The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1905-05-30

The killing of the militia appropria-
sion bill in the Legislature has not
proved to be the dire disaster which it
was at first proclaimed it would be. In
fact, the discus ion which has been
aroused over the demise of politics in
uniform has brought to both the Gov
ernor and the military authorities here
some knowledge that neither possessed
before yesterday. And yet the power
that it was intended by Congress should
be given to the Governor of Hawaii,
power transcending that of any COVER
nor of any state in the Union, and in
some respects equalling that of the
President himself. has merely been in
allegiance. The power is in the law in
the Organic Act. Section 81, and in the
army and navy regulations. An ex-
plicit exception is made in the regu-
latiops, in fact, to give this power to
the Governor of Hawaii.
"And did not know before that the
Governor had any such power" said
Colonel Mcclellan, commanding the
United States army forces in Hawaii,
yesterday. II shall take pains to see
Governor Carter at once, and acquaint
him with the facts that have been
brought to my knowledge. am great
ly obliged to you for calling my atten-
tion to this
The remark was made to Hon. Carl
Smith, representative in the House
from Hilo, who was largely instru-
mental in killing the militia bill in the
House, and whose studies of the law in
the case revealed to him the power pos
sessed by the Governor. AS soon as
Mr. Smith had satisfied himself that
this remarkable power was lodged with
the executive, he called upon Colonel
Mcclellan to see whether the comman-
der of the military forces was aware
of the state of the law. Colonel Nc
Clellan was not aware of the facts,
when Mr.. Smith called upon him.
II am sorry you took the stand you
did upon the militia BILL" Colonel Nc
Clellan said to the representative, and
gave his reasons for saying so. Colonel
Mcclellan had been quoted as saying
that he did not know Governor Carter,
or the territory enthusiastically of
course-and was sincerely sorry that
THE militia had been deprived of sup
port, DttduSt VI an iiolltSN SoiNiNNi'ii
that the territory was thus left with
out any force that the Governor might
call out to suppress disorder in case of
emergency. Moreover, Colonel McClel-
Ian quoted the army regulations to
show Mr.. Smith that he was right in
his contention.
The gallant Colonel was greatly sur
prised when Mr.. Smith, in turn, turned
a page in the book of regulations and
showed him the explicit exception
giving the Governor power to call out
the armed forces of the United States
within the Territory.
"These troops could not be stationed
here to prevent invasion" said Mr..
Smith land so ! knew that there was
some good reason for having them
here"
you surprise me, sir" said the
Colonel. Il did not know that"
"Then, Colonel" said the member
from Hilo. "in view of this section of
the regulations if Governor Carter
riot in Hookena, you would obey him as
your superior officer?"
1.-THE Governor is not my superior Of
hcer, sir.
But, il you were not to obey him,
it would involve an explanation to the
Secretary of War, would it not?"
'Tt would be a very serious matter,
SIR"
"And you would call out the troops,
if the Governor asked for them"
1--WE must obey regulations. Yes,
would
"And IL the Governor were to call
upon Commander Lucien Young. of the
Bennington, for armed help he would
be given that help. would he not?"
"He would"
MAY 1 quote you upon this matter,
Colonel? Your position has been mis-
represented concerning it."
"You may quote me. certainly sir.
But, I have not been misrepresented,