The Honolulu republican. [volume] (Honolulu, T.H.) 1900-1902, 1901-02-24

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reasonable proportion Of the losses OF
the sufferers in this calamity. but no
LOGICAL theory requires them to assume
the whole OF such loses as the suf-
ferers are equally called upon 10 nesr
their share also. What that prooor-
ton should be is difficult 20 say; It
can only be decided arbitrarily.
The fact however that many house
holders and propTietors Of premises
that became infected, By their own cnl-
cable neglect Of cleanliness IN their
SURROUNDINGS not only invited fnfec-
ton but gave plague germs footbold
from which * was most difficult 10 dis
lodge them is q circumstance that
should greatly reduce awards Of dam
ages 10 such persons IL not indeed
cause their claims TO be refused al
together.
The matter of awarding damages Is
one OF such difficulty and delicacy that
provision should be made for the es-
enlistment of a court or commission
composed of persons Of integrity and
conservative Judgment for this work
The project of recognizing these
in damages being one of government
bounty rather than Of legal require
ment. the Legislature is not called upon
70. impede the progress of the country
IN its treatment of the subject. but
simply to extend reasonable and ap-
pro1imate relief 10 the innocent s'iner-
ers in this great disaster.
Although the estimates cover an az.
gregate amount near 10 the limit OF
prospective revenues. large part OF
the item for interest on government in
dehtedness viii probably not be re-
ouired. as the Federal Government may
be expected to carry out the provision
of the Joint resolution Of annexation
assuming the payment of interest on
four million dollars OF the Indebtedness
of the Republic of Hawaii. This reGue-
ton of that item will amount TO $751;
1855 For the same reason the IN
terest paid by the Territorial govern
ment since the 14th day OF June. 1900.
in this account, may be expected to be
refunded BY the Federal Government
This amounts to s106. 06s.44 There viii
therefore be a saving in the estimates
OF s4s7. 40. which win be available
toward the settlement OF fire claims.
Since the cessation of the bubonic
plague the health OF the community has
with the exception of one or two To-
calities been generally good.
With regard TO the unfortunate class,
confined for the public safety in the
settlements of Kalaupapa and kala-
wac. 1t is a satisfaction to be able tn
report that their condition as TO their
surroundings and the comforts of life
is improving from year to year. II is
10 m 81
leviate the hardships of their situation
LEGISLATION providing for appeals from
the decisions of the District Magistrate
whose jurisdiction includes the settle
ment. would doubtless add to the con :
tent of that community. Such appeals.
except upon points OF law, should be
heard in the settlement. Any other ar
lrangement would seem to he impracti-
cable under the circumstances. 1t is
TO be hoped that the Legislature will
during this session send a committee
OF It's members to visit the settlement
and report on its condition
While the sanitary state of Homo
lulu has been growing worse for sew
eral years. owing mainly to the entire
absence of a system of sewerage. and
the rapid increase of population. and
10 sone extent to the unhealthy charac-
ter OF that portion of the drinking wa
ter which is supplied from the Nuuanu
reservoirs. the prospects for an imme-
date Improvement are most encour-
aging. system of sewerage covering
large portion of the city has been
nearly completed at a cost OF 100000.
and is already partly in use. Estimates
necessary for its completion and ex-
tension are before you. I recommend
this matter TO your faithful considera
ton.
Estimates are also submitted for the
construction of a filter plant, for the
filtration of all the water supplied to
the mains from Nuuanu valley. It is
the experience of all cities that have
required the filtration of their drink
ing water, that a marked decrease OF
a certain class of diseases and the
death rate is the immediate result of
such precaution.
One of the, valuable lessons of the
hubonic plague. was the Importance of
the removal of garbage from the vicin-
itv of human habitations. II was de-
cided that the most effective way of
getting rid of this menacing material
was to destroy it, The machinery of a
crematory for this pnrpose has been
purchased and the building begun.
The completion of this important en-
terprise requires further appropria-
ton.
would call your attention TO the
important work accomplished by the
Board of Health through the Fcod
Commissioner j deem this service to
be most vital TO the public health In
valids and children are especially sus-
ceptible to food authorizations. The re-
cent decision of the Board to publish
names both of vendors and manufac-
turers of adulterated foods, drinks and
drugs. is most essential to the success
OF the campaign against those base at
lacks upon the public health.
fully approve the recommendation
OF the President of the Board of Health
that an appropriation be made for The
salary OF a purchasing agent for the
Board. In all probability a competent
man in such a position would save
many times his salary.
In the financial report Of the Queens
Hospital il appears that the reduction
az income Of that institution. on ac-
count of the loss OF real estate through
an adverse decision in the construction
OF the will of DR.. Rookie. and the cessa-
ton of the passenger tax. amounts to
s4e.3s5.3S for the biennial period In
view of this loss OF income and OF the
important work the Queens Hospital
is doing. I have recommended an ap-
propriation equal to double the amount
ns the old one. on condition OF free
treatment OF government patients and
The maintenance of free ward for
the poor of all nationalities.
The necessity of hospital for in
cnrabies has long been apparent. Such |