The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1909-02-17

lndeterminate Sentences.-ln line
with the most advanced methods else
where, the principles applied to juve-
niles should be extended to adults as
far as applicable. Subject to certain
qualifications, it is neither humane nor
business-like to keep person i'm pri-
son after he is reformed and is will
ing and able to be a law-abding citi-
zen. 1t is almost equally inhumane
to the prisoner and disregardful OF
the welfare of t1e community to libe-
rate him when he is not fit or safe 10
be at large. Sentimentality on the
one hand and the spirit of vengence on
the other should yield to science and
common sense. When a prisoner has
proved his worthiness to resume mem
bership in the community, he should
not be kept behind bars, to his own
detriment and the public expense; when
he has not proved it, it is not kind
ness to him to let him out. nor is it
right to the community to give him an
other opportunity to prey upon it and
to bring upon it the expense of another
arrest and trial. / recommend that
indeterminate sentences be provided
for within prescribed limits and that
appropriate provisions be enacted for
determining fairly when prisoner
should be released, so that the length
of his term may be determined au-
tomatically as far as practicable by
his own conduct and condition.
Suspension of Sentence recon-
mend that the provision for suspen-
sion of sentence for a period of 10
months with right to discharge at the
end of that time, if not previously
sentenced, be amended so as to permit
the suspension to he made upon con.
ditions, particularly with a view to
making more effectual the period of
suspension a probationary periou
THE COURTS.
All the territorial courts are prac-
tically up to date in their work. Civil
cases have increased and criminal cases
decreased in number, and the percen-
tage of convictions in criminal cases
has increased. There has been a large
increase in divorce cases, due in part
to temporary causes. but suggestive Of
the need of further legislation to pre-
vent too early hearings after service OF
process and to guard against collision.
Bills are pending in Congress for an
additional Federal judge to relieve the
congestion of work in the Federal court
and also for disqualifying judges in
the territorial courts who have been or
counsel, and ratifying naturalizations
made by circuit courts before the re-
cent Act of Congress giving them such
jurisdiction in clear trems.
Judiciary Building.-This was con-
structed 81 years ago and has not been
thoroughly overhauled since. AL
though it is a beautiful building ex-
teriorly, prominently located, and one
of the most frequented of public build
ings as well as second in importance,
it's interior condition is scarcely less
of the most important public records,
but it is far from fire-proof. It's in
terror arrangement was not made with
the best economy of space. Its in
terror should be remade for better eco
nomy of space, protection from fire,
and presentable appearance, and new
roof is needed for protection from rain.
Twice ha' appropriations been made
for this T ufa hrt each time out of
current r, nNpenditure OF
which has b. IMPOSSIBLE for lack OF
funds. 1t will pe equally impossible
for the same reason again, If the appro-
priation is made from current revenue
It might with equal propriety be made
out of loan fund, for it will be, not
for the mere renovation or repair oil
the building, but practically for the re-
construction of the interior on differ
ent lines and with material of a diff
ferent kind.
Reorganization and Reduction OF
Cost.-This department offers one OF
the best opportunities for readJust-
ment with a view to greater simplicity
and economy. The land registration
court may well be merged in to circuit
court of the first circuit, whose judges
now have ample time for the work
thereby making one less court and saw
ing the salaries of its officers, amount
ing to $4,000 for the biennial period
but without altering its methods oil
procedure
The clerks offices of the supreme
and first circuit courts should be sep
arated for purposes of economy as
well as of business-like methods. This
would involve the abolition of the Of
fice of clerk of the judiciary depart
ment and the repeal of the provisions
making the clerks of the several courts
of record his deputies, as well as the
abolition of the offices of stenograph-
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