The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1894-06-28
THE PORTUGUESE MEET.
DISCUSS TuE CONSTITUTION LAST
NIGuT


The mass meeting of Portuguese at the
old armory last night was somewhat OF
failure in point OF attendance, there
being less than 300 present. The object
OF the meeting rs advertised was to dis
cuss the new constitution, and to pro-
test to the convention against certain
measures thought to be detrimental to
the interests OF the Portuguese colony.
Before the meeting opened men were
standing around in groups, all condem-
ming the proposition to admit China
man or japanese into the Council of
State, and, also, the continued importa-
ton of coolie labor from Japan. The
general impression prevailed that the
Government intended throwing the
rights ot suffrage open to Chinese and
Japanese. lntimation OF such proba-
bility was met by an angry storm OF
words. There was general apprehen
sion that the Government intended favor
-ig competitors in the lower arts, and
dfeeling that the Administration was
Getting in bad faith in promiscuously
importing coolie labor from Japan.
At s o'clock the meeting was called to
order by NJ. A. Gonzalves, and Captain
Camara took the char as secretary pro-
TEN. Mr. Gonzalyes briefly stated the
object of the meeting. All citizens
We're privileged TO personally assemble
and discuss politics. They had met to
assert their rights, and to point out
certain indiscretions in the proposed
new constitution. The Government
was trying to put a Chinaman and
japanese upon them, both re, resenta-
tives of people who had not supported
the Administration. 1t was an impo- |
sition and an outrage upon the large
Portuguese community. In the past
they had gone forth with their guns to
protect and strengthen the Government,
and now they were about to receive
Il slap in the face for loyalty. The Gov
eminent had promised to restrict the in
portation OF coolic labor How was this
promise kept? A few weeks ago they
were informed that 1900 more laborers
were coming. The vessel is now off port
and, instead OF 1900 it has 100 paupers
aboard for the plantations in this
country. We are now told that another
steamer is coming with 400 japanese;
on past experience that would mean
about 1000.
Anton j. Faria was next introduced
and spoke in much the same strain,
though he was less fiery than his pre-
decessor. He reviewed the constitution
and pointed out both good and bad
points as he saw them. He objected to
admitting either Chinese or japanese to
the Council OF State and favored COM
plete check to Asiatic immigration.
After remarks by j. j. Pitas, the
speaker OF the evening, Delegate Vivas
OF the Constitutional Convention, was
introduced. In substance, Mr.. Vivas
said:
l want to speak of the work in the
convention and of certain measures
effecting the Portuguese colony. Mr..
Fernandez and myself are there as your
representatives and we are looking after
your interests. When the convention
first met Mr.. Fernandez and | were
laughed at when we attempted to bring
in a measure or make suggestions. But
now it is different. The people and
the convention have come to realize that
we represent a large per cent. of the
loyal supporters OF the Government and
that our ideas and wishes must receive
consideration.
This is being done, and | can assure
You that everything possible will
will be done for the supporters of the
cause. The constitution, with few ex-
ceptions, is as liberal and good set of
laws as circumstances will permit us to
have. There will be no such thing as
class legislation under it. That is a
great mistake.
With regard to the amendment to
Article Z, giving the Government the
right of appeal in criminal cases,
would say that your delegates have OPP
posed the measure and will continue to
fight it until it is knocked out. When
it first came up many favored the
amendment, but have since come to
their senses. That will be the first,
question for consideration tomorrow
morning and feel sure it will be killed
President Dole is in favor of get
ting ChInaman and "A Japanee in
the Council of State. Your dele
gates have gone on record as uncompro.
misingly opposed to any such move. A
rumor had gotten out that President
Dole had received money to pass this
measures but | want to say that such
an assertion is outrageously false and a
great injustice to man whom we
know is pure. (Applause.) The Presi
dents idea is to give the Asiatics some
kind of representation. They cannot
have the franchise, IN he thinks it bet
ter to give them a man in the Council
of State. But we cannot have this.
We do not believe Asiatics are en-
titled to representation in the Govern
ment. They have never done any
thing for it and never will.
With regard to the franchise the
privilege has been made as general as
practicable. In the matter of certiti.
Gates of service the Portuguese are
specially favored and we have No
reason to kick.
Mr.. Nivas continued through the
Constitution taking up one article
after another and explaining il. Dur,
ing the speech he WAS frequently ap,
plauded, Al the end he proposed IA,
following r.sUlutlons, which wer,