The Hawaiian gazette., 1910-01-28


opposed to any legislation which would
give the federal government police
power in any further way over Ha-
wall, but the members do not feel that
the liquor question falls within their
province and they will not take stand
either for or against prohibition.
Liquor Dealers Meet.
That the wholesale liquor dealers
consider the situation desperate is evil
dent. for yesterday cablegram was
sent to Frank Thompson authorizing
him to act with free hand on behalf
of the Wholesale liquor dealers asso-
citation. Further advices are being anx-
iously awaited.
For and Against
There are many ardent prohibition.
lists in the Territory who would regret
to see congress take the matter into
its own hands. they believing that the
legislation should come from the terri
torial lawmakers On the other hand,
there are many who believe that federal
legislation is absolutely necessary if it
he the intention to stop the liquor traf-
fic in the Territory.
Many Prohibition Advocates.
IT is known that of late $500 letters
asking total prohibition for the Terri
tory. have been sent to congressman
by Hawaiians These letters asked the
members of congress to support the
resolution putting stop to liquor sell
ing in the Territory. and it is realized
by all that these letters, coming from
Hawaiians themselves. will have i'm
mense weight with the national law.
makers. These letters urged that the
salvation of the Hawaiian race depends
upon the abolition Of the liquor traf
| fc.
For Soldiers Too.
Hundreds of letters asking prohibi.
ton on behalf of the soldiers have also
been sent. 1t is urged that the anti
canteen law loses much of its force
where the men are able to get liquor
by simply going outside the confines of
the post. 1t is further urged that, with
the great garrison which the govern
ment contemplates maintaining here,
absolute prohibition is urgently de-
manded for the safety and welfare of
the enlisted men.
No Meeting Called.
1t was enormously announced yes
| terday afternoon that a meeting of the
| board of directors of the merchants ,
association had been called to consider
| the matter. As matter of fact there
was directors meeting of the mer-
chants association, but it was called
for an entirely different purpose, and
the question of prohibition or legisla-
ton of any kind was not brought up.
just as soon as the cablegram was
received from Frank Thompson yester-
day morning a copy was sent to The
Advertiser Office. A copy of this was
in turn sent to the Commercial Club
where it caused much discussion. Sew.
eral courses of action were suggested
but the more level-headed decided that
further advices should be awaited be-
fore taking action.
1t is almost certain that the chamber
of commerce will not take action re-
garding prohibition, though that body
may protest against such sweeping leg
islation as is urged by the prohibition
lists now lobbying at Washington.
May Make Trial.
1t is feared by those who oppose the
passage of the bill at present before
congress, on the broad grounds that
Hawaii is quite able to legislate fol
her own internal government, thai
members of congress may take the view
that Hawaii, being isolated from the
rest of the country, furnishes an ex
cellent opportunity for testing tota
prohibition, and may "try it on thu
dog" so to speak. 1t is pointed on
that the politician has an excellent op
portunity to win the plaudits of boil
the liquor interests and the prohibition
lists.
"Why,n said one citizen in discuss
ing the matter yesterday, ga congress
man may vote for the bill and go be
fore his prohibition constituents wit
the air of one who has done his dut,
well. Then he may appear before tn
liquor interests with the excuse, 9Th
prohibitionists were bound to get som
legislation, so we satisfied them wit
i Hawaii which is so far away that
does not count any way Yes, Ger
tainly believe that there are stron
possibilities that that bill will pass.
Hawaii, being n Territory, it is with
in the power of congress to pass an.
sort of legislation not in conflict wit
the Constitution. Not only can tn
sale and importation be penalized, blu
law can be passed which will max
the possession of liquor penal offense
1t is feared by those in close touc
with the labor problem that total pro
hibition for the Territory might hav
serious effects on the plantations. FL
forts at shutting off the sake suppl
have in times past caused troubl
among the japanese laborers and o
one occasion at least the men actual
| went on strike.