Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1913-09-04

Some months ago tie army entered
into negotiations for the trade Of the
army property at the Allen street
wharf, for the territorial immigration
station, which the military authori-
ties planned to use as a quartermas-
ter depot This deal fell through. but
it is quite possible. according to army
higher-ups, that trade of the Queen
street property for the immigration
station, might be readily arranged. so
far as the War Department Is con-
cerned.
The army owns many scattered
parcels of land outside regular mill
tary reservations" said General Fun.
ston this morning. These are direct
ly under the control of the quarter
master general, and the department
commander has little to do with their
administration. "
Major B. Frank Cheatham. in his
capacity as depot quartermaster, Is
in closest touch with the War Depart.
ment in regard to these outside land
holdings of the army. At the present
time Major Cheatham Is on Hawaii,
buying remounts for the cavalry.
Facts From . Commissioner.
In the following signed statement to
the Start Bulletin, Commissioner Nc
Stocker, who is thoroughly familiar
with the facts, sets them forth:
Editor honolulu Star-Bulletin,
Sir:-In view of the exaggerated
statements being made as to the sta
tus Of the Queen street bulkhead
wharf. II, would seem not impertinent
to review the facts
!. The Harbor Board has expended
considerable sums In the improvement
of wharf built before the organiza-
ton Of the Board, and In poor condi-
toni the title to a portion of the lOca-
ton being vested in the Federal au-
thorities ftas was the case when first
Duilt) and beng unused, was leased
to the Territory under the only form
OF lease obtainable.
2. That the Board had such suffic-
lent confidence in the Federal author
tiles as to believe that such lease
would continue Indefinitely, pending
negotiations, which had been entered
into between the Territorial and Fed
eral authorities, chat they were
Justified in this confidence is evil
denced by the fact that upon the pro-
per presentation of the. facts the Ter
ritory has just secured a license
Tor pipe line across he
lots on the foot Of Fort street
formerly held under lease from the
War Department by Mr.. e. r. Stack
abfe) to secure to the Territory GER
tain 0roperty taken from the Terri
tory without compeksation, and some
|of which peing unused by the Federal
authorities, L e.. faf The lots at the
foot of Fort street tb). The property
I'm question (e) The naval wharves,
(which cost the Territory approxi-
mately $9O.O0Ol when the Navy De
partment should establish headQuar-
tiers at Pearl Harbor. and assuming
that It would not require those par
ticular wharves.
3. The ownership Of portion
of the wharf premises would be
of little value unless they condemn
the property in its, entirety (which
they could dc as has been heretofore
done II they so Wished) irrespective Of
the fact of partial ownership.
Finally II as intimated in the quo
Lation from eminent military author
ity" the Federal government is in ur-
gent need of this property Tor any
other property belonging to the Ter
|ritory) not only are they in posi-
ton to take 1t irrespective Of our
likes or dislikes, but would do so IT.
respective OF such tiimsy excuse as
having title to a portion
II perchance -the Federal govern.
ment is in urgent need, it>is my belief
that the patriotism of the community.
is sufficient as to enable II to be phil
Graphically separated from the coin
expended. in itself of little Importance.
as compared with the restricted water
front area at the command of the.
commercial interests Of the port. It
is my belief that the present criti-.
clsm and attack on pending negotia..
tons are uncalled for and illadvised.,
F. b. McSToCKER. Z