The Hawaiian gazette., 1905-10-20

Editor Advertiser: Having tnken
some part Ia the discussion of the eN
| clusion law IN ITS relation to Hawaii,
may ! be permitted TO add II few sup
! Elementary observations
Lately Judge Dole, ont Of the stores
of his vi experience and so md
thought, prepared and published vaiu'
able contribution to the cause of Amer.
icanism in Hawaii, which his answer to
Judge Hart Is interesting paper com
plctes. a communication by Secretary
| Atkinson to the New York Independent
has also been reprinted, which clearly
presents the argument in favor of citi-
zen labor and sustains the policy of the
multiplication of homes, through the
distribution of land
In reference to this subject however,
il seems to me that there are practical
questions to be considered that ought
to he Immediately decided.
There are two points to be kept in
view:
!. The most earnest and definite en-
commencement to the introduction of cIti-
zens and of classes of aliens who are
eligible to citizenship is absolutely es
sential to territorial progress. The
natural result of annexation, much re-
tarded through local causes, is Ameri-
eanization. President Roosevelt, quoted
by Secretary Atkinson, struck the key-
note. when he insisted on development
"along traditional American lines
This is exactly what genuine American
ization means. Every movement that
tends in this direction should and will
command the endorsement of Ameri-
cans, of all extractions, both here and
on the mainland
But the labor necessities of the sugar
plantations can and must be met.
This most important of all Hawaiian
| industries demands and is entitled to
receive adequate protection. AS have
previously observed the labor situa
ton of today was anticipated when
annexation took place, and the good
faith of Congress and, therefore, of the
people of the United States, was vir-
tually pledged to all legislation, under
the Constitution, necessary to solve
the existing problem.
That problem is, How to extend citi-
zenship, to multiply homes. and to fos-
ter diversified industries, and, at the
same time meet the labor demand on
the plantations. This question has to
be dealt with on exact lines, and its
determination requires harmony and
concentration.
There are four ways in which it has
been suggested that unskilled labor
for the cane-felds can be obtained:
First, through the introduction of citi-
zens, actual or potential, who are able
and willing to make homes for them
| Nd Ell bn nlannc nf AclatipS.
second through the introduction of the
same class or classes, to grow cane UNI
! der contract on limited areas of land;
third, by modification of the exclu-
sion law, permitting the importation
into Hawaii of limited number or
Chinese under close and effective re-
strictions; and, fourth, by combina-
ton of all these various methods.
Now the Planters Association un-
doubtedly represents a large amount
of capital, unprecedented success in the
production of sugar, ana wide and deep
knowledge and experience in every de-
partment of the business, so vital to
the Territory and so important to the
mainland, and its attitude on these
propositions should be influential and
probably controlling. The main thing
lacking is a distinct expression of its
views and it's wants.
If the demand for unskilled laborers
can be filed by citizens or by aliens
qualified for citizenship, that is an end
of the discussion and no other action
is required but to facilitate that kind
of immigration. 1t has been, how
/ ever, almost endlessly reiterated that
this class of labor can not be procured,
that Americans or persons fit to be-
come Americans, of every hue, either
Y can not or will not toll in the cane,
and there certainly is pride of citi-
zenship that, as a factor in the ques-
ton, it is difficult to ignore. What
then is the truth about this matter
1t appears to me that it is up to the
! Planters Association to answer.
Is the contract system possiblef To
some extent, it has been tried. Would
l this plan, assiduously followed, end the
dificultt7 Here, again, decisive infor'
nation is within the breast of the
Planters Association.
If neither of these methods of treat
ment is sufficient, or if they are made
quate, what is there left but resort to
Chinesei
1t is easy to fall between two stools
Hating between diverse opinions is
!, another mode of expressing the aphor'
D ism. Is anything to be done or is the
present condition to be left to take
e care of itselfl If the Chinese are
l. wanted, then rapid and systematized
l. movement is imperative.
J. The long session of Congress begins
3 in December. Exclusion will be a
theme and a subject of national legis-
: lation. What is to be the attitude of
d Hawaii or is it to take any attitude at
n alli Generalities will accomplish moth,
h ing. The aim must be specific, and the
d work direct and pointed, or, if relief
through a modification of the exclusion
: law is desirable, it will fail.
r 1t is certain that the general policy
g of excluding Asiatics from the United
e States will not be changed but inten
! sified. Upon this point, American
e judgment is substantially united. II
d is credibly stated that, acting for its
own interests, Japan favors the ex
: clusion of its unskilled laborers from
G the United States. Be this as il may
o the American nation is determined tC