The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1898-08-09
Japanese Field Hands viii Not
OMIT Their Work.
LEGATION SENT OUT A NOTE
Plans Had Been Laid for Labor
Earthauake-Test Cases-3, 900.
Views Of a Diplomat.

There will not be general strike
of japanese plantation laborers upon
the change of the sovereignty of Ha-
wall.
Such movement or demonstration
had been proposed and was quite well
organized.
Rioting might have been included in
the affair.
The prospect was that every sugar
estate in the group would be crippled.
Culture and handling of cane and
operation of mills were to cease so far
as the Japanese We're concerned.
All this has been averted by the in
PREVENTION of the local representative
Of His Imperial Japanese Majesty's
Government.
Mr.. hirai, secretary and charge.
granted an interview last evening to
representative of the Advertiser. The
great strike scheme and the abandon
ment of it as currently reported for
some days having been presented by
the visitor, Mr.. Hirai said:
'"You have been correctly informed
For many weeks, or | might say for
many months, the Japanese laborers
on the plantation have been restless.
They have been anticipating anneXa-
ton from their own view point, the
same as everybody else. Their idea
has been and ] suppose remains, that
they will have an increase of wages
under the American rule They want
it and have been encouraged in expect
ing it by those who think that more
wages only will insure steady force
on the plantations.
"A short time ago it became quite
evident that the agitation for a strike
of huge proportions Immediately on
the raising of the stars and stripes
would have result. AS you must know,
there are leaders amongst these field
hands and some Of the leaders are
shrewd and have staunch followings.
Word was passed that the only way
believed they were entitled to was to
institute what would amount to a sus-
pension of the sugar industry. They
carefully figured out their power and
came to the conclusion that they could.
by quitting at all places at the same
time bring the planters to terms. Some
of them had the idea also that they
could influence either the new or old
Government or the two Jointly. They
believed they held the whip hand and
they were disposed to use it.
"The legation now has the assurance
that there will be no strike. Notice or
warning has been sent out in the name
of the home Government and replies
have come indicating that there will be
no resort to an extreme measure. The
bulletin sent to the laborers them
selves and to the immigration compa-
MES was to the effect that the men
must not strike and riot and make
trouble and disturb their own condl-
tons and the affairs Of their employ
ers, who had engaged them In good
faith and who had equitable claim up
on their services. 1t was pointed out
to the men that hasty or ill-judged ac-
ton would be to the discredit OF them
selves, Of the whole Japanese people
and OF their Government. which was
friendly with both Hawaii and the
United States. They were told that
when the commission came to frame
laws for the control Of Hawaii under
annexation full inquiry would be made
concerning both the plain contracts
and the penal cause. The laborers have
been instructed that one or two test
cases will be ample to settle all ques-
tons and that this course will be bet
ter in every way than striking. They
agree to this. There will not be a
strike. 1t would be bad, very bad. in
many respects. The reputation OF Jap
anese labor must be maintained.
81 cannot say how the test cases will
be laid before the courts. but suppose
that the laborers or their companies,
perhaps, will see that the laws are in
vestigated"
Are the 5000 new laborers that have
been permitted by this Government
coming On?" was the next question.
'Oh, yes; they will be here on time"
Suppose that $4,000 had not been
paid?"
We'll, ! said to some one here, and
expect you have heard of it. that II
there was no settlement immigration
to this country from Japan, so far as
it could be controlled by our Govern
ment, was at an end. But so far as ]
know, no such question entered into
the negotiations. The affair Is now
happily settled through the kind and
fair offices Of the United States and
Hawaii and Japan are good friends
as ever We regret that there was a
difference. 1t Is past and will soon be
forgotten. There will be consul gen.
eral here soon to succeed Mr.. Shima-
mura. The legation or diplomatic bus
mess will, OF course, be transacted at
Washington"
Now, Mr.. Hlrai, you speak of higher
wages for the laborers. Is it not true
that the field hand here will net four
or five times more in a year than he
possibly could at home? That is said
by some who make the figures to be
very moderate. 1t has been put this