The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1904-11-12
DISCUSSION
Of C|V|CS
Wilmington Talks to
Research
Club.

The Young Mems Research Club
| which met last evening at the resi-
dence of c. H Atherton, had large
attendance The feature of the even
ing was an address by Mr.. D. L. With
ington upon Civic righteousness. The
subject dealt with ideals in the conduct
of civic affairs and the relationship OF
the citizen with the affairs of the COM
nunity in which he resides
Mr.. wilmington, who was at the head
of the Civic Reform organization of
San Diego, spoke strongly against the
grating methods of present-day poh-
tics and pointed out the remedy. His
address was earnest instructive and
to the point, teaching civic righteous
ness and the wide and common need
of its application
In one portion of his address Mr..
Wilmington said it was his fortune l.
have met Booker Washington a few
years ago. The meeting was a reveia-
ton to him of the excellent qualities
of the negro educator. HE was one
of the greatest men I ever met" the
speaker said. zone of the fine quan-
ties I observed in Mr. Washington was
that he was absolutely devoid Of vanity,
had been showered upon him. Another
was that his mission was not so much
after all, TO elevate the negro as it
was to elevate the white man. His
idea is that the health of the commun-
ity is the health of the weakest spot
in it. A community is strong, vigorous,
and capable as the substructure on
which it rests"
President Bryan. in expressing his
thanks to Mr.. Wilmington, said that
the matter was food for considerable
thought. He thought the subject should
be brought up at future meeting of
the club for some discussion, and if
possible to evolve some practical uses
which might be laid before the legis-
lature.
Mr. Owens, the secretary, presented
the report of the Committee on Park
for Punchbowl and Tan
talus. The committee had reported by
passing a resolution to the effect that
the matter had been thoroughly in
vestigated and it was their idea that
a bill be presented to the legislature
setting aside parks on these two places,
with the additional proposition that
some place along the Waikiki Beach
be also designated.
Mr.. Owens said that since the pass
age of this resolution it has been
brought to public notice that the leg
stature has no power to set aside park |
and that only the chang
ing of the Organic Act would permit /
The local lawmakers to take any ac-
ion. He stated that Mr. Mcclellan, |
secretary TO the Delegate to Congress,
lad suggested that the Research Club |
invoke the aid of Representative w.
". Harris in presenting a joint reso-
ution in the legislature, asking the
Governor to take the necessary steps
o request Congress to amend the Or
;anic Act accordingly
Mr.. Owens suggested the appoint
nent of committee to act with Rep
esentative Harris in the matter.
Senator Dickey arose and said that
lie did not know before that the legis-
ature had no power to make park,
IS the last Legislature had already set
side q, park reservation in Hilo, con-
erning which there had been consid-
rabIe trouble in naming, and which
vas finally named after some of Ad-
niraI Beckley's ancestors He said
hat the act was law, having been
assed by the legislature and signed
" the Governor. but if the situation
ad been explained rightly. the law
ras probably unconstitutional. 7
This announcement will probably
i've the Hiloites and Admiral BeckIey
onae unea siness.
The chair appointed Mr.. Owens as
acretary of the legislative committee,
nd will appoint the four other mem
ers later.
The chair also brought before the
Iub a previous suggestion that the ,
ub find permanent quarters. The
ommittee in charge of the matter was
OF present TO report on its investiga-
ons [
The chair stated that at a future
ieeting Mr. Ashley, director of the
:. S. Weather Bureau, would give a
-actical talk on how the weather con-
tions are observed by Uncle Sam,
Iso that Chief Justice F'rear would
Lvor the club with a topic of consid-
able interest.
The remainder of the evening was I
,voted to a discussion Of dainty re- ,
eshments. A pianola recital was also
ven by Mr.. Owens.