Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1909-01-26
ORGANIC ACT AMENDMENTS ARE
HEARD: NOW ACT.

The bill amending the Organic Act
has been published Governor Frear's
statement before Congress has been
put before the people and the Gov
crnor has made his extended eNpla-
nation.
What do you intend to do?
The people were dissatisfied with
the method in which this very i'm
portant bill was handled. They
wanted to know.
They have been informed in large
measure as to what the bill means.
They should now declare themselves
and give the bill the hacking that
cen be secured for such portions Of 1t
as are generally approved.
The people werc entirely justified
in calling hale until they could
learn more Of what had been done
and what is in contemplation. They
arc standing in their own light If
they come to permanent standstill.
From the observation Of public sem
timent made by this paper, the only
sections to which there rs serious OBJ
lection at the present time are those
dealing with the public lands and the
sweeping provisions that except IIa-
vail from certain laws that may or
may not be enacted at this session Of
Congress.
The proposed amendments of tho
land laws are in line with the recon-
mendations of the special ADVISORY
land commission appointed by the
Governor. II the Legislature had not
taken action on the land question
there would seem to be no particular
i treason why the amendments mapped
out by this commission should not
carry through without further refer
ice to the Legislature of Hawaii.
II should be recalled, however,
and many appear TO have forgotten
it-that the Legislature of 1907 pass
Cd joint resolution providing for a
Land Commission to serve without
pay, investigate the status of the
land laws, and report to the Govern-
: or not Eater than July /, 1908, such
xeport 20 include all their rccommon-
Mons together with such bill or
3 to be presented to the Legisla-
e, to carry into effect such recon-
ndations as they may prepare"
This joint resolution passed both
rs OF the Legislature. Governor
treated II to pocket veto.
II was not legally binding On
But II Is obvious that the
'tatlves of the people of the
y of Hawaii were settled in
Mon that any bills dealing
%. tmaadministration of the public
lands should be presented first to tie
local Legislature.
Governor Frear carried out a part
oil the Legislatures program when he
appointed tho Advisory Land Com
mission.
He ignored a very important dc
On when he jumped over the head of
he local Legislature and went direct
Congress. This put him in the po-
ton of getting his law passed and
lie the Legislature whistled
However, there may yet be time to
present the matter to the Legislature
and secure an expression in time for
JUiSercss to act or postpone. MS suits
the sentiment of Hawaii.
Meanwhile, let the people move
forward.
Though the section of many excep-
tions and the land law section may
prove doubtful, the people should
gree on other portions of the bill
nd say so.
Governor Frear Is understood to
teei that he has not been given the
import he deserved This is to be re-
ed, but it is not the issue.
desire of the people Is the pres
known quantity that has to be
strated. And the disagreement
ne of them with the Governor
tain points Is no good reason
anyone of caliber should get an
of the sulks or seek reprlsais
zens who have refused and will
10 opposed TO doing as they
&c told when they believe the volun-
err dictators. are wrong.
The CHAMBER of Commerce having
I'd what the Governor has to say
he amendment of the Organic
having had an opportunity to
tha,bill and the discussion of it
and in Washington, should meet
rther discussion, If necessary,