Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1901-08-19
HAWAII SHOULD CD SLOW.

Delegate WilcoX's private secretary, !
David Kalauokalani, has stated In
Washington that an effort will be made
during the next Congressional session
to secure a revision of the Chinese En-
clusiun Act that will allow Hawaii to
bring a limited number OF Chinese la
bOrers to the Territory for the planta-
tons. That such a movement is con.
templated is verified by statements OF
local leaders in the business world who
are seeking some solution Of the ser!-
Gus problem with which the leading
industry is struggling.
The necessity for more laborers on
our plantations Is not open to argu-
ment. The only question for discussion
Is the character Of the labor, how to
get it, and the best policy to pursue in
approaching Congress.
II IL Is the serious intention to ap-
preach Congress with view to obtain
ing exceptions to the Exclusion Act in
Hawaii's favor. the Bulletin would
urge that the advocates of the plan de-
sist. The Bulletin believes such
course will work an injury to our main
industry. by laying ii open to adverse
legislation that will more seriously
threaten the main stay Oi the Territory
than the present labor shortage.
The Bulletin believes the planters
will concur IN this view when they stop
TO consider the forces that will oper-
ate at the forthcoming session OF Con-
gross: the revival of the reciprocity
treaties. the increasing demands of la
Dor parties, the new beet sugar factor
with the voting power and prejudice
OF thousands Of farmers behind IT.,
and Hawaiis position under the re-
cent decision of the Supreme Court
relative TO new possessions.
The reciprocity plan as means OF
indirectly reducing the tariff Is re-
Ceiving the serious attention OF the adj
m.nistration. This fact Is brought in
to prominence by Senator Cullom's
statements to the press after con-
ference with the President. What
reciprocity did for Hawaii in 1891 is
still fresh In the minds OF men having
the best interests of the sugar indus
try at heart. Hawaii does not want
raw or refined sugar placed on the
free list. and in antagonizing such
proposition will have the support of
beet sugar farmers. IT, however. Ha-
wall asks special favors for Oriental
labor 1t will ALLEVIATE this support,
which would under such circumstances
become an enemy demanding special
duty upon sugars produced by Oriental
labor.
BY asking special privileges Hawaii
will lay itself open TO special discrimi-
nation unquestionably within the pow
ei of Congress to levy. Hawaii cannot
have the cake and eat 1t. The political
power that will be brought to bear
against such n program Is tremen-
dOus. No Congressman can face il
without seriously endangering his seat.
especially at a time when the labor Or
CARNATIONS are aroused and the Con-
gressional elections follow close on the
heels of the session work.
1t has been shown that additional
Chinese labor will be a marked ad-
vantage to Hawaii. but nothing has
been offered to prove that special
clause in the Exclusion Act favoring
Hawaii will be polite or wise.
Chinese immigration is a red rag
that stirs the ire of every labor organi-
ration in the United States. Hawaii
has many Congressional friends who
will do all in their power to assist this
al, a.,