons upon which she is permitted to rule
very thoroughly. Whatever her personal
preferences may be, she will not put her
own position in jeopardy by setting them
up against public opinion. The estab-
llshed order of things will remain just as
1t Is. OF course, as is natural, she may
wish to assist her friends, but she will
never go the length of setting up her will
against the Constitution. as interpreted
by the Supreme Court.
For his and many other reasons, /
most firmly believe in the stability of the
present Government in Honolulu The
Ministry VIII resign, as a matter OF
course, but they will be Immediately
sworn into Office under the new sove-
reign. 1t will be remembered that the
opposition party in the Legislature
moved vote of no confidence in Minis
ters shortly before the close of the last
session. This vote was lost, majority
voting confidence in them. That settled
the matter until the next Legislature
assemblies in 1892. The Queen cannot
dismiss them, because the Constitution
declares that Ministers can only be turn
ed out OF office by direct vote of want
or confidence by the Legislature. The
entire country has confidence in the
Ministers, the opposition to them being
the result OF personal disappointment by
other aspirants to office.
Public affairs are being conducted
smoothly, and the general outlook for
the future is as good as could be ex-
pected under the prospective changes
caused by the Mckinley tariff, but that is
subject upon which do not care to en-
ter. There is great want OF plantation labor
on the islands, and the present Govern
ment and planters have taken joint
measures to supply the demand. Com
missioners have been sent to Japan,
China and India to procure field hands.
White labor cannot be employed to adj
vantage in the cane fields owing to the
heat. Failing to get supply Of field
hands of the Caucasian race the labor
requirements OF the islands must be met
from other sources of supply. But the
immigration laws Of Hawaii are strict,
| and contract laborers must be returned
to their own country after their term ex-
pires, unless they renew their contract.
look for no decrease in the trade be-
tween San Francisco and the islands.
On the contrary, | think it may be ex-
pected to increase. The fact that the
Oceanic Company will place second
steamship on the Islands trade shows
that this hopeful feeling has largely in
ttuenced those engaged in commercial
enterprise between San Francisco and
Honoluiu.-fS. F. Examiner, Jan. 25th.