The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1904-08-24
county Legislation Is
DISCUSSED BY GOVERNOR
Sound Reasons Why Full County Government
Would be Unsatisfactory in These Islands.
Meeting of the Commission LAST Night.

Governor Carter spoke informally last
evening before the County Act Cornnis-
sion as follows:
4 read while was away the accounts
of your opening meetings, wherein were
indicated the varying ideas of person:
appearing before you on this subject
showing the earnestness with which you
J, have taken hold of this matter. I know
little, however. of the extent to which
you have progressed, or your modus
operandi'
Chairman Cooper then outlined the
views expressed by number of gentle
men appearing before the commission
at various meetings, quoting principally
from Judge Dole, Justice Hatch and w.
O. Smith. The questions propounded by
the commission and sent to all parts of
the islands for wide and varied ex-
preston of views, were also read for the
benefit of the Governor
'The first question" said the Cover
nor, is one concerning the legal status
of the entire matter, and is as to wfeth-
er officials should be appointed or elect
ed. | am not competent to pass upon
that as it involves the limitations of the
Organic Act and it is a question for the
legal fraternity to settle. There should
be no chances taken in this matter.
The whole question of county gov
ernment is one by which the people are
seeking relief from centralized form
of government. It is pressed particular
ly by those residing on the other islands.
They have felt that the officials in Ho-
no1ulu who have the final say concerning
governmental matters, are wholly apart
and separate from them. They have
little opportunity to be heard on i'm |
provements, or changes affecting their
own interests.
No doubt the conditions on these is
lands or the outer districts would be /
much improved if the people there were
in closer touch with whatever form of
government there may be over them
This would result in their taking more
interest in public matters and becoming
better citizens. But the difficulties sur
rounding the attempt OF the people of this
territory, to institute counties with legis-
lative. judicial and executive depart
ments. will bring about a unique condi-
ton of affairs.
VETOES AND APPOINTMENTS. |
..Nhen you ask me to express what [
would consider the Executives idea in
this matter in order that your work
woud conform with such ideas so as to
prevent a clash between your results
and the final veto power, l would only
answer that it IS impossible for me, with
the responsibility of the Executive upon
me, to give comprehensive reply.
There are so many questions that arise.
can only decide on the question Of the
Use OF the veto power when the final
natter comes to me eventually after the
act has passed through the stages neces-
sary TO bring II to that point
Taking up these questions asked, the
lppointive power frst-it seems TO me
hat it is somewhat doubtful as to wheth-
n the Organic Act intended the Cover
Tor should make such appointments, but
+ so doubt If such an act would be {
to the Legislature. Perhaps,
Mr.. Chairman. the suggestion you make !
; the possible solution" (to establish /
.olnty government with appointive
,fices and in case the Supreme Court |
,nocked that out TO permit the elective !
orm TO become effective.) But don't
relieve that is satisfactory Would it a
meet the wishes Of the peopie
"We must remember that We have
My about 10000 people in the Terri
DIV. Many of the districts on the other S
Stands have not a large population, and /
rom this point OF view l sometimes
oubt whether their craving for this par :
cular form Of government is wise, and c
wonder whether or not their wishes ;
annot be met by some other course than o
ctuaI county government-full-f -fedged :,
ounty government such as Is in opera +,
on on the mainland I mean whether o
r not modified form would not bring