The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1902-05-30
Especial to The Advertiser)

ltN mere Tor the last Mtth tfI 81
in things Hawaiian. That was natural
ly TO be expected, following the exodus
Of distinguished Hawalians who held
the center Of the stage for some time.
Congress is doing nothing on Hawaiian
bills, but on Monday Mr.. G.. T. Me
Crosson is to have a further hearing on
the Hawaiian ditch bill. 1t will prob
ably be brief, as he has indicated that
he has little more TO say. Mr.. Arthur
futile, the.engineer for the Bishop es-
tate, has been telegraphed for, to make
a statement. He contends that the
watershed of Puukapu naturally be-
longs to Waipo and that the waters
falling on Puukapu should be allowed
to flow into Hamakua instead of to ko-
hasa, as proposed in the pending bill.
All the signs are that the bill will be
beaten Nothing else seems possible
after the strong adverse recommended
tons. 1t has been limited, however,
that the bill which passed the House
and which, for some unknown reason,
was referred in the Senate to the com
mittee on public lands, whereof SEN
ator Clark of Wyoming is a member,
might suddenly bob out Of that COM
mttee in the rush and hurry of the
last of the session. The opponents of
the Kohala bill are accordingly watch
ing the movements of that committee
very closely and have posted certain
Senators regarding what might hap
pen, for the purpose of heading II off.
The committee on Pacific Islands and
Porto Rico has been given hearings on
the bill for months and would probably
resent any sortle of that character
from the committee on public lands.
Some strange statements are circu-
lating on the quiet here, regarding the
way the bill got through the House.
1t Is probable that II true they are
only partially true. but nevertheless In
the Intense rivalry which developed be-
tween the friends and opponents OF the
measure they whispered around with
keen relish. Certain 1t is that the OPP
ponents of the bill were much surprised
when favorable report was made
from the House committee on terrific
ries, for they had been distinctly prom
ised further hearing before the full
committee before any action was taken.
A rather emphatic statement is made
that a certain mans board bill has
been paid at an expensive hosiery for
son time. / doubt the truth of the
sta cement, from what l know of the
circumstances.
EXCLUSION OF SNAKES.
Since the correspondence between
Collector Stackable and the Treasury
Off ;ials about the exclusion of snakes
from Hawaii has been forwarded here,
Hon. William Haywood has been seek
ing some departmental regulation. 1t
transpires that the letter which Col
lector Stackable received stating that
there was no law to prevent the land
ing of snakes on the Islands was writ
ten by subordinate who had not the
time to inquire into the details of the
statutes.
Mr.. Haywood has been taking the
matter up with his characteristic en-
ergy and 1t is pretty safe to infer that
before long he will have a decision of
the Department that the Lacey bill
gives the Secretary of the Treasury or
the Secretary of Agriculture authority
to issue the necessary regulations. Just
now, however, the matter is in an in
definite state.
The language of the Lacey act pro-
vides that the Secretary of Agriculture
may forbid the landing of birds, mon
goose, or any animal that may be in
furious to agriculture. Mr.. Haywood
oiousHt tiis TACT 10 the attention OF
Secretary Wilson, who is not a lawyer
and who thought that it would not in
clude reptiles The Secretary thought
Mr.. Haywood should go before the con-
ferees on the agricultural appropriation
Dill and have specific clause insert
ed This, however, is contrary to the
rules of both houses, although ii is
sometimes done, However, it was only
few days ago that Chairman Mahon
or the war claims committee was called
down In vigorous language for such
legislation In conference, and IL would
be very untimely now to attempt It
In behalf of Hawaii.
The chairmen of the agricultural com
mittees of Senate and House were ap-
pealed to to hurry through some direct
legislation in separate bill, but they
replied that II was very late in TIE ses-
sion to attempt that. Furthermore, on
reading the language of the Lacey act,
they were convinced that the Lacey act
was sufficiently comprehensive to cover
the case and SO recommended to Sec
rotary Wilson, with further sug-
eestion that If he has any doubts about
II the matter might be referred to the
Attorney General, Mr. Knox, for his le-
gal advice Mr.. Haywood Is rapidly
ioho"mS aloHs tne lines suggested, and
as already suggested, viii probably
nave the matter Strengthened out be-
fore long. On all sides there is a dis
position, at first blush, to laugh at the
efforts To exclude snakes from the Is
lands. but when officials are acquainted
with the real conditions they realize
the serious phase of the question, quite
as much as do the Hawaians.
CABLE MATTERS.
Representative Corliss of Michigan
waited on the President and Secretary
OF war yesterday, and asked their CO.
operation in securing legislati for the
construction OF purely American cable
between the United States and Hawaii.
with connection with the Philippines.
He explained that German and Neither
lands companies are endeavoring to Sc
cure landing rights for a cable between