Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1908-07-11


abuses II proceeds 1--WE therefore In
struct our delegates to the National
Convention to endeavor to secure a
plank in the Democratic National
platform favoring the application of
the principles of the land laws of the
United States to the Territory of Ha-
wall"
During the recent visit of Secre-
tary Garfield petition reciting ex-
listing conditions and requesting that
he institute forthwith searching in
quiry into these (land) matters" was
presented to him-a personal inter-
view was had, closing with request
for submission by the committee of a
concrete statement Of the remedies
that could be applied. This latter was
presented to him on Friday. June 20,
in the shape of memorial which
was published in full in your issue
OF June 9th and which closed its ref
erence to these matters by urging:
81. The immediate suspension OF
that portion of the Hawaiian land law
authorizing either sale or exchange Of
public lands.
"2. That the public lands granted
| by way of homestead shall remain
subject to the homestead quality.
80. That public agricultural lands,
as they can only be homesteaded or
leased by citizens, shall continue for
the sole beneficial use Of citizens. and
be tillable only by citizens Cor those
who have declared their intention to
become citizens).
The extension Of the Federal
homestead law here with such
amendments as Congress shall make)
believing with Governor Frear that
nothing we can get can be worse than
what we have. and also believing
there is greater probability of wise
amendment of the Federal homestead
laws than OF our local laws always
bearing in mind that our local land
laws cannot be amended except by ac-
tion of Congress-.
I'VE have based these suggestions
as we believe on the views and prin-
ciples expressed by yourself in your
address ut the conference of Govern
ors lately held in Washington as
quoted In the June number of For
estry and Irrigation" page 341, be-
lieving, as no doubt you do, that the
public lands are great resource
owned by the people at large
and II is for them to determine
whether the resource shall be used
for the benefit Of all. or be turned
over for the benefit of who
ever may happen first to get fool
hold
BY the proposals made in these re-
citals the Democratic Party of this
Territory believes 1t holds out a ra-
tional, consistent, effective plan for
settlement of our public lands by
bona flde homesteaders, the removal
of those lands from the realms of
speculation (since the purchase of
same would Of necessity mean the &C.
cupation thereby and incidentally
providing a, solution of our labor
problem on Thssef leaSt friction with
or sacrific by established industries.
In short we claim to present to the
voters of this Territory.1 an honest,
comprehensive means for developing
our resources on American lines with
American labor. A.
Your statement that reference to
American Land Laws" carries the
crowd, II interpreted into meaning
that the people of the Territory have
finally risen to the occasion and will
demand equality with their fellow
citizens on the mainland, then the
"cry" is effective in its best sense.
II distribution of literature of the
kind herein quoted from, bearing on
the subject is nursing the hopes of
spectators and misleading ignorant
people," then we plead guilty to the
charge made by you.
II securing local application OF
THE SPIRIT of the American land
laws means 100 acres for everybody,
then we further plead guilty.
If, as we believe, you are honest in
your criticism, we submit that the
facts as presented fit every condition
that is to be created in any change of
cur land laws, and the party is en-
titled to credit for patriotism and un-
selfishness In presenting the same.
JOHN EMMELUTH.
Honolulu. July 9, 'OS.