The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1904-01-22

for the islands and to some extent de-
bill, of assuming control of franchises
ing the night at a police station and
refusing to put up collateral for his
appearance at Police Court. on ac-
count of an arrest, which he claimed
was an outrage upon him.
Mr.. Payne asked whether the entire
press of Honolulu had not opposed the
long term of the franchise when the
bill was before the legislature but Mr..
Robinson indicated that there had
probably been no unanimity of opinion
among the newspapers on the subject.
The House then turned from dis
cussion on the length of the franchise
to a discussion of the price to be charg-
ed for electric light and power. This
was raised also by Mr.. Payne. Chair
man Hamilton observed that 1.-The gen.
tleman from New York (Mr. Payne) in
his questions to the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Robinson), seems to be
possessed of some information in rela-
ton to what the people of Hawaii
think, which information Is so exclu-
sive that 1t seems almost homemade"
"Well, I read the report" retorted
Mr.. Payne.
There was quite an exchange between
the two, but Mr.. Payne insisted that
the prices to be charged were not prop
erly safeguarded from the standpoint
of the public.
Representative Hill of Conn, who
has been counted as one of the good
friends of Hawaii in the House. took a
part in the debate. "The bill" said
he, is wrong from start to finish.
There is not word in 1t as to the
amount of capital stock and the rights
of the stockholders are not preserved
in any way. They can issue stock for
any purpose, either for their own line
of business or for any other 1T can
bond itself and it's franchises to any
extent; 1t can change its name at will;
it can practically do as it pleases"
GRoSN ENOR SCORES FRANCHISE.
Representative Lilley said he wanted
to register his opposition to the bill and
he was recognized by the Speaker for
one hour, being a member of the COM
mittee and entitled to control time. He
yielded to Gen. Grosvenor of Ohio, who
scored the measure and said that no
where was there any reservation Of
power for Congress to alter or amend.
He accused Mr.. Robinson of being in
consistent in advocating such bill.
when his record in Congress was one
of opposition to monopolies and trusts.
He declared that his objection to the
bill started with the first section and
extended to the last line. Gen. Gros-
venor thought the legislature of Ha-
wall should pass a general law for the
Incorporation of companies and send it
to Congress for approval. After a
long discussion Chairman Hamilton
finally consented to the reference of the
bill back to the committee. Since then
he has enlarged the subcommittee and
there has been discussion about pro-
posed amendments. But, as already
stated, 1t is proposed to wait till some
thing further Is heard from those In
Hawaii, who are interested in the
electric company.
at the Senate end of the Capitol the
Developments In the House with ref
erence to Hawaiian franchises, have
been followed with much interest.
Senator Foraker Chairman of the
Senate Committee on Pacific ISLANDS
and Porto Rico, told me today that he
should take no action on the bill, fur
Their than what has already been done
in committee, till the House has reg
istered Its decision.
ERNEST G. WALKER.