Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1904-08-24

lowing informal remarks to the fran.
ers of a new county act:
THE whole question of county gov.
eminent Is one by which the people
are seeking relief from centralized
form of government. II is pressed
particularly by those residing on the
other islands. They have felt that the
officials in Honolulu who have the Anal
say concerning governmental matters.
are wholly apart and separate from
them. They have little opportunity
to be heard on improvements, or
changes affecting their own interests.
mo doubt the conditions on these Is.
lands or the outer districts would be
much improved II the people there
were In closer touch with whatever
form OF government there may be over
them. This would result in their TAX.
ing more interest In public matters and
becoming better citizens. But the diff.
ficulties surrounding the attempt of the
people OF this Territory, to institute
counties with legislative, judicial and
executive departments. will bring
about unique condition OF affairs.
Question Of Veto.
when you ask me to express what
would consider the Executives idea
In this matter In order that your work
would conform with such ideas so as
to prevent a clash between your re.
suits and the final veto power, would
only answer that 1t is impossible for
me, with the responsibility OF the Eek
ecutive upon me- to give comprehen
sive reply. There are so many ques.
tons that arise. can only decide on
the question OF the use OF the veto
power when the final matter comes to
me eventually after the act has passed
through the stages necessary to bring
1t to that point.
Taking up these questions asked
the appointive power first-it seems to
me that II Is somewhat doubtful as to
whether the Organic Act intended the
Governor should make such appoint
ments, but II so doubt II such an aci
would be satisfactory to the Legisla
ture. Perhaps. Mr.. Chairman, the sug
gestion you make Is the possible solu
tion," to appoint county officers, then
have an election and, II election was
void, proceed with the system under
appointed o0icers.) But would that
meet the wishes of the peopleG
Modified system.
I'VE must remember that We have
only about 100000 people in the Terri
tory. Many of the districts on tn,
other islands have not large popula
ton, and from this point OF view
sometimes wonder whether or not theil
} wishes cannot be met by some othc,
course than actual. full.fedged county
government such as is In operation
on the mainland. mean whether
or not q modified form would not bring
the people in touch with the machin
cry over them.
Il have been impressed with the
situation in Porto Rico where condi
that they had full.fledged govern
ment aud went through an entire
change in going into the possession OF
the United States. notice that there
they have measure Of self-govern
ment, greater than We have here. in
their municipal control OF the cities
and towns. where they have the cleo
ton of their city officials and disburse
ments Of the proportion of the taA
which goes to the benefit Of the mu
nicipality.
. Municipal Beginnings.
/, 1T came principally to my attention
las to whether or not such course
would not be. perhaps, the best method
OF answering this demand on the par
OF the people. by beginning with mu
nicipal government for such towns an'
villages as might desire 1t, and from
that working into counties.
II understand since my return tina
this idea has been expressed by Jus
tlce Hatch. | was not aware Of It a
the time | read of the situation Il
Porto Rico.
No County wharves.
THE question OF the county contre
Of schools. health matters, road'
anu WhdtNSo' oh hhut psoiV
strongly believe that certain road
lhaving In mind the proposition
make two counties on HawaiD. shoul
be Territorial as some districts woul
be taxed too heavily TO maintain then
Take such roads as are to be foun
around the circuit Of Hawaii, the mai
avenues that lead from one distri'
into another. The bulk OF the tran
on these roads Is through traffic. On
district having through road migl
maintain 1t as such, but another d.
tIlct might not have much use for
, and neglect 1t.
"Wharves: believe strongly the
should be under Territorial control.
Territorial Health.
, Health matters: Decidedly Teri
torial. A conflict between local q
thorities on matters Of health and eI
denies might create very unfort
nate situation; such as the quara
IL lttnl,a Of nna nnrtiAn nf nm iala ,