The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1899-04-20
LABOR PERMITS ALLOWED
THE WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT
BACKS OLD SYSTEM.
Treasury Department Rules that An
nexation Did Not Subvert Permits
and Contracts.

The government has full authority
to continue contract labor and to as
sist in the immigration of Japanese or
other persons for labor purposes.
By the Nippon Maru President Dole
received a note from the treasury de-
partment stating that the annexation
resolution did not and does not effect
the labor system of this country, and
that the same remains in force and eff
feet until such time as congress may
enact laws changing it.
The immediate situation is that the
old system of permits continues; con-
tract labor continues without Interrupt
ton. Present applications for con-
! tract Japanese for the new plantations
will, almost without the least doubt,
be approved by the government and
forwarded by the next steamer.
President Dole was seen this morn
| ing concerning the above. He admit
ted the receipt of an official decision
! from Washington in favor of the old
labor system. Yes" added the pres
| ident the letter reopens the matter.
We will have a meeting as soon as
possible with the planters and inform
| them of the changed situation"
Asked if the situation was not now
identical with that before the Hawaii
an cabinet had formed it's recent opin-
| ion, the president replied, Yes, prob
wish to see the planters. 1t may still
| seem advisable to impose some restric-
| tions."
| AS a general proposition this decision
| will be received with satisfaction. With
| the approval of the Washington gov
| ernment the shade of uncertainty as to
! treaty obligations has been thorough
| ly removed, and the responsibility, if
any, has been transferred to the rul-
! ing administration. Opponents of the
| Hawaiian cabinet in the matter will
/ be pleased at the result, and those
| who saw the wisdom of Mr.. Dole S
| course will view the changed situation
with satisfaction and at the same time
! feel that the attitude of the executive
must have a wholesome effect abroad.
1t is understood that the policy of
| the planters with respect to the flu
| ture will be about as follows: A grad
ual reduction of the use of contract
| Asiatic labor and a corresponding In
PRODUCTION of free American help into
| the cane fields.
The delay in the application of Anne
rican laws will enable the planters 10
| adopt American labor rules by degrees
| and will ensure the country against
the damaging effects of a sudden
change. Colonel Whytes project for
bringing in American labor will re-
| ceiVe early attention. There will prob
ably be a company, known as the Anne
rican Labor Supply Company, or some
thing very similar backed by the plan
| tation agencies. 1t is hoped that with
in few months this concern will have
| it's labor channels thoroughly opened
and that by December it will be in a
position to supply all the workmen re-
quired.
An authority, estimating this morn
ing, says that not less than 10000 new
laborers will be required in the next
twelve months and not less than 2500C
in the next two years, if new planta-
tiOns continue to spring up. 1t is hop
ed that a large proportion of these will
| be white men.