Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-02-12

rSDiudIy lI.-ISp-
resentative w. s. Knox. Of Massa-
cusetts, chairman of the House Com
mittee on Territories, has completed
his report upon the bill for the crea-
ton of a territorial form of govern
ment In Hawaii, and it will be sub
mitted to the House tomorrow. The
SSport is a very voluminous docu-
ment of 1000 pages, going exhaust
lively into all the questions involved,
and thoroughly covering every phase
of the bill which the committee has
agreed upon after many hearings and
much investigation. Chairman Davis
says there is imperative need OF the
early enactment of an organic act for
Hawaii, as it has become apparent
that there is much doubt of the ex-
tent of the power granted to the local
government of Hawaii by the provis-
ions of the joint resolution of action,
and in many important respects there
lis something like an interrgnum in
Hawaii.
Many doubtful questions of admir-
atty and maritime jurisdiction have
arisen, as we'll as of criminal proceed
ure, rendering it uncertain whether
there is now any tribunal for the de-
cision of important questions affect
ing property, and any existing method
by which criminals may be indicted
or legal juries empaneled for their
trial.
There is also grave doubt concerning
tho power of the Hawaiian govern
ment to grant franchises for industrial
and commercial enterprises, OF for
railways which have been projected.
In many respects the business affairs
of the territory are brought to a stand
still. Many Americans have bought
government land since annexation, on
which they have built residences and
planted crops, but their land titles are
now in dispute and cannot be settled
until the passage of this bill.
Meanwhile no American can settle in
Hawaii on homesteads or land to be
bought from the government, and q
very desirable class of citizens is there
by shut out of this new territory. The
local government is unable even to
make public roads over any part of the
public domain of Hawaii or carry out
plans based on legislation prior to an
uexation for widening and straighten-
ing the streets of Honolulu.
The ~pestilence in that city of the bu-
bonic plague is calling for drastic
measures by the Hawaiian authorities,
involving the expenditure of hundreds
of thousands of dollars. In order to
provide for these expenditures and to
compensate the owners of building
which have been burned in the effort
to suppress the pestilence, it is proper
and just that a territorial legislature be
provided by Congress with no unneces-
sary delay.
Since the adoption of the resolution
of annexation large numbers of Japan
csc contract laborers have been brought
into the islands. The exact number is
uncertain, but at least II, and pro-
badly more that $4,000, and delay in
extending the laws of the United States
to the islands will be taken advantage
Of to increase their number.
The form of government proposed by
the bill for the Hawaiian Islands is
territorial in form; similar to that of
the later territories of the United
States-a governor, a secretary, both
appointed by the President; a treasur-
or, attorney general, commissioner of
public lands, commissioner of agricul-
ture and forestry, superintendent of
public works, superintendent of public
instruction, auditor and deputy audi
tor, surveyor and high sheriff, appoint
I'd by the governor.
The legislature is provided, consist
ing of a Senate and House of Represen-
t~atives, elected by the people. The
territory is to be represented by a DEL
egate in Congress. The territory is
made a judicial district of the United
States, with a district court. The ju-
dicial power of the territory is vested
in a supreme court. and in superior
courts, to be established by the legis-
lature. The constitution and laws of
the United States locally applicable
are extended yer the new territory,
and the laws of Hawaii not inconsist-
ent with the constitution or laws of the
United States, are continued in force.
The territory is made a customs and
revenue district, and becomes subject
to the tariff laws of the United States.
Chairman Knox says it needs no argu-
ment to convince that if it be posi-
BILE to give to the Hawaiian islands a
government like that of the United
States territories-a government which
has met the approval of Congress and
the American people since the con-
.stitution was adopted and approved
itself adopted to the needs of a free
and progressive people-it is noss;bla