The Political Revolution in the Hawaiian Islands [pp. 298-304]

The Political Revolution in the H-awaiian Islands.
In the department of Foreign Affairs, the
dignity and usefulness of the representatives
of the kingdom abroad were advanced. In
San Francisco, the appointment of Mr. D.
A. McKinley to be Consul General for the
Coast States gave and has continued to give
much satisfaction; and in Washington, Mr.
H. A. P. Carter, as Minister Resident, has
materially advanced the interests of the island
kingdom he represents.
The Foreign Office at the same time took
advantage of every opportunity to have the
material products of the kingdom well represented at international exhibitions abroad,
and thus called attention in the most favorable mnanner to the abundant agricultural
resources of the country.
Immigration was encouraged in every practicable way, and care was exercised that in
the introduction of Japanese and Portuguese
(of whom a large number have been imported
in the last four years), there should be a fair
proportion of women, in order that the new
arrivals should become useful settlers as well
as laborers. Restrictions, too, were placed
upon the wholesale introduction of Chinese,
and the terms of labor contracts were materially changed for the better.
Thus with all its faults - and they were
many- the "Gibson Ministry" or as it may
more properly be termed, the "Gibson Administration," was not "altogether bad," though
many would fain have the world believe it
so.
There yet remains much for those who are
now in power in the Hawaiian kingdom to
do before the new order of things can be
said to have become settled. There are the
conflicting interests of the representatives of
a half dozen nationalities - all of whom will
now have a voice in affairs - to be adjusted.
There are turbulent spirits such as always
come to the front in revolutionary times,
whose claims for services rendered must be
considered. There are monetary complications of the gravest character to be straightened out. And -the most difficult task of
all, perhaps retrenchment of expenditure
must be accomplished, and that too in spite
of the need for considerable outlays of money for needed public improvements, and the
encouragement of large land and railroad
schemes.
It remains to be seen what will be done to
secure the future prosperity of the islands.
With a magnificent sub-tropical climate and
rich soil, this mid-ocean kingdom should
derive a large income from diversified agriculture. Possessed of a fine harbor located
centrally on the lines of ocean travel between
the Occident and Orient, the islands are important as a refuge and coaling station.
Their strategic position has always been recognized by the great nations of the earth,
and the great natural attractions, the scenery, and the wonderful volcanic phenomena
constantly presented will always attract tourists to their shores.
Nature has done much for the group, and
every prospect pleases." It depends upon
the policy and acts of the foreign element,
that now and for all timne must rule there,
whether or not the moral, social, and political condition of the people shall sustain the
title often bestowed on their dwelling-place,
"The Paradise of the Pacific."
F. L. Clarke.
'.y /<\' %7
304
[Mar.