The times., 1899-12-03
About Hawnif.

Hawaiian America" by Casper Whitney,
is perhaps the most pretentious of the sew
eral books which have been written about
these islands Of the sea. 1t is profusely
illustrated and entertainingly written, and
should be a valuable book for any refer
ence library. The political social, COM
mercial and chronological aspects of Ha-
waiian life are thoroughly discussed, and
a sketch of the history Of the islands
given. The authors view is almost ag-
gressively in favor Of expansion in general
and the assimilation Of Hawaii in particu-
lar. He declares in effect that more lies
have been told about Hawaii than about
, most countries because all the conditions
favor gossip. Moreover, the conflicting
parties in the islands are always ready to
supply the sensation-hun with all the
material he needs.
Mr.. Whitney's views on the subject Of
the fusion of races are decidedly radical
and he may or may not be correct IA his
conclusions. He gives considerable sra-e
to an explanation of the social system of
the islands, and says that there is prac-
tically no obstacle to the intermarTiage Of
white people with natives or haIf-castes,
and that such marriages have frequently
taken place. He says, moreover, that the
union is almost always between persons of
the same class so far as education is con-
cerned: that the native girl who is mar
I ried TO an American is usually OF III best
class Of her people, and that now ard
then white girls marry educated young
men of Hawaiian descent. Whetfer this
state of things will continue as the con
nection with the United States becomes
more complete, it is impossible to say; but
if any i;tempt is made to counterac the
preseni course Of things, trouble will prob
ably result.
Another interesting chapter relates to
the Contract labor system, which mas been
widely condemned. Mr.. Whitney explains
il in this way:
The agreement to which the laborer subscribed
was about as follows: % That the money for pas
sage from his home TO Hawaii be advanced by
his employer. (2) That he refund this money at
the rate of from 81 TO g a month until it is
paid. 80 That he continue with his employer Tor
the full time agreed (4) That twenty six days Of
ten hours. each constitute working month. (5)
That he be paid al rates varying from So to $l3
/ per month, with free house frewood, medicine
and medical attendance; in some cases agreements
are entered into that provide tor the employer
furnishing hospital, mdIcine attendance, physl-
I clan, etc. and the laboTeTS contributing each
/ % cents TO 30 cents a month toward its support
( 90 That he be paid 10 cents hour for over
! time (7) That his wife, if he has one, be given
! employment, if she wishes il, at from $50 to
/ SO month. 90 That he agrees to work faith
4 fully as an agricultural ldb0rer and servant dur
/ ing his term Of contract. He need not be sepa-
rated from his family; he may return TO his cOun-
Try or GO where he likes at the end Of his service
/ The contract IS voluntarily entered upon and
/ signed by both parties employer aud employe.
The employer agrees to Eud steady work and uR-
I interrupted pay 70 the employe for three years.
/ The fuploye, for his part, agrees 10 labor on
/ each working day during that time, except the
/ holidays stipulated in his contract When his
service is concluded, the laborer either remains
4 in the country as independent worker en-
/ tiers upon 81 contract, OF goes elsewhere
And all this sounds very reasonable.
! (New York: Harper & Brothers. $3.50