The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1903-02-23

&. I1O1NOA~OAOp 1888 -
make II more their special business tc
| know and advise how their money
which has been paid to the government
in the form of taxes was to be expend-
ed. they would have less to complain
of. and our officials would find it easier
to conduct the affairs Of state. when
| they knew they had the advice and ap-
| prevail of the people to back them.
/ A. this article concerns the appro-
priation for agricultural work, con-
! fine myself to the recommendations for
! this department First item $4,000 sala-
~ and $1,000 for travelling expenses for
the Commissioner of Agriculture for
the biennial period. There are plenty
OF skilled agriculturists who would be
glad to accept the old salary of $175.oo
per month, saving thus $500 per month
for more useful purposes; why not
place this salary at the old figure in
stead of increasing 1t these hard times?
When the class of taxpayers for whom
the department was expected to be a
benefit are not able to pay their taxes
without borrowing money?
I understand the teacher of agricul-
ture in the Normal School gets but
$4,000 per month and is very COM
petent man, Kamehameha does not pay
but little more. Why pay man with
out any special training for the posi-
ton, more than the trained man COM
mands for similar services under the
government?
The salary of 100000 for entomologist
is very little to pay for the services
rendered and could not be secured for
that except, as I understand, the Plan
ters' Association duplicate the amount
making 100000 biennial salary for the
position, which is cheap enough for
man of Prof. koebele's ability. and
world wide fame as a practical ento-
mologist; but there is another salary
connected in name if not in fact with
this office, that Of Quarantine officer
and entomologist. salary $4,000. co. Now
work that properly belongs to the COM
missioner of Agriculture, and which he
and others should perform? This salary
should be abolished. which with $500
per month from Commissioner of Agri-
cultures salary. would give $660O.0O,
that could be put to better use.
The sum of $4,000 for Fencing and
maintaining of forest reservation" is
recommended. This amount and the
'$1O.O 900 incidentals forestry" and all
other amounts if properly expended,
would be money well invested, but
fencesi Why should this government
be obliged to fence it's forests? why
should any farmer be required to fence
his farm except to restrain his own
animals? The mo fence" law has been
in force in California for thirty years
and no one is obliged to protect even
his lawn from the inroads of tres
passing animals, the law protects him
and the millions of dollars that would |
be expended in unsightly |
fences and invested in houses, barns, |
orchards, etc. Why should we go on, in |
the thralls of the Pastoral age" when |
we have the experience OF other states |
under similar conditions to guide us? |
Why should this Territory use SIS, 900
or any other sum in fencing it's forests?
The legislature at this session should
make it possible that every man be
to care for his own live stock.
The forester should have special police
power to impound all animals and col
ers, when practicable, and shoot all
others when found trespassing in the
government forests, and save this 49,
100 for the agricultural college, and the
larry and cattle feeding station. Teach
,ur cattle men how they can make one
Lcre of their land pay them more clear
money than they make from forty acres
lnder the present system. Induce
hem to open up at least a portion of
he vast domain occupied by range cat
lie TO the use of small farmers.
1 believe the Governor gives proof of
he interest he has in the development
f an improved agriculture. throughout
is message, as well as by the liberal
recommendation for appropriations,
ut as to the specific use the various
ums of money are to be applied 1 be-
eve his apportionment should be re-
ised, and 1 believe it can be done in
manner that will do far more good to
ne Territory and meet his approval as
ell.
Yours truly,
|