Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1914-08-31

mayor" ...
Il don't know; it g hard to make a choice. >
That is typical of the conversation one hears
these days wherever and whenever the political
game is talked in Honolulu-and that's pretty
much everywhere and generally.
The voters of the city-not only the Repub-
lican voters but those of all parties-are con-
fronted with a peculiarly difficult proposition.
With four Republican candidates in the field,
each with his merits and his drawbacks, each
with following, each declaring that his ability
and record entitIe him to the nomination there
is no outstanding and elinching argument for
any one of the four. There is no qualification
that puts one head and shoulders above the
other and convinces the majority of voters that
this one should be nominated-and that, when
nominated, he can be elected.
The Star Bulletin has already stated its POI
sition in regard to Joel C. Cohen. He is IN the
liquor business; his livelihood is gained from
the liquor business and, no matter what denial
may be made, his election will be the election
of man whose business activities represent
booze. This paper does not support, and we
feel sure the community does not and will not
support, man whose election means that a
representative of the liquor business is elevated
to the honorable and responsible position of
chief executive Of the city. We do not believe
Honolulu wants mayor who represents that.
Mr. Cohen is making an exceedingly active
campaign and he is showing the best Of sports
manship in his treatment Of other candidates.
But the indications are that his following, built
.up largely because his is money spending,
spectacular, moving picture campaign, will not
materialize on election day. The politicians
who are following the mayoralty campaign
closely expect Cohen to draw hundreds less
votes than WouId appear from the attendance
at his meetings. These meetings are well-ar
ranged, well-run, they appeal to the crowds
much as theatrical attractions do hut whether
Cohen as Republican candidate has the pull
ing power with the voters is doubtful. Never
theless, he continues to make friends. The
question is whether he also makes votes.
Charles Hustace, Jr, is making his campaign
on his record in the board of supervisors seven
years ago-and it is good record. He was
the chairman and leader Of that board; he had
had thorough business training; he was con-
WINGED of the value of county government and
imbued with the idea of extending county ae-
tivities as far as possible His board was sue
cessful largely because it was harmonious and
he proved himself both good leader and>a
good worker. Mr. Hustaee held the financial
reins of the county well within his hands and
he ended his service weIl-liked and thoroughly
trusted
Under ordinary circumstances this record
would very likely assure Mr.. Hustace the may
orally nomination at this time with his three
opponents dividing the other vote, but the cir
eumstances under which he is running are not |
ordinary. He has been charged with working
against John C. Lane, after the latter won a /
coveted mayoralty nomination IN 1910. In fact,
Hustaee's home precinct was charged with east
ing the votes that defeated Lane that year.
Again, two years ago Hustace left the RepHb
lican party and canpaigned as an independent. |
Whether his actions were right or wrong,
they have cost him the support of many good
Republicans who maintain that party regular
ity is essential under any form of party gov
eminent, and that menwho object to party pro-
cedure should keep their fight within the party
should stick to the idea of internal reform.
Furthermore Mr.. Hustace's campaign this
year has failed to develop as effectively as
many Of his friends expected it world develop.
1t has not had the stamp of individuality, such /
As primary campaign between men running
Whatever may be the attitude Of a beach