The Hawaiian gazette., 1910-07-19
His Name May Be Presented Be-
fore Republican Convention
for Nomination.
THINK KUHIo IS FAILING
Secretary Is Not Ambitious, but
His Friends Are DesirouS Of
Working for Him.
tFrom .,aturdaY 8 Advertlaer.l }

There is strong possibility that,
unless he himself absolutely forbids,
the name of E. A. MottlSmith may be
presented to the territorial convention
for nomination for delegate to congress
to succeed Kuhio, in case it becomes
apparent that Kuhio either can not or
will not be nominated or can not be
elected if he is nominated.
1t is wei known that Mr.. Mott4Smith
has no desire for the honor that may
be thrust upon him. He would prefer
to stay at home where his chief inter
ests lie. In fact, when the matter was
tentatively broached to him yesterday,
he stated emphatically that he had no
desire to go to Washington as delegate.
But it often happens in politics that
desirable man, is called upon to sacri-
fee his personal wishes to the good of
his party and the community.
IL is by no means certain as yet that
Kuhio will retire from the race. But
there is a strong possibility that he
may. Political reasons may demand
the nomination of another candidate
Kuhio Is health, it is well known, is not
good. Two or three years ago he talked
Of getting out and leaving the position
open to someone else, and it may be
that when he returns to Hawaii this
desire will make itself felt again.
Furthermore, there are those who
think that Cupid is by no means as
strong politically as he was a few years
ago. His curious attitude on the liquor
question has, it is believed, materially
weakened his position with the voters.
Some of the liquor faction and also
some who profess the prohibition faith
contend that Cupid has not kept faith
with either party; that he has been
trying to carry water on both shoulders
and has stopped good deal of it onto
the political ground. Neither prohibi-
tionists nor antis seem to know just
where to place the delegate, and as he
probably will not arrive at Honolulu
until after the plebiscite, it is not i'm
probable that his position may never be
clearly defined.
If. as is contended by some, Cupid 3
sudden attack of ill-health and his con.
sequent decision to sail on the Hawaii,
which will probably not reach here until
after the vote has been taken, are due
to an attempt to square himself with
the liquor interests, Kuhio has certain
ly failed in his object. For, of course,
he aroused the enmity of the liquor
people early in the game when he al
lowed his name to be used on the Com
mittee of One Hundred. And by vacil-
lating and writing foggy sentiments in
regard to the prohibition question since,
he has, it is understood, alienated the
affection of good many of the prohibit
tionists.
1t is evident that Link McCandless
is going to make hot campaign for
election on the Democratic ticket. It
is equally evident that he can not be
defeated by any man who has not
behind him the hearty support of the
party.
If it appears at the time Of the con.
vention that Kuhio is strong enough
to defeat McCandless, and he does not
himself decide to withdraw, the dele.
gate will probably be renominated. But
if by that time there is any strong
doubt as to the possibility of his sue
cess in the election, it may be consid-
cred necessary to nominate another
man.
Cupid is probably the only native Ha.
waiian who would stand any show of
election. At the same time, it is recog.
nized that there are mighty few haoles
who would stand much chance against
the Land Locked One.
The only man who has been promi-
nently and hopefully mentioned as a
possible successor to Kuhie and success.
full opponent of McCandless is the pres
ent acting governor and secretary of the
Territory. Mr.. Mott-Smith has made
reputation for himself for absolute
fairness to all nationalities in this Ter.
ritory. He has been the right hand of
Governor Frear in the revolutionary
| work the latter has been doing in re-
gard to the land laws. He has had a
large part in ali the progressive meas.
ures that have been taken since he has
occupied the position of secretary of
the Territory. And as president of the
board of health he has eliminated
politics and politicians from the force
of the board; has enforced firmly and
! yet considerably the leprosy laws and
has gone far toward stamping conta
gious diseases out of the Territory. He
has made himself recognized as a most
efficient officer and at the same time
has made himself popular with all those
with whom he has come in contact.
1t appears, therefore, say some Of
those who are urging his candidacy
that he is the only logical man to op
pose McCandles5, especially if CupiS
withdraws from the race. 1t is certain
from statements that have been author
itatively made, that Mott-Smih woul'
have the support of the business com
munity of the Territory and he woul,
probably be popular candidate witt
the voters.