Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-04-11
Observation-Disclosures
Interesting Data Regarding
the Territory of Hawaii.
THE ISLANDS PRODUCTS
STEADY DECREASE IN THE NUM-
BER OF PRODUCERS.
Great Need of Wage-Earners-Cost Of
Living and Rate Of
Pay.
THE ISLANDS PRODUCTS

The report of the commission of labor on
Hawaii, which has just been made public,
contains some interesting data regarding
the territory. The four islands Hawaii,
Maui, Oahu and Kauai. on which the sugar
growing and manufacturing establishments
of the territory are located, constitute over
80 per cent of its entire area and contain
IS per cent of its population. The larger
and more attractive portion of Mookai is
used as an asylum for lepers. who are pro-
vided for by the government. while the re-
mainder of the island, so far as IL is suit
able for the purpose. is devoted mainly TO
cattle grazing. The two other inhabited is
lands, Lanai and Niihau. are used exclu-
sively for grazing, sheep raising being the
principal stock industry.
Almost all of the business of the territory
is carried on by organized partnerships or
joint stock companies. The number of gem
eral corporations in force August -, 1901,
was 314, their aggregate paid-up capital be
ing $50, 49,, SO. The number of foreign cor
porations in force that date was IL,
their aggregate paid-up capital being $50
036, 500, while the number of railroad cor
porations was 6, their paid-up capital being
s., S,0tU.0
Raising Sugar the Chief Industry.
The production Of sugar constitutes the
principal industry of the territory, practi-
cally all other industries, and indeed, the
prosperity of the islands, being dependent
upon it. Almost all of the available lands
suitable for growing sugar cane are used
for that purpose. The quantity of land
available for any purpose, however, is COM
paratively small only the rims of the
islands being used. as their interiors are
generally mountainous and barren. Being
of recent volcanic origin, sufficient time
has not elapsed since their formation to
or n he IN
reach a condition of fertility.
The industry of rice growing is also an
important one, and is carried on princi-
pally by the Chinese, who utilize coves, in
lets and islands that cannot be profitably
used for sugar cane growing, but which, by
reason of the richness of their soil and
their location as regards water, are well
adapted to the purpose for which they are
used. The rice grown is of a superior quail
ity, and its cultivation is said To be highly
profitable, the yield being heavy and two
crops being harvested annually. Sufficient
is grown to supply the requirements of the
territory and to afford considerable guam
tity for export, but il is said that the culti-
walton of this crop has reached its maxi
mum point. This is the only food product
grown in the territory. except sugar cof-
fee and taro. root largely used by the
native HawaiianS food, and grown in
suff1cient quantities to supply home con-
sumption. Large quantities of food stuffs,
both animal and vegetable, must therefore
be brought to the islands The production
of sugar has proved so highly profitable
to prevent the cultivation of other crops
which would not yield such great financial
returns, although it is probable they could
be successfully and proftably grown. The
raising of crops other than those mentioned
has, however, rot Yet gone beyond the ex-
perimental stage.
Unsatisfactory Labor Conditions.
Speaking of the labor question the report
says: THE unsatisfactory labor conditions
are rendered more acute by the steady de-
CT ease in the actual number of laborers in
the islands, which is being diminished con-
stantly. both by the natural causes of death
disability through old age or sickness
and by the tendency of the average Mon
golian to return to his native land when he
has accumulated sufficient money to constl-
tute competency or to engage in business
in his own country. Comparatively few of
these laborers are married. Their homes
and families are across the sea, and many
of them return to the orient by every pass
ing ship. Since the organization of the
islands a territory the immigration OF
Chinese has, of course, ceased entirely,
while the arrivals of japanese have been
comparatively few in number. 1t is stated
in the last report of the governor of the
territory that between June IA. 1900. the
date when the organic act went into effect,
and August 81, 1891, 4o79 japanese left the
territory, against only $50 arrivals. The
immigration of japanese during the year
number 264 Were males and 126 females.
The cost of living, so far food is
concerned is somewhat higher than in
other portions of the United States, but
this increase is offset by the relatively
higher wages paid by the continuity of en-
plcyment, and by the yesy low cost OF
wearing apparel, the mild climate demand
ing very little expenditure iii this direc-
ton. On all plantations the laborers are
furnished with comfortable dwellings rent
free, and in many cases with sufficient
ground for the cultivation of vegetables.
THE conditions surrounding the wage
earners of Honolulu are good as are
usually found in the centers of population
anywhere in the United States, and far
better than in some localities. Sanitary
conditions are excellent and rigidly
regulated by the territorial board of health
and officials All garbage is scrupulously
collected and carried far out to sea, and un-
remitting vigilance is exercised to main
tain clean and healthful conditions. The
recent prevalence of the bubonic plague
which necessitated the burning of large
portion of the city has had the effect of
awakening the authorities and the people
generally to the necessity of strictly en-
forcing sanitary rules. The city is abund-
antly supplied with excellent water by
reservoirs in the vicinity, and, the eli
mate is salubrious. the general health OF
the people is good"