The Maui news. [volume] (Wailuku, Maui, H.I.) 1900-current, 1921-11-04
PRESS CONGRESS BENEFITS

Even before the departure from Honolulu of all Of the Press
Congress delegates Hawaii is beginning the harvest of the crop of
benefits which it was hoped their coming would SOW. The main
land delegates have placed themselves on record as favoring not
merely the passage of the emergency labor legislation that is being
sought but also for the inclusion of Hawaii i'll various ICgisatDn from
which the States of the Union benefit i'll the way OF Icderal aid, pro
portonaely with such states.
1t is characteristic of newspaper folk that action was taken here
and they placed themselves on record before leaving, the training
Of the profession produces the habit of quick, clear thinking and of
action without unnecessary delay. y decision must be made before
going to press, it is reached, the policy outlined and action taken in
hours where another profession would require days Of delberation
And yet it is not snap judgement that has been taken for the
thought has been as accurate as it was rapid.
Few of even the most hopeful residents of the Islands had
hoped that Hawaii would begin to reap before the editors and pub
IlSners were back at home. Then through editorials and truthtuly
prepared news articles Iawais case might be presented. That
may still be expected to come for it is also characteristic of the pro-
ieSHon that having started to drive "A mail the newspaper editor keeps
hammering until it has been driven home and clnched. But the.
recent guests of the Islands went further and have left something
tangible behind them, something that can be used at once. Copies
OF the statement can be and should be sent at once to each repre-
sentative and senator in congress and to all Washington officials.
In entertaining the visitors a new policy was initiated here. In
the past Hawaii has shown its vast wealth of scenic beauties, its
great agricultural resources and possibilities, called attention to It's
tremendous climatic advantages, has put Itself O n show and guests
have gone home duly impressed but not considering that the Islands
have need Of assistance and cooperation from without. Their very
resourcetuness and self reliance have thus reacted against their best
interests o many occasions, especially when national Legislators were
here. Hawaii has made too fine a showing in the past.
But on the recent occasion it has been different. Whatever had
been shown to others in the past was shown again, but closet doors
were opened and screens removed. Things that were not shown
before were not kept hidden but were brought out into the clear
light of day. What the Islands lack was dwet upon equally with
what they have. A truthful presentation of Hawaii was made. Her
guests were taken into her confidence and talked to frankly and
~candidly. The result is apparent.
1t is doubtful if ever before a large party of visitors were given
the same clear insight into conditions on Hawaii as they actually
ire Is on the recent occasion. This was made possible because they
were members Of the press and would get at the truth in any event.
AS the patient should never try to conceal anything from his physi-
clan so he who deals with a news and editorial writer should at
tempt to hold back nothing. The real newspaper man never breaks
IA confidence and can be trusted. He has perhaps almost as many
confidential matters entrusted to him as has the physician or the
minister or the lawyer. That is the wise course which Hawaii has
just pursued. 1t laid its case before its guests without concealing
o II attempting to color facts, it gave to them 'is story
SO the Press Congress party has spoken before departing and
in so speaking has given to its recent hosts a clear indication of the
trend Of news articles and editorials which will follow. AS was fore
cast, Hawaii can count for a long time to come on descriptive articles
which will be of great value as tourist inducers but best of all the
attitude desired from the press of the mainland has been in a large
measure secured.