The Hawaiian gazette., 1900-12-21
RAYMOND TO
RETRENCH
Sweeping Reforms For
Board of Health.
POLITICS TO Be BARRED
The New President Gives a Straight
From the Shoulder An
nouncement.

|
Retrenchment in every department
of the health bureau where it will not
interfere with efficient service or the
public health will be made with a
liberal hand if all his ideas of cut
ting down the boards expenses are
carried out.
When the board convened yesterday
afternoon at 8 O'Clock there were pres
ent besides the President, Attorney
General Dole, Dr. c. b. Cooper and
George W. Smith. To these President
Raymond stated what his plan of ac-
ton would be after having investigated
every department of the health bu-
reau.
He laid emphasis on the fact that
politics would not swerve or influence
him in the least in making his appoint
ments or dispensing with the services
of present incumbents. He would not
lend his ear to political influence, and
this he desired should be made known
to the public. Already in his one week
as incumbent of the presidency, he
had been asked to take ON certain per-
sons who claimed the right to go on
the Board of Health payroll as a po-
| litical reward.
He said that it was time for him to
say something as to the future actions
of the board He knew that there were
great responsibilities resting upon the
shoulders of presiding officer and
there were many disagreeable things
which are usually attributed to such
an officer in similar institutions. 1t
was we'll known fact that the chang
| IL, 4, t,1- al. r.x,r
eminent during the past two years and
the trials the department had had to
contend against were such that he
was convinced that it was now neces-
sary to do something toward COM
plete reorganization of the department
Of health.
There were many suggestions that
might be offered, said the president,
which he believed would be of ma
terial benefit to the board, and to the,
health of the community. and which
would guard and protect their inter-
ests, both from business and health
standpoint.
There were also many ways in which
the expenditures of the health depart
ment could be radically; reduced, There
were, in his opinion, many opportuni-.
ties where economy could be practiced
without materially injuring the effi-
cheney Of the health work, and in no
way interfering with the guarding of
the interests of the public.
The reduction of revenue to the Ter
ritory has made it imperative and in
cumbent upon the board, as we'll as in
every other branch of the Government,
to make an extra effort to cut down
general expenses. He would from time
to time recommend, plans for making
such reductions which he thought
could not but be satisfactory to every
one.
The president said he realized that
in order to accomplish these results
it was apparent to him that the mat
ter would bring him and all members
of the board in contact with individ-
uals who would not be prone to
share their views of 'retrenchment. His
policy would undoubtedly create ad
verse criticism.
He said, 81 want to say here that
it is my aim to do that which Is best
for the Government, for the people,
and for the general community, and
that | will not recognize any influence,
no matter from what source 1t may
come, political or otherwise, in ad-
vising you to do what | believe is for
the best interest of the Government
which we represent.
1T is well that | should state this
in plain terms. The interests of the
public, as | said before, Is the first
charge upon the Board of Health.
From health or financial standpoint,
whatever | recommend will be for
fr,,- Al,A Of
the service. l am perfectly willing to
abide by the judgment of the board,
for | believe that ii is your desire
that such policy should be outlined.
We all know that the department
of health in any community should not
be under the thumb of politicians or
in politics. | speak of this for the
reason that all sorts of requests Will
be made TO sway the president by po-
litlcal influence, positions will be ask
ed for on the strength of political
backing,
II believe il is our duty to do every
thing In our power TO divorce the
health board from politics and every
other influence that Is directly In con-
illct with Its integrity.
1T must stand upon its own footing. |
lHbH Ahthf blbhllAs aih NiAiht W |
lend my services 20 the public and TO
you"
Mr. Dole agreed with the president /
In his line Of policy, and said that his
conception of the entire question was
contained I'm tho phrase that public I
office Was public trust, and should
be 50 regarded IN every branch of the
Government service
President Raymond continued by
saying that he had reference partien'
larry o. the influences that have al
ready begun a. polnt In the direction
of The board and he had IN many In
stances made 4 statement during the
paai Aeek which hafe upon his pre-
Nlpus remarks lhal no political innni |
eaess would sNaT hlm % the Least !