The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1900-04-18
THE RULING
OF A CITY.
An Address by lorrin
Andrews.
TRIANGLE CLUB MEETING
The Eloquent Speaker Tells How
We Can Give Honolulu an
Ideal Government.

Municipal government is the Ques-
ton OF the day in Honolulu. Like un-
tasted fruit 1t has an allurement not
to be defined. From President to
hackdriver its possibilities and neces-
sites are the topics OF discussion. In
three local societies 1t is now the sub
ject of debate. The Social Science As
ISOLATION, the Triangle Club and the
Research Club are occupied with It.
Last night at the Young Mems Chris
tian Association hall the Triangle
Club listened to Attorney Lorrin An
drews, who delivered an eloquent adj
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 a
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 Is
to be suddenly invested with a new
Il
/ make it 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 il a magnificent government.
The material is ready; are we compe-
tent workmen?
There are two classes of advocates
las to the proper method OF governing
| a city. One believes in giving the Ex-
eyutive absolute control; in giving the
Mayor sole power to make appoint
ments aud dictate the policy OF the
whole city. This is put forward by
students OF municipal affairs. like Seth
Low. With a strong Mayor this Is ad-
mirable. The objection to 1t Is that In
: all cities political organizations con-
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 appointive 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 a day after a ma
D iority is against ii in the Commons.
1.-THE objection is that public sentiment
! fuctuates and the policy OF such gov
J 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. Ii owes Its
election entirely to the people and Is
controlled by their authority. II is the
! board of directors of the municipal cor
poration; and 1t ought to be composed
of the most capable and honest men Il
I is possible to procure.
j Now as to the question of two houses
or one in the city legislature. The ide;
of a restrictive house based on
j property qualification. intended to lool
4 after the interests of property owner
who are taxpayers and to limit the pow
= er of the more popular house is gaininI
Il ground daily in the United States. MI
\ Andrews thinks one large repre-
, sentative house, in which each membe
n comes from a small district and is per
sonally responsible to his constituent:
to be the best method. We must dis
card the idea that these membership
are inferior positions. unworthy of &C
ceptance by the ablest men in the com
munity. Important questions come u
before them, and should have the bes
men possible to look after them. Thes
should be paid salary upon which the
can live, and not be forced to negleC
public business for private, but be alb
to devote their whole time to publ
'e business If the latter demands it.
! small salary means brides or neglect {
" public business for private.
Legislators should he elected II
81 short terms. Yearly elections are MOI
than compensated for by the fact tn;
IL the legislator would feel that he muI
make a good record to be re-electe
~ No chance TO make up in the secon
year for laXity in the first. Ever
Legislator should be elected from a sta
ed district. not at large or in group
so that every citizen may know WI
his representative Is and be able
hold him responsible.
~ 1t is the duty OF every citizen to d
Y vote himself to politics as assiduous
city and its good government is OF Wit
interest 10 him in his business. Eve
elector should take part in primari
and the nomination OF candidates, al
keep in touch with the character al
20 position of men who seek to be pror
inent in politics. and prevent the 70
nation of political parties which w
become controlled by rings and bose
n Every man has a golden opportuni
:. to give this city good government
40 devoting his time and attention to
We can inaugurate state or anal
which will give this city an almo
idaa1 rftu