The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1897-04-29
WHITE LABOR.

In proposing a change in our labor
system Commissioner Fitzgerald has
been careful to inculcate two main
points. First, the change must be
made gradually. Mr.. Fitzgerald sees,
as any sensible man must see, that
any change of this kind must be care
fully brought about and that TO en-
sure it's success the motto of make
haste slowly must be adopted. There
must be no violent change, it will have
to be gradual elimination of one
class of labor and a gradual substitu-
ton by another. The point Mr.. Fitz-
gerald makes in this direction is that
the planters here should show that
they really mean to make the change.
That the field for American labor will
be opened, as time goes on, is really
all that the labor organizations ask;
there is no idea of rushing hordes of
laborers in without inquiry as to how
many are wanted.
The next point earnestly dwelt on
by the Commissioner is the necessity
of carefully picking the men sent
down here as laborers. His is no pro-
posal to unload an army of tramps up
on the islands. Not every one that APP
plies to come down here, will be elig-
ible to come. And to carry out this
system of elimination an agent in Cal
ifornia is proposed, who will examine
the men, look up their characters, take
cognizance of their ability to work,
their condition of health and so forth.
Mr.. Fitzgerald has been asked by
both the Government and those plant
ers and agents who are in Honolulu,
if he will undertake this work himself,
but his duties will not allow him. He
promises to give the movement all the
support in his power, but the detail
work must be done by another. The
machinery for carrying out the
scheme need not be very extensive.
One man in San Francisco to obtain
the men and examine them as outlined
above, and one man in Honolulu, to
correspond with the plantations and
find out what number of men are re-
uuired. To meet the expenses Mr..
Fitzgerald proposes that the planters
tax themselves five cents ton. This
would yield in year a little over
S11, 900, and in less prosperous years
between $4,000 and $4,000. This would
amply cover all expenses connected
with the scheme.
1t is always an advantage to deal
with practical man, for he gives a
practical solution to questions brought
up before him. There has oeen over
this matter of changing our style of
labor, no mere talkee, talkee, but
there has been practical suggestion
made. The affair has quickly descend
er from argument to action. That
action will be taken is now assured,
and that the action will be followed
by distinct benefit to those engaged in
our two leading industries is also as
sured. Commercially, politically, and
morally the islands will be benefited
by the change proposed. 1t will have
its influence upon the characteristics
of both managers and overseers, for it
is very different thing overlooking
a set of ignorant laborers whose Ian
guage is not understood by those who
are in charge of them, and managing
a set of men who understand what is
said to them and whose desire is to do
a good days work for good days
wage. Mr. Fitzgerald has succeeded in
convincing the plantation owners here
of the possibility of employing white
labor, he has done something which
merits the thanks of every white man
who is raising a family in this country
and has helped to forge the strongest
link in the cnain which binds us tc
the Great Republic.