The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1899-07-10
COMMISSIONER RAY HERE
COMES TO COLLECT IMPORTANT
IMPORTATION.
Sent out by Senator Cunom to Gathes
Facts Concerning Contract Labor
and Immigration

ID. A. Ray, Secretary of the Inter
state Commerce Committee of the
United states Senate, arrived by the
Australia this morning and Will be In
| the city three or four weeks. He will
leave tomorrow FOR the Volcano and.
while here, will visit all of the Islands
of the group.
Il was sent down by Senator Cul-
| lom,' said Mr.. Ray at the Hawaiian
hotel This morning, Ito gather certain
Information required by the AnneNa-
ton Commission concerning immigra-
ton. 1t is the purpose of the commis-
sion to be able in December to answer
any and all questions that may arise
concerning the Islands. Indications
are that the enabling act will be taken
up very soon after the sessions opens.
The commission is, of course. commit
ted to the bill presented last year, and
we are now getting together such facts
as will support it's provisions.
Il am expected to find out a number
of things here. Among them is the
contract labor system, especially as to
the demand for labor, the number i'm
ported, the nationality of laborers-
effect of annexation upon the matter
and the policy at present pursued by
the local government in respect to labor
and the contract system. 1 am expect
ed to give figures as to the number of
new plantations started and the num-
Der of laborers required for the future:
also the arrangements, If any, for sup
plying this demand.
Senator Cullom, Senator Morgan
and Mr. Hit are firm advocates of n
full territorial form of government for
the Islands, if not, indeed, something
better than that. AS is well known
these men have a mighty influence at
Washington, and in their policy have
enlisted a number of powerful friends
sV, 1,
desires is to know more about every
thing than anyone else who may spring
up to oppose its Hawaiian policy. It ia
anticipated that the labor and mixed
population levers will be grasped by
the Hawaiian opponents Immediately
as their most effective weapons"
Mr. Ray called upon President Dole
this morning. He will see Attorney
General Cooper during the day and, up
on his return from Hawaii, will inter
view various prominent men upon the
subjects entrusted to him.
Mr.. Ray is entrusted with another
minor mission for the survey depart
ment At San Francisco he was call
ed to see Prof. Prltchett, head of the
Pacific coast survey department, and
commissioned to see and negotiate
certain private matters with the local
steamship companies. II is purposed
to have the survey ship Pathfinder ar
rive here early in September to make
thorough survey of all the harbors
in the islands. those now open as ports
of entry and others that may later b.
required. The Pathfinder will take up
the work at much the point left off at
by the Hawaiian Government.
Il like Honolulu very much" said
Mr.. Ray this morning in conclusion
MY stay here last year was most
pleasant and l have always had a de-
sire to return. The opportunity offered
by Senator Culiom was seized upon
with immense satisfaction, l assure
you. | made a number of friends here
last year whose acquaintance l shall
be most happy to renew"