The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1904-03-10

In the paragraph OF the law, kHo"D
as section II, and affecting the borrow
ing OF money and issuance OF bonds
the subcommittee has voted TO insert
after the word Aforesaid the words
mot to exceed 90 per cent OF the value
of thereof meaning that the company
NAV issue bonds to the extent OF 90
per cent of the value OF all its property
The only otter amendment made IN
the bill by the subcommittee IS the add
ing of another section at the end, when
reads:
Congress or the legislature OF the
territory with the approval OF Congress,
may at any time alter, amend or repeal
this act.
THE HEARINGS.
The two hearings, the last OF which
was held this morning, were attended by
Hon. w. 0. Smith, Mr.. A. GaEtley, Mr..
D. l. Wilmington, Mr.. @, B. AlcClel- an
and others. No stenographic report was
made OF the hearings but the time was
largely occupied in explanation of the
features OF the electric light and gas
bills. particularly of the clauses affecting
the price to be charged and the length
of franchise Mr.. Smith expressed a
willingness that the price to be charged
for electric light should be fixed by the
courts at a reasonable figure. There
was considerable support for that pro-
vision but it also met with strong op-
position Mr.. Thayer, Democrat, OF
Massachusetts, declared that the poor
devil would have hard time getting the
price fixed in court" adding that the
litigation might last two or three years,
during which prevailing prices at the
time the suit was brought might con-
tinue. Mr. Gartley was asked to state
a price which he would regard as reason
able, but he declared his inability to fix
a minimum rate without further con-
sulting figures and other information not
Immediately available
The changes made by the subcommit-
tee, as already explained, will probably
stand, although that can not be stated
positively. The full committee or the
House has the power to change them
If it wills.
The subcommittee will undertake at
once further consideration of the gas
bill. The same provision will undoubt-
eddy be made regarding the life of the
franchise as has been made in the cleo
trio bill There has been some dis
Some members think $3.50 per thousand
feet is too much and favor reducing 1t
to 81 per thousand feet.
HARBOR IMPROVEMENT.
There is believed to be something of
an opportunity for securing authority
from Congress at this session for a
survey by army engineers of the Harbor
at Honolulu, with view to its inn
provement by the government. Dele
gate Kalanianaole stated today that he
had been consulting with different mem
bers of the Rivers and Harbors Com
nittee about it, although thus far they |
had stated nothing definitely to him or
been able to take up the subject in
Representative Burton, of Ohio, chair |
man of the committee, said to me today |
I think it quite probable that Congress
will pass small bill at this session, |
surveys of harbors. 1t is
lot fully determined yet. We want to
PUT in few worthy projects, so that |
surveys can be made and the govern
nent be put in possession of information
o guide our action with reference to
uture Improvements.
That, | suppose, means the harbor
1t Honolulu, could not be included, was
-enarked
Not at all" replied Mr.. Burton. "On
he contrary, I am distinctly in favor
If doing something towards the inn
of harbors in our territorial
possessions. l think such action would
70 far towards stimulating the idea that
he government at Washington intends
o deal fairly with them and that they
re part of the government and re-
Giving some of its material benefits. l
hink we shall include some harbors for
he outlying possessions, if we have a
ill. l have not looked into the matter
It Honolulu yet. Therefore l can not,
# course, speak definitely what think
'ught to be done with that project. But
am not disposed to be against it
ERNEST G. WALKER.