Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-09-23
Maintenance Of Lepers.

mdlutcuduCc VI AcPC1o'
while the number Of the unfortunate
beings, the lepers Is gradually decreasing,
yet at the present they and their children
and attendants, public charges. segregated
on the Island of Molokai. number 1909,
costing the territorial government to main
tain $1ss, 800 annually.
"To comprehend what charge this spe-
cial misfortune imposes on this small COM
munity, let YOU committee realize this
charge Is equal to the people Of the CONT
mental United States maintaining 100000
persons in complete idleness at an annual
cost Of s70,O95, 500 Such a burden would
seem to the people of the United States as
too onerous to be borne. In addition, Ha-
wall is obliged to maintain all other en-
lightened institutions prison. reform, char
ity hospital and educational establish
ments.
This unusual condition and phenomenal
burden should make a profound and lasting
impression on your minds and recommended
tions.
''It is not in the province of this commit
tee to attempt recommendations as to the
labor problem confronting our main and al
most exclusive industry, the raising of
sugar We do request your keen attention
to the fact that skilled labor is being
driven from employment, from the islands
or to a lower, meaner and almost intoler-
able scale of living through the competi-
ton Of alien labor. Private selfishness can
phatically protest against any action of
the United States government, through it's
local and official representatives, in en-
ploying, directly or indirectly. through con-
Politics and Business.
''The peculiar political and specially legal
lied economic conditions existing for many
years in the Hawaiian Islands produced
a bias. and expectation of continued special
privileges, that many, even of our most in
telligent and interested citizens, could not
overcome during the earlier periods Of an
nexation. On their support and patriotism
this territory must rely for sound economic
and political conditions. Their better judg-
ment will ultimately prevail, and a cam
paign of education and more elevated poll
tics be inaugurated. 1t is doubtful If a
peaceful community can be secured by dis
elimination in suffrage.
Business has been unfavorably affected
by many apprehensions as to the course of
general and local government. and the mis-
giving still exists. However, there are
enough good, intelligent citizens, who by
sound, unselfish measures and public cleo
ton this fall will disclose the situation.
We submit If the issue of good government
Is forced by events the United States
should amend its organic act as to pro-
vide most stringent and enlarged veto
power in proper hands, for the control Of
THE light houses are inadequate and still
local charge, and the harbors are still
maintained and improved at local expense.
The projected improvements at Pearl har-
Dor, and camps and Notifications, while of
great local Importance, are vital part Of
the vast scheme of public defense of the en-
tire nation and should not be unduly weigh
ed in our financial relations to the govern
ment.
1.-The sugar situation throughout the
world is a disturbing problem-to us vital
one. The federal government should not
look backward but adjust our relations to
the conditions This organization does not
pretend to indicate the constitutional rem
edies to be applied to or limitations that
affect our status point out how our
welfare must be brought about by enact
ments OF Congress, but we do submit that
from distance and circumstances we do not
enjoy the direct and immediate benefits
that cover the continental United States
and territories in the financial operations
Of the federal government.
I'VE submit our situation resembles more
that of a colony, and that the revenues
should not be unduly transferred from our
territory to the United States and expended
elsewhere.
Recommendations.
I'VE ask of your committee that by its
recommendations it urge:
"That all government contracts and work
SO far as skilled labor is concerned. both
directly and indirectly, be let only to other
than alien labor, and so stipulated.
"That should political unrest and incom-
potency continue the fundamental law be
SO amended that business interests mey
have the protection at least of an enlarged
veto power, placed in unbiased and impair
tial hands.
That a means be promptly and earnestly
sought to, by suitable appropriations or q
toriaI treasury cease the federal drain upon
the resources of the Hawaiian Islands.