The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1907-08-20
SMALL FARMS
NOT THOUGHT OF.

Editor Advertiser: I read with much
interest, in your issue of 18th inst,
Governor Carriers letter to the depart
ment of commerce and labor on the
unjust application of the Coastwise
shipping laws to these Islands; and 1t
seems to me his argument is unan-
swerable, even by so staunch sup
porter of the law as Mr. P. c. Jones.
But when I came to the following SEN
tence, Our people do not ask an ex-
emption for freight, but do maintain
common sense dictates that ordinary
judgment be used in the application
of our national laws" my faith in the
sincerity of the promotion work, ad-
vocating diversified interests" and
the development of the Islands along
traditional American lines" we have
heard so much about lately from Gov
ernor Carter and his administration. re-
ceived a severe shock. / will state fur
Their that l have not seen one sentence
on this important phase of the subject
mentioned in all the discussions of this
most important question of transport
tation.
The convenience of the tourist and
traveller has been the sole theme of
those who have discussed the subject.
Now, Mr.. Editor, are the people of
Hawaii sincere, or is it all a farce,
this agitation going on for the de-
velopment Of the Islands, by Undue
ing settlers to come here and take up
diversified agriculture? I have been
here ten years working faithfully along
this line of development having faith
enough to believe that there was more
or less sincerity in the clamor for
small farmers" but I am free to say
the discussion of this transportation
question which ignores the most vital
factor for the development of the Is
lands has given me a Jolt
1t has been the lament of these ad-
vocates that the Inter-Island trans
portation conditions prevented devel-
opment of diversified farming on the
outlying islands of the group; yet here
we are in the height of the fruit sea-
son, with no chance for shipping
single pound to the mainland from
July "a to September 4, a period of
fOrty-two days, except on August IA,
Is and 16; which dates being so close
together practically amount to single
shipment Yet during that period
enough ships to meet all our needs
have tied up to our wharves, and. sim
ply for the reason of a false and sell
fish patriotism" have not been able
to take a pound of the fruit that must
rot in the fields. Still the cry goes
out-"Give US farmers, the backbone of
the country, the men who can always
be depended upon in the Nations hour
of need for the defense of the flag"
etc.
Now, Mr.. Editor, are there none
among the advocates of Americanizing
these Islands "along traditional lines"
willing or ready to demand, Common
sense dictates that ordinary business
judgment be used in the application of
our national laws" when they strike
at the very root and foundation on
which we hope to build American in
stitutions in these Islands? We are
absolutely an agricultural community.
Essentially the only chance for the
white farmer is the fruit growing in
dustry, supplemented with proper
transportation facilities; yet the retir-
ing governor, who has protested such
unbounded faith in thus building up
this country, tells the authorities at
Washington, "Our people do not ask
exemption for freight"
In the name of those who are build
ing homes. developing the fruit in
dustry and inviting their friends TO
come here and join them. 1 ask that
our commercial bodies take such ac-
ton in this matter as will secure to
the producers of these Islands the same
guarantee in the transportation of
their products as is given the tourist
and the American drummer for trav-
cling.
BYRON o. CLARK.
Honolulu, August 16, 1907.
-ru 4nauapuantnat