Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1909-04-29
The LEGISLATURES WORK.


II the Fifth Legislature OF the
Territory of Hawaii had done moth .
lg more than enact laws that will
nable more efficient handling of
lie great problem of leprosy, make
provision for the introduction OF Eu-
"Opean immigrants, give goodsiLed .
appropriations for public schools, au-
'horize the deposit of public funds
in the banks of the Territory instead
II boarding the gold in the vaults OF
he public treasury, and transfer ad-
ditional responsibilities to the Coun-
lies. It could be said with all truth
that the session had been a credit !
% the members of the Legislature
md the people whom they represent,
and the money II cost well spent.
These measures having to do with
he health, industry, population. ed
ucation, finance. and government by
the people are sufficient to merit the
verdict of well done, and we believe
their Importance is to be gagged in
the order named.
or course there has been evil leg
Islation headed on. or course there
has been much left undone that
should have been done. The failure
to pass the Direct Primary law will
stand to the everlasting disgrace of
the legislators whose work is now
Just closed. And the share of respon-
sibility for the bad faith these repre-
sentatives have shown in their rela-
ton with the people to whom they
gave their solemn pledge cannot be
more generously shouldered onto the
Republicans than the Democrats. A
proper standard of patriotism should
have prompted the men OF both par
ties to reach working basis on this,
as was done on other measures.
But taking the main results OF the
session as they will stand when clar-
lied Of all the Insignificant or tenn
porary incidents and influences that
look large when in the immediate
foreground, the Legislature has
shown carefully judgment, wise fore
sight, and desire to reach right con-
illusions for the general welfare as
opposed TO private interests, that is
deserving the highest commentator.
II is naturally gratifying to this
paper that such large number of
the measures It has championed in
behalf OF the intelligent and liberal
minded Americans of the Territory
have gained the approval OF the leg
islators and are now the law of the
land.
AS one follows the legislative re-
suits from year to year there is a
steadily increasing proof OF the be-
neficent operation OF liberal Ameri-
canism in this Territory. The old
forces OF prejudice, selfshness, cant,
and hypocrisy are losing their grip.
Whether 1t is by popular pressure or
an honest desire to reform makes lit
tie difference. The results speak
The CRATER doesn't dare to put him.
self In the game to any great eX'
tent. In other words, the Territory
is heading further away each veal
from semblance of government b!
the CRATER or the dictator.
The people are developing a bette
, spirit OF unity in dealing with tn
public affairs of the Territory.
In this connection the large out
pouring of citizens to attend tn
hearings of legislative committee
was a magnificent demonstration o
an increased personal interest in tn
AFFAIRS of government. The civil
standard is higher. The people ar
speaking more plainly. There is les
back-room manipulation, more opeI
dealing.
And as the people are coming I
take this additional personal interes
in their government, the representa-
tives have done their duty in recog
mixing the popular demands. Tn
public hearings, for instance, hav
had great influence. The legislator
have been convinced and followed tn
obvious desire of the citizens.
The Executive is less arbitrar
than in former days although it ha
INDUCED in shortsighted policies {
trickery and double-dealing, mex
door to political dishonesty. Thes'
however, are matters of persona
temperament rather than an eyidenc
of a community tendency, The dit
gust with which such matters ar
received by the community furnish
healthy sign of a growing deman
for common honesty in personal dea
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