The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1907-06-26
EDWARDS OBJECTS TO LAWYERS

EDWARDS OBJECTS TO LAWYERS.
The detection Of the two members
produced no outward effect on the
serenity Of the majority. who went
calmly along with the work Of taking
UP the protest against the Wigwam
saloon. Under the esta blished rules of
precedence the applicant was to be first
heard but he waived his right and Mr..
Edwards. the protestant rose. He ex-
planned that he had prepared a short
statement to read to the Board, being
glad to note that the Board had al
ready decided on one Of the main points
he had to bring UP. He then read the
following statement:
Gentlemen of the Board of Liquor
License Commissioners
Before these cases begin tonight we
feel 1t important that certain mat
ter of policy be determined on for the
affect very materially these and all
other similar eases, in the method of
their handling
This Boaru Is establishing presidents
and needs TO be verv careful They
hear the first eases tonight where par
ties are arrayed against each other.
1t is important that these first cases
establish such precedents as inure most
benefclally to public welfare
The question of policy relates to
permitting paid agents to appear for
saloons or in behalf of protestants
where the two sides are before you
to present their cases. We do not
think 1t good puolic policy, or just to
the protestants to do so.
las regards the protestant
He comes before you in the in
terest of pubne welfare He Is not
expecting to reap any financial reward
by his action.
HE loses his time and runs the
risk of financial loss besides, especially
if a business man. Many men who are
opposed to saloons, or particular saloons
now, are silenced on this account.
/. 3-He risks the social odium of the
liquor element in the community and
their sympathizers.
He undergoes the unpleasantness
which is no small thing to a peace
loving man when he goes into a fight
of this kind, and has to seem to be
fighting some man or men of the com
munity.
We submit that this is sufficient
burden for him to carry in the inter
est of the public without having TO
pay a lawyer fee in addition.
As regards the necessity for paid
advocates.
We should not object so strenuously
to the additional LAWYER fee if it seem
ed necessary in order TO get at the
facts But it doesn It. In very truth
If strikes us as doubtful whether paid
advocates viii not serve to befog and
hide truth rather than bring it out
into the open. The paid advocate Is
seeking to win the case for his client,
not to arrive at the truth. What this
board wishes is the truth. We submit
that they are more likely to get 1t
without paid advocates than with
them.
Why should there be needed paid
advocate to cross examine witnesses
There is one Professional lawyer on
this Board of Liquor License Commits |
sioners. The other members of the
Board know how to ask questions and |
draw conclusions Why not let them
hear the statements on either side and
ply with such questions as seem neees- |
sarv to obtain the facts which are OF
Importance. They viii be seeking
truth. not simply TO befog witnesses or
to cover up truth.
3-Finally we submit that this IL
not a criminal court where the court |
procedure is necessary These are sim
ply public hearings. If lawyers are
permitted for the Saloons then the pro-
testants are forced to this additional
expense of also employing a lawyer.
IT works a hardship on them where
they have no chance to benefit fnan-
cially as does the saloonkeeper. 1t
doesn't help this Board TO get any
nearer the truth than is possible with
out such paid advocates.
PERRY RESENTS THE SLURS.
Judge Perry, who was present to rep
resent Aft. O. Rosa, Of the Wigwam.
spoke calmly in response, but his words
were caustie and won the applause OF
the spectators, thus precipitating the
abrupt closing Of the meeting.
1.-THE orator who has just taken his