The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1897-04-06

present in a depressed state, owing
principally 10 the fact that the supply
is greater than the demand. And in
stead of looking for remedy that will
cheaper the cost of production, more
expensive labor factor is advocated as
a sure cure.
You, Mr.. Editor. may write articles
and the theorist advance his theories
for the solution of this great problem
But when you or others who have not
had the practical experience of con-
Quoting large agricultural industry
undertake to emphasize the employ
ment of a class of labor which time
and again has had a practical trial in
these Islands, a class which might be
employed on our plantations today if
the financial condition of the sugar in
dustry was such that it could afford
to employ this expensive help, [ am
quite certain, however. that a great
many planters look back with a feeling
of gratitude seeing that we no longer
have that difficult and trying element
to contend with. Many of us can recall,
for instance. when carting cane to the
mill how independent the white team
steT would be. He would sit in his
wagon like a regal Jehu; but command
him to assist in the loading of his
wagon, and he would complacently ask
you if you took him for a niger.
Allow me to ask you, Mr.. Editor,
and your contemporary. the editor of
the Tribune, why it is that you are
both so anxious to see an element in
troduced to these Islands which has in
the past proved such dismal failure
and for the present to work in an in
in the markets of the world?
How is it this class of labor does not
find employment on the fruit ranches
of California? Is it not because even
the fruit industry must of necessity
employ a cheap class of labor in order
to make ends meet?
1t does not seem exactly fair to the
agriculturiSt of these Islands to try
and force upon him a class of labor
which cannot find employment in it's
own country. where the same class of
Oriental labor is employed to which
exception is taken here I venture to
say that neither the sugar nor any
other agricultural industry in these ISL
ands is in a position TO offer an asylum
or a home to any of the unemployed
of the AnglO-SaXon race at the present
time, especially when we read of the
ruinous condition existing in the trop-
ical and semi-trOpical countries of the
world at the present time. suffering as
they are from over production. 1t will
require an ADLER head and an ADLER
pen than mine to suggest relief for this
congested condition of affairs.
| am perfectly certain that in no
other sugar cane producing country in
the world is the same average price
paid for labor from the manager down
10 the cOmmonest field handD which we
pay here at the present day. And TAX
ing into consideration the depressed
condition of the sugar industry all over
the world, the question Is can we af
ford to pay more and keep our planta-
tions going?
Pressure is being brought to bear
against d race of people who are now
recognized by all civilized powers of
the world as belonging to the great
family of nations, a nation with whom
the United States has just recently
completed treaty for long term of
years. extending to them the same
rights and privileges which favored
nations give and receive.
II therefore seems ridiculous for par
ties in these Islands to make state
ments to the effect that on account of
such large numbers of this nationality
continually coming here that this is
one of the great stumbling blocks in
the road TO annexation. I am afraid
else will have to be invent |
ed in place of the above
1t is a well known fact that these !
Islands depend entirely on agricultural |
industries for revenue. It therefore be- |
hoOves the Government to foster and |
encourage this industry to the utmost !
of its power. seeing that competition |
is so keen the world over.
Great results are anticipated from |
the infant coffee industry. but does the
ever think and ponder over
the great new rivals in this field? Let
ne direct his attention to Central At
'ica. where hundreds of acres of coffee
ire being planted for every one in Ha-
vail, and with class Of labor cheaper
han ever these Islands can hope TO OBJ
ain. Think of the influence this pro-
luction Will have on the markets of
he world, already suffering from over
1t would be a pleasure 20 myself. and
am sure to other readers TO hear the
Jews of some OF our experienced, prac-
ical men on this most important sub
ect. per contra TO the numerous the
'riSt views We so continually see in
,rint.
Thanking you. Nh Editor. for the
pace YOU have allowed me. | am. ETC..
T. S. K.
Kohala. Hawaii. April l, 1897.
4 15-DOuOd codScb ,.aoarrI,- oxo,,o;n