The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1896-01-09

cause there are no gardens, requirs ir- |
rigation for the raising of sugar cane. |
Hawaii, on the contrary, has a phe- !
nomenal rainfall. You will be sur
prised to learn that it's rainfall aver
ages from $50 to 200 inches a year"
1 confessed my surprise; and while |
1 am on this subject OF rain l might as
well state that on this charming ISL
ami rain dropped cut Of a mOonlit
sky last night with less prOvocation
than 1 ever saw in my somewhat va
ried life. 1t did not continue, but why
it should have begun will ever remain
a mystery. Even as 1 write a steady
patter plays a soothing accompaniment
to the, twittering Iof strange birds.
Mountains are as invisible as if they
did not exist Half an hour ago the
sun shone with the ardor of tropical
youth, and feecy clouds fioated high
in the heavens, with no more appar-
ent intention of mischief than 1 have
of getting up revolution. Almost as
quickly as in stage transformation
natures scene-shifters lowered a
drop curtain and shut out the beauti-
full background upon which my eyes
have Toasted since my arrival.
When 1 asked Mr.. Morrison which he
preferred, natural or artificial irriga
ton, he replied: while artificial ir
rigation is more expensive, the yield
of sugar is larger, and thus conditions
are equalized. Indeed, 1 prefer arti-
fetal irrigation unless | can have a
choice of rainfall. When it is so heavy
as to wash the soil into the ocean you
can readily see the damage that can
be done. Much of the soil of these
islands is very light and needs great
deal of fertilizing."
Now, then, Mr.. Morrison, as 1 am
told that three-fourths of the white
population of these islands are depend
ent upon the sugar interest in one way
or another, the will of the planters
ical principles? Can you speak for a
majority of your class?''
Il can. We are determined that
there shall be no more monarchy. A
large majority of us want settled
government. We need it for our peace
of mind as we'll as for our pockets
Cant you have stability under a
monarchy
mo. We are tired of trusting to a
broken reed. The orgies of Kalakaua
were detrimental to good government
Liliuokalani showed her hand by
throwing out the Wilcox Cabinet, than
which none could have been better
The men at the head of the present
Government are admirable. Theye X
ercise great moderation, and you may
rest assured there will be no change
except for the BETTER
what would be better?'
"A protectorate or annexation !
Though British subject, realize, as
every one must, that these islands are |
to all intents and purposes American. |
They owe their prosperity to the
United States, and we are ready for
annexation
"Ah, but I've been assured that
sugar demands contract labor"
Sugar needs chea u labor, but we need
annexation. We think we can solve
the labor problem, even if contract la
tract Ia6or be abolished"
II have heard that you planters do
not give the native fair chance at
work. Then agaiu L have heard that
the natives won't work on the planta
ti0us."
both stories are false. Kanakas
are excellent workers, and we en-
mo na hts |
supply is limited Hence we are
obliged TO resort TO outside labor, and
we must have dark tiuted races, as
whites cannot work in tropical fields.
II KaUaka> Were forced to work like
the Chinese, from abJect poverty,
their only failing would be lack of
steadiuess, due to gin. They should
never touch liquor, for the reason that
they have no discretion in its use.
With the Chinese it is case of root
hog or die They must work to live,
and though the volume Of their work
does not equal the whites, owing to
lack of stamina, their pers 'stence
makes them valuable
"What of the Japanese?
I'VE thought the Chinese were get
ting to be too numerous, and so I'M
ported Japanese, but they are much
less docile, and, in fact, are much too
liz l. tOSuCSC al pICh-
did workers. They are more eXpen-
sive than the Chinese and Japanese,
but we can't get them for less money"
"What wages do you pay?"
Twelve dollars monthly to Chinese
and Japanese, giving them houses,
water, fuel and medical attendance.
The Portuguese receive SIS and SIS
with the same perquisites.
AS they have large families, they
need more room "
Have you considered negro labor"'
eve hear that they are not peace
able aud Obedient. Moreover, they
receive $50 month, and at present
prices sugar planters are barely rub
bling along. We could not pay such
GAS all things are possible, let me
ask what Hawaiian smear nlantarS