The Hawaiian gazette., 1900-04-20
An Address by Lorrin
Andrews.
TRIANGLE CLUB MEETING
The Eloquent Speaker Tells How
We Can Give Honolulu an
Ideal Government
(From Wednesdays Daily.

Municipal government is the ques-
ton Of the day in Honolulu. Like un-
tasted fruit II has an allurement not
to be defined. From President to
hackdriver it's possibilities and neces-
stiles are the topics of discussion. In
three local societies IT Is now the sub
tect of debate. The Social Science As
sociation, the Triangle Club and the
Research Club are occupied with it.
Last night az the Young Mems Chris
tian Association hall the Triangle
Club listened TO Attorney Lorrin An
drewe, who delivered an eloquent ad
dress on THE Legislature of the Mu-
nicipality and Ways and Means of Con-
Quoting It." He spoke in substance as
follows:
To everybody the idea OF forming q
| municipal government for city like
Honolulu must be very fascinating. We
| occupy a unique position. Here, at the
end of the nineteenth century, large,
enlightened and educated population 10
to be suddenly invested with a new
constitution. Every one wants to
make 1t an ideal city government.
With the experience Of other cities
and their mistakes, by which we ought
to profit, we ought to give city of such
intelligence as this charter that will
| assure it magnificent government.
The material is ready; are We compe-
tent workmenf
There are two classes of advocates
as TO the proper method of governing
a city. One believes in giving the Ex-
| evutive absolute control; in giving the
| Mayor sole power to make appoint
ments and dictate the policy Of the
whole city. This il put forward by
students of municipal affairs. like Seth
Low. With a strong Mayor this Us ad-
mirable. The objection to 1t IL that In
troll nominations, and they dictate to
candidates about appointments. The
result is machine rule perpetuated by
patronage in the city government.
The other plan contemplates decen-
tralizatiOn of power by placing all pow
ers, even some app0fntive ones, in the
legislature. Its advocates point to the
British Parliament as the best govern
ment of people in the world. The gov
eminent can't last day after ma
jority is against 1t in the Commons.
The objection is that public sentiment
fiuctuates and the policy OF such gov
| eminent will change with 1t. Result,
| no settled policy, and uncertainty in
| business and in the community.
But whether the legislature has great
or small power, 1t Is the vital point
in every city government. 1t owes Its
election entirely to the people and is
controlled by their authority 1t Is the
board of directors of the municipal cor
poration; and 1t ought to be composed
l,,f l. I,N-
is possible to procure.
| Now as to the question of two houses
or one in the city legislature. The idea
of restrictive house based on a
property qualification, intended to look
after the interests OF property owners
who are taxpayers and to limit the pow
er of the more popular house is gaining
ground daily in the United States. Mr..
Andrews thinks one large repre-
sentative house, in which each member
comes from small district and Is per-
sonally responsible to his constituents,
to be the best method. We must dis
card the idea that these memberships
are inferior positions, unworthy OF &C
ceptance by the ablest men In the COM
munity. Important questions come up
before them. and should have the best
men possible to look after them. These
should be paid salary upon VIII CHI they
can live, and not be forced to neglect
public business for private, but be able
to devote their whole time to public
business If the latter demands 1t. A
small salary means brides or neglect of
public business for private.
Legislators should be elected for
short terms. Yearly elections are more
than compensated for by the fact that
the legislator would feel that he must
make good record to be reelected.
No chance to make up In the second
year for laxity In the first. Every
legislator should be elected from a stat
ed district, not at large or in groups.
SO that every citizen may know who
his representative is and be able to
hold him responsible.
It is the duty of every citizen to de-
vote himself to politics as assiduously
as any politician. The welfare of the
city and Its good government is OF vital
interest to him In his business. Every
elector should take part In primaries
and the nomination of candidates, and
keep In touch with the character and
position of men who seek to be prom
inept In politics. and prevent the for
nation of political parties which will
become controlled by rings and bosses.
Every man has a golden opportunity
to give this city good government by
devoting his time and attention 10 IL.
We can inauRurate n state OF affairs
which will give this city an almost
ideal city government.