The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-12-14

ness, call for discriminating care in the
distribution of such duties and taxation
as the emergencies of our Government
actually demand.
Maufestly, if we are to aid the people
directly through tariff reform, one of its
most obvious features should be re
duCtion in the present tariff charges
upon the necessaries of life.
Not less closely related to our peoples
prosperity and well-being is the removal
of restrictions upon the importation of
the raw materials necessary to our man
ufactures. The world should be open
to our national ingenuity and enter
prise.
This cannot be while Federal legisla-
ton, through the imposition of high
tariff, forbids to American manufactur-
ers as cheap materials as those used by
their competitors 1t is quite obvious
that the enhancement of the prices of
our manufactured products within our
own borders acts not only to the direct
disadvantage of our manufacturers, but
also increases their cost to our citizens.
The interests of labor are certainly
though indirectly involved in this tea
ture of our tariff system. The sharp
competition and struggle among our
manufacturers to supply the limited
demand for their goods soon fill the mar
row market to which they are confined.
There follows a suspension of work in
factories. a discharge of employees and
distress in the homes of our working
men. Even if the often disproven asser-
ton could be made good that lower
rate of wages would result from free raw
materials and low tariff duties. the in
diligence of our workingmen leads
them to quickly discover that their
steady employment permitted by free
raw materials is the most important
factor in their relation to tariff
legislation.
A measure has been prepared by the
appropriate Congressional Committee
embodying tariff reforms on the lines
herein suggested, which will be
promptly submitted for legislative &C
ton 1t is the result of much patriotic
and unselfsh work, and | believe it
deals with its subject consistently and
as thoroughly as existing conditions per-
nit. | am satisfied that the reduced
tariff duties provided for in the proposed
legislation. added to existing internal
revenue taxation, will in the near
future, though perhaps not Immediately.
produce sufficient revenue to meet the
needs of the Government.
PROGRESS OF THE NAVY.
The report of the Secretary of the
Navy exhibits a most gratifying condi-
ton of the personnel of our navy.
During the past six months the de-
mands for cruising vessels have been
many and urgent. There have been
revolutions calling for vessels to pro-
teCt American interests in Nicaragua,
Guatemala. Costa Rica, Honduras, Ar
gentina and Brazil, while the condition
of affairs in Honolulu has required the
constant presence of one or more ships
Progress in the construction of new
vessels has not been as rapid as was an
ticipated There have been DELAYS in
the completion of unarmored vessels,
but for the most part they have been
such as are constantly occurring, even
in countries having the largest expert
ence in naval ship building. The most
serious delays, however have been in the
work upon armored ships. The trouble
has been the failure of contractors t.
deliver armor as agreed upon. The
difficulties seem now, however. to have
been all overcome. As "A result of the
experience acquired by ship builders and
designers and material men, it is be-
lieved that the dates when the vessels
will be completed can now be estimated
with reasonable accuracy.
Great guns, rapd-tire guns, torpedoes
and powder are being promptly sup
piled.
While ! am distinctly in favor of CON
sistently pursuing the policy we have
inaugurated of building up "A thorough
and efficient navy, | cannot refrain
from the suggestion that Congress
should carefully take into account the
number of finished vessels in our hands
and the depleted condition of our treas
ury in considering the prOpriety of an
appropriation at this time to begin new
work.
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
The Nicaragua Canal Company has
unfortunately become financially seri-
ously embarrassed, but generous treat
ment has been extended to it by the
Government of Nicaragua The United
States is especially interested in the sue
cessful achievement of the vast under
taking this company has in charge.
That it should be accomplished under
distinctively American auspices, and its
enjoyment assured, not only to the YES
sells of this country as a channel of COM
merclal communication between our
Atlantic and Pacific seaboards, but to
the ships of the world in the interest of
civilization, is a proposition which, in
my Judgment does not admit of ques-
ton.
hint TO THE ARMY.
The Secretary of War reports that the
strength of the army on the Both day of
September last was 25, rs enlisted men
and 2l4I officers.
Neither Indian outbreaks nor domes-
IL. III Al
service during the year, and the only
active military duty required Of it has
been in the Department Of Texas, where
violations of the neutrality laws of the
United States and Mexico were promptly
and effectively dealt with by the troops.
eliciting the warm approval of the civil
and military authorities of both Coun.
tries.
The operation of wise laws and the in
Huences of civilization, constantly tend
ing TO relieve the country from the dan
gers of Indian hOstilities, together with
the increasing ability of the States.
through the efficiency Of the National
Guard organizations, TO protect their
citizens from domestic violence, lead TO
the suggestion that the time is fast APP
preaching when there should be re-
organization of the force.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS.
The fee system in It's application to
Federal court officials should bee abol-
ished
The postal revenues have been dimin-
ished by the hard times
The President holds that enormous
pension frauds have been prrpetrated
and that IL il the duty OF the Govern
ment 90 purge the list.
Measures are recommended for the
preservation Of the forests.
II h. recommended that appointment
and promotion by merit aud faith F..
ful service should be- strictly observed. I
The President believes the Chinese .
are sincere iu their expressed Intention .
10 obey the registration law
y national quarantine system has
been recommended.