The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1892-07-19

founded.
The system of commissioning
plantation police officers has been
severely condemned. He states
that, while not receiving Govern
ment pay, they perform services |
which save the appointing of many |
more police. He states that during
the last period there has been less
violation of law, consequently less
crime, than in that Immediately
preceding, except, however, the IL
licit sale of liquor, violations of the
opium statutes and gambling. He
notes the we'll known fact that
agents Of Honolulu liquor dealers
are constantly travelling about from
house to house, making sales and
defying the efforts of the police.
This only adds to the disgrace of
business which is respectable mere
~ because licensed.
Attention is called to the fact
of constant illicit distillation in a
small way, mostly now from sugar
molasses and rice, as being easier
and cheaper than from ii, and the
natural inference is drawn that a
new industry would be inaugurated
if the distillation of liquor were au-
thorized by law. This is true, but it
is not an industry the country
should embark in. 1t might have
been noted that with the vast in
crease in the use of alcohol in the
mechanical arts, it's distillation
here under proper safeguards
might well be authorized.
Some good suggestions are made
as to the opium laws, as, for in
stance, some decrease in the sew
Gritty of the punishment of those
who simply are found smoking,
adding to the penalties of those
who sell or furnish the drug or
smuggse. making the possession OF
implements used in the sale prima
facie evidence of guilt, etc. All of
these will be recognized as i'm
provements by those whose bust
ness brings them in contact with
the opium question. One of the
worst features of the present law
is the temptation it offers to un.
principled persons of getting up
cases against the Chinese in order
to get half of the penalty. Much
perjury is to be laid at the door Of
this law.
Mr.. Hitchcock suggests that nc
part of the fine be paid to the
police or to witnesses. Curiously
enough our statutes do not spe
fically authorize the police tt
move on" persons standing
about and obstructing public
places, and the recommendation il
made that such a statute be en-
acted. The lack of the home
among Hawaiians is the cause o.
much evil with young children
who wander about after dark-wher
they ought to be at home-amone
tea shops and other places where
4 no good is obtained, but much
d harm is done. Greater stringency
/ in the law is suggested, making il
a misdemeanor for school children
to be on the highways or in public
places at night unless accompanied
By a protector.
A decidedly novel suggestion il
that the lower courts (without
jury) be authorized to punish per
jury before them.
The report makes known that
4 On Hawaii at least, there are nint
receiving houses for lepers, anc
adds the encouraging fact tha
leprosy appears to be on the de
crease. 1t is also stated that the
better class of Hawaiians are learn.
ing the fact that segregation alone
will rid us of the disease. One can
not avoid wondering why some O.
that nationality try every session
of the Legislature to repeal the
segregation laws.
I Mr.. Hitchcock's report is incor
porated by the Marshal in his re
port, with the remark that it i:
valuable for its full details.
The sheriff of Maui reports that
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