The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1894-12-27
Its Importation Increased at Re
markable Rate.
NET INCREASE OF s7.en GALLONS.
Importers Think Aotion OF CAIIfornIans
nl-Advised.-CAn't Create Nsw
TAstes.-FiEures From the Custom
House. - Legislature May Act.

The increased importation of Jap
anese saki has been the subject of con-
sideration OF the liquor importers
for some time past. The recent ac-
tion of the Viticultural Association of
California has brought this new fav-
orite beverage of the Hawaiians more
prominently to the attention of Ho-
nolulu liquor houses.
The mandatory resolutions of the
California wine manufacturers were
rather surprise party to most OF the
dealers here. They have noted for
some time the growing demand for
the drink but hardly expected such q
decided expression of sentiments to
which the Californians recently gave
voice.
There are fads in drinks as well as
drygoods. That beer and California
light wines have tickled mans pal
ates for years past is no proof that it
will continue to do so for years to
come. The average frequenter of bar
rooms is looking for effects and when
he finds that a cheaper product will
bring about the same salubriOus SEN
sations in q short space of time he Is
inclined to turn from his California
wine cups and take to the Japanese.
This is what saki has proved to be
true.
The figures of the custom house con-
firm the statements of the California
exporters. The wines of the States
have been crowded out, at least their
importation has fallen off to "A mark
ed degree during the past year. Saki
i'm portatiOn has increased in much
larger proportion.
For 1898 the importation OF Califor-
MIA wines to this country amounted
to 116, 142 gallons. In 1894 these fig
ures have dropped to 9O,6S4 gallons,
decrease of 25, 458 gallons.
During 1898 therelwere $3.50 gallons
of saki imported to this country. For
1894 these figures are 72,95S gallons.
This gives q net increase in favor of
the saki of 1911 gallons.
This showing gives evidence of two
existing facts; that there is an
increased substitution of Japanese
wines for those of California, also that
there is increased consumption,
presumably on account of the
ability to obtain cheaper
drink. They are facts that at
once interest the temperance agita-
tor and the importer of liquors. 1t is
a notable fact that the native Hawaii
ans have taken very kindly to saki
and will often take it in preference to
the ever faithful gin to addle their
brains. Those in position to know
say that the effects of the liquor are
more deleterious than any other of a
similar nature on the market.
A prominent importer of the city
said recently that he thought the ao-
tion of the California viticulturists
ill. advised. He believed those reso-
lutions would be changed although he
could not state that any concerted &C.
ton OF the wine importers was on foot
to bring about such change.
Another importer stated that the
CalifOrnians were absurd in their de-
mands. This country has n treaty
with Japan whereby The products OF
that country are admitted on par
with those of other nations. He be-
1ieved it impossible To effect dis
eliminating duty against Japanese
saki. The duty on liquors is fixed by
the alcoholic test. Saki is subjected
to the same duty as all other wines
having the same amount of alcohol.
For the time being the Japanese pro-
duct has jumped into popularity and
as natural consequence other wines
suffer. He believed the superior wine
would eventually win on its merits.
If the natives would have saki they
must be supplied with saki To drink.
California merchants were i'm fair
competition and could not expect the
importers of this country to create
new throat that should require the
exclusive use of American wines Go
satisfy its longing.
On the other hand il Ia claimed that
higher duty may be placed upon
saki on the same ground that cham
payne and sparkling wines pay
higher duty; that the Government In
raising the duty on saki is not neces-
sarily discriminating against Japan
as their wine may he produced In any
country i'm the world.
Whatever the right or wrong of the
two positions may be 1t ia highly prob
able that saki will occupy promi-
nent place in the sessions of the com
ing legislature.