Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1915-08-24

NJ. Os PdGHeCo
at the large number of Chinese already
in the islands.
/ In 1865 King Kamehameha Nv, In
his speech to the legislature, said of
the Chinese, whose steady influx had
about this time reached alarming pro
tportions: They are not so kind and
tractable as we anticipated, and they
seem to have no affinities, attractions,
or tendencies to blend with this or
any other race. He recommended try
ling the Inhabitants of other Polynesian
/ groups; they would be easily aecli-
mated; would soon learn the native
Language, and might bring with them
their wives. whose fecundity was much
greater than that of the Hawaiian fe-
males, and, besides furnishing labor,
would pave the way for a future popu-
lation of native-born Hawaiians indis-
itinguishabIe from the aboriginal par
ents. Some of the white members of
the council saw danger ahead in such
a project They feared the numerical
superiority Of the aborigines over the
! whites, and aid not believe they would
devote themselves willingly to work,
unless under contract under the act for
the government of masters and serv.
ants, as was done with the Chinese.
Nothing tangible came out of this con-
troyersy.
In the meantime more Chinese
were introduced.
Opposition Waxed Warm.
I'm 1859 the opposition to the Chr
nese reached such an acute stage that
an anti-coolie party, consisting chief
~ Of mechanics and tradesmen, strong
" opposed the further Importation OF
Chinese BY the sugar planters. Mass
meetings were held, with verdicts
against the Chinese and In favor Of
more desirable races. The result of
this demonstration of. public dissatis-
faction was, the. Introduction, after
much delay and long and specific con-
tracts, of shipload of Japanese who
reached the islands in 1863. This new
experiment proved highly satisfactory,
for the Japanese made good laborers,
and were themselves satisfied with
their work and new environment. But
the Japanese government became
alarmed through fake rumors of mall
treatment of its subjects and sent
commissioners to Hawaii to investi-
gate their true conditions. To their
surprise Lney iound everything nu .ial
ly pleasant and satisfactory to both
Japanese and planters. While these
Investigations were being conducted
with the usual diplomatic speed, sew
aral mora cargoes of Chinese were
introduced by the planters 70 assra'
vate an ALREADY acute situation.
new ana nlLnerto untTlea system
OF cooperative laDor was introduces
en- small scale In 1917. A smaii
group Of white men from tne States
were introduced 10 LABOR on the pan
tations TO receive as compensatlon
cne-half OF the crop cuitlVaten. On
account OF sinexperlehce, drought anu
other unfavoraDie condiuohs, the CO
operative experiment was lar from DC
ing a decided success.
While the board of immigration
established in 1864, in response to
the growing public demand for bet
ter type. of immigrants, had adopted |
measures fayoring the. introduction of
Portuguese, it was not until 1876 when |
again serious attention was directed I
to the Azores and Madeira and the |
possibility OF. obtaining desirable inn
migrants therefrom.
Needed More Labor.
'sIn July, 1876, the treaty of reel |
procity between the Hawaiian king
dom and the United States was rati-
fed. 1t created great joy and much
inspiration in every planter in the ISL
ands. Extensive improvements were
undertaken at once and energetic eff |
forts made to secure more laborers.
The pressing demand for labor, Gre
ated by the reciprocity treaty, led to
great changes in the character of the