Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1913-03-07
Concurrent Resolution Drops in
Both House and Senate
This Morning
MOVE Is ASCRIBED
TO LIQUOR INTERESTS
Want Lawmakers to Memorial
ize Congress Not to Enact
Legislation for Hawaii


legislation relative to the liquor traf.
flee In the territory was introduced in
both branches of the Legislature this
morning, being referred to the print
ing committee In the upper house but
adopted by the lower branch with
only three dissenting votes.
The resolution dropped with start
ling suddenness upon mos, or the
Legislators and in both houses there
was evident some uncertainty when
the question of voting came up. Some
of the, house members were vfsibly
staggered, three-one Republican and
two Democrats-voting against the
resolution.
In the senate more time Will be
given the solons TO maze up their
minds what to do, for the resolution
goes to print and In the meantime
there is likely to be some maneuver-
ing for position.
Observers of events believe that the
appearance of the resolution this
morning is due to sudden activity by
The liquor interests. following the pas
sage of the Webb bill by the national
congress and revival of work for the
Gronna bill and for territory wide pro-
bibition. The anti-saloon .eague is
now openly active and 1t IS figured
that the legislature is now asked to
take a stand as a piece or political
strategy by the liquor interests.
Color is lent to this beiiei 5y the
fact that the liquor interests this
morning were aware that the resolu-
ton was to be presented. This was
ascertained by the Star-Buiietln to-
day. s,
The measure is aimed against the
antksaloon agitation recently started
at the national capital which has for
its purpose the enactment OF federal
statute prohibiting the liquor traffic
throughout the Hawaiian islands.
In introducing the resolution IN the
house, Representative Coney spoke at
some length, declaring it is not aimed
particularly at the prohibitlonists, but
is intended to preserve to the terri
torial legislature and to the various
communities the right to say whether
they desire prohibition or '.wet" ad-
ministrations--in other worcs, it is
meant to defend local option.
Talks Of curtailing Powers.
He urged the legislature to fight for
the retention Of Its powers, which, he
asserted, are threatened In washing
ton at present. Action by Congress,
he said, would mean that the BODY was
taking upon itself the responsibility of
saying whether Honolulu or Hilo, or
any of the other counties, should be
wet" or dry"
"If the citizens of the territory are
capable of handling the otner affairs
of purely local interest, tney should
have authority to handle this matter
also" he declared. "lf the people here
want prohibition, let them eject pro-
hibitionists to the legislature, and thus
enact the laws they desire. But il
the majority of the. citizens do not
want prohibition, then let them de-
eide in what manner the ;;quor traffic
shall be regulated.
For congress to step in ana act in
this matter will be to usurp the pow
ers already granted u.s."
Immediately following his talk Re-
preventative KaweweE. arose and
moved that the resolution pe adopted,
at the same time advancing motion
to the effect that the vote of the house
be taken by rollcall. The second mo-
tion. was put first, and though only a
very few displayed any anxiety to go
on record, enough hands were raised
TO carry it, the speaker announcing
that one-fifth vote only was neces-
sary to carry motion for rollcall.
Three Votes Against.
A considerable number continued to-
exhibit timidity in voicing an opinion,
withholding until sufficient ballots had
been cast to show that the resolution
would carry; then they came in solid
ly in its favor The only ones to hold
out against ii were c. f. Cooke, Re
publican; and Paele and Paxson, Dem
ocrats.
The resolution, which became H. c..
r. No. {, is as follows: "
House Concurrent Resolution No. Z.
Memorializing the Congress of the
United States to Refuse to Enac$
Any Legislation Relative 10 Traffic
in Intoxicating Liquors Within the
Territory of Hawaii.
Be it Resolved by the House of Re-
representatives. of the Territory of
Hawaii (the Senate concurring):
Whereas, the congress of the United
States of America did, on the 18th day
a -