The Hawaiian gazette., 1897-09-03
IN CONVENTION.
One Man Doubts Qualifications
of Candidates.

AdIl1lAdlGSs
You think we were turned down in
our precinct because a favorite before
the primaries were held was not nomi-
mated. What can you expect when
people remain away because they think
some one win appear with the candi-
dates names written on his cuff, and
there is no use of opposing him. A
greater mistake was never made, and
if the operations at the convention are
to be conducted on the same general
plan, every business man in town will
have to get on the streets and work
to elect good representatives.
The idea that we are to sit down
and let any one get nominated who is
in with the push and when nominated
be elected simply because people do not
go out TO the polls is sheer nonsense.
1t is as necessary today TO put educated
men in the Legislature as it ever was,
and it is likewise every voters duty to
see that such men are elected. If our
party does not nominate men who will
have the support and confidence of the
business community, then Independent
candidates of good standing should be
elected. We have the timber in the
party, and while there are good men,
poor ones should be given the cold
shoulder
This feeling that there is no use
trying is what has kept the Portuguese
, from registering, and this fact proves
10 me that they are without leader
No politician, through petty spite, the
result of a fancied grievance, would ad-
wise his followers to such a course, and
no sensible man would have acted I'M
der such advice While we are without
opposing political parties, the election
Sits down TO an opposition to indi-
yiduals, and voters may select their
favorite and elect him. With the ma
tive population, entitled to vote on TAX
ing the oath 10 the Government, the
complexion of the next Legislature
would be materially changed, but bad
advisers kept them from registering
and deprived them of their right of
franchise-the Government did not do
it-and the result is only a small ma
tive vote viii be polled.
From what l can learn the men
who want to be candidates before the
Nominating Convention, some of the
good independent candidates will not
suffer defeat, if the people will exercise
their right to vote. Aleck Robertson,
of course, will be a party candidate,
and will be elected, but l cannot say
so much for some of the others whose
names / have heard mentioned. Just
wait until the nominations are made;
the people will have a day or two to
think over them and decide whether
they are the proper persons to go to
the Legislature If they decide in the
negative, Independent candidates will
spring up like mushrooms
This man is looked upon as a party
man and a warm supporter of the
Government, but he is business man
and feels that his interests must be
protected. Just who he referred to as
possible candidates could not be learn
ed. He may be disgruntled and every
one may appear unified, in his opin-
ion. One thing seems certain, and that
is that the American Union party will
not weaken its organization or influ-
ence by the support of men for the
Legislature whose records are not the
best or who do not hold the confidence
of the people Nothing will create dis
cord quicker than an attempt TO foist
upon the public men who are not emf
nently qualified in every way to per-
form the duties of legislator Tam
many methods are not wanted here and
are not needed.