The Honolulu republican. [volume] (Honolulu, T.H.) 1900-1902, 1901-02-14
AN AMERICAN eoyEsNoa.


The Republican Is in receipt Of a
copy Of the message Of Governor
Allen to the Legislative assembly Ct
Porto Rico. Under the Spanish
regime Capitalization prevailed in
Porto Rico as it mas prevailed in
Hawaii under all conditions CT gov
eminent County AID municipal gov
eminent was unknown Governor
Allen instead of standing in the way
Of American progress BY opposing
County and municipal government. as
many Territorial officials in Hawaii
are doing, heartily approves it Under
the heading Of Municipal Govern
ment De says in his message:
The present laws are unsatis-
factory There is no need Of the
cumbersome form OF government
which now obtains, without re-
gard TO the classification OF
cities. It is expensive and elab-
crate.
I recommend a revision OF tht
municipal lax. so as 10 put cities
into TWO or three clases-ssy. for
instance. municipalities with 90
600 or more people are 10 be OF
the first class. those OF 10000
and less than 10000. TO be of a
second class. and All others 10 be
made towns For the cities may
ors and councils should be pro
vided, while three commissioners
may well be intrusted with re
sponsibility for the welfare of the
towns. Such a system will allow
for less coGplex and less expen-
sive government.
Furthermore. no alcalde
should have judicia, power: his
functions ought to be administra-
tive and executive. | recommend
the repeal of the order which
vested the alcaldes with power
to hold municipal court, by trans
ferring author.ly to a police mag
istrate. who should be paid a fix
ed salary and no fees.
Subdivisions of the island into
counties will be desirable. These
subdivisions should be made with
regard to natural geographical
lines Counties should be bodies
operating uniform systems of gov
eminent, with specific powers
granted by the legislative assem-
bly,. These powers ought 10 be
exercised only by boards of SUI
pervisors or by agents and Off
GERS acting under their authority.
The supervision OF roads and
bridges might be intrusted to the
board of supervisors, as well as
the care of INDECENT sick mot in
municipalities. erection of coun-
ty poor farms, establishment,
adjustment, and changing of
election precincts. appointment
of judges, canvassing of election
returns, examinations, settle
ment, and allowance of claims
legally chargeable against the
counties. These supervisors might
also be authorized to fix rate
of tax levy annually. on the tax
able property of the county. not
exceedingly specific amount
In time tue powers OF super
visors can be increased, and the
right TO issue bonds may be dele
gated as the fiscal needs of the
counties may develop"
This has the right ring. 1t shows
that Governor Allen is anxious to see
Porto Rico develop into a self-govern-
ing American community as rapidly
as possible. 1t also shows that he
is one of those sterling Americans
who has not arrived at that condition
of mind where he does not believe the
government can be trusted in the
hands of the people. Governor Aliens
recommendations to the legislature
of Porto Rico on Municipal Govern
ment may well be taken to heart by
the members of the legislature of
Hawaii.
Great Britain and Australia lead