The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1901-02-08


ings has meandered around in the
mazes of official red tapedom, and
Ia conclusion was reached only yester-
day when the initiative in the matter
was taken by Governor Dole. He ac-
knowledged the right of the Custom
House, Federal Court and other United
States departments to occupy the build
ings and rooms which they now occu-
'py. When there were bills to pay both
the Federal and Territorial Govern
ments were inclined to repudiate them,
but when ow-ership of the buildings
is asserted the two governments were
'equally active in making known their
|claims. United States District Attor-
ney Baird and Collector of Customs
Stackable were present yesterday
morning at the meeting of the Gov
ernor's Council and the question of the
status of the public buildings was dis.
cussed at great length.
Collector Stackable represented that
there were many repairs needed on the
buildings which enclose his special de-
partments of the Federal service, and
in order to insure safety to the goods
stored in his charge, leaks in the roof
must be remedied.
1t was stated that the United States
Treasury Department would not vouch
for the payment of any bills for re-
pairs which the collector might pre-
sent and the local government was
equally emphatic in it's statement that
it would not pay the bills. The Terri
torial officials state that with the ces-
sion of the Hawaiian Government to
the United States on June IA, 1900, un-
der the provisions of the Organic Act,
it relinquished all right and title to the
public buildings.
When Judge Estee came to Honolulu
last year to establish the United States
District Court he declared his right to
use for his purpose whatever rooms in
the Judiciary building he chose to take
possession Of The Territorial officials
assigned to him certain rooms which
he did not approve Of and he seized
others more to his liking. The Terri
tory endeavored to collect rent for his
occupancy of the rooms so seized, but
this claim was also denied by Judge Es-
tee and the incident closed with Judge
Estee in full possession.
At the time the changes were made
in the old Legislature room to make it
a fit place for the United States Court
room the bills were paid by the Terri
tory. Marshal Ray made many altera-
tions and presented his bill for the same
to the Territorial Government only to
have it returned to him with thanks.
He sought relief from the Treasury De-
partment and was turned down. The
bill was for $685.. The Treasury De-
partment refuses to have anything to
do with it until it was definitely decd-
ed in whom the ownership of Hawaii's
public buildings was vested. Yet de-
spite these claims and counter-claims
the Federal authorities claim the build
ings were turned over to them on June
IA, 1900, without any qualifications as to
time. The Territorial officials state the
Federal Government was only given
temporary possession.
At the conclusion of the conference
Governor Dole agreed to set aside the
use of the present Federal Court room.
MarshaPs office and private offices of
Judge Estee, United States District At
torney Baird and the clerk of the court
to these officers with the condition that
they revert to the Territory when the
Federal authorities vacate them. Gov
ernor Dole also agreed to pay the 1886
bill. The Custom House will go to the
United States without reservation of
any kind and agreements to this eff
feet will be drawn at once.