Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-11-13

" oul Stlleu MunrOe uOctrine--anQ an IN
trigue which we viii defeat before its consum-
nation, or destroy its fruits when it shall bear
any. ~sas@
ANNEXATION OF THE SANDWICH
ISLANDS.
About one thing the American people are
agreed almost to a man. The position that
commands such cordial and singular concur
renee, is that involved in what is technically
known as the Munroe doctrine, and which as
serts non-nterference on the part of European
governments with the affairs Of this continent.
Men Of every hue and complexion of political
opinion, are agreed in the spirit and sentiment
Of this doctrine The only difference that can
arise, would be in respect to the practical APP
plication of the doctrine. Some would not de.
tect, or would affect not to detect, any violation
of this Munroe doctrine, where it would be as
manifest as light to other minds.
In the more modern history (if any part of
American history can be so called) Of this
country, questions involving the application of
this doctrine have frequently arisen. 1t has
recently arisen in reference to Cuba-it is
about to spring up in regard to that interesting
and important groupe of Pacific islands, known
as the Hawaiian groupe.
BY the peaceful expansion Of our territorial
area, an expansion unprecedented in the an
nails of any nation, we have been brought into
an unlocked for contiguity to those islands
They are distant from our coast five hundred
miles, Their commerce is chiefly with u.s.
To us they look for market for their pro-
duce, and for the means of paying for their
heavy imports. Many enterprising, intelli
gent, and virtuous American citizens have
taken MP their residence in these islands So
favoraby has their conduct contrasted with
that of the French and English residents at
| the same place, and SO much more honorable
and liberal has been the course Of this govern
| ment towards the Sandwich Islanders, than
that of France and England, that they have
formed warm attachment to our people, and
a high. appreciation of our country.
All these facts and considerations acting
together and coupled with a sense of their ma
tional weakness, have, within the last few years,
suggested to the rulers and politicians of these
Islands, the idea of annexation to the United
States. This idea, much discussed among
them, has been steadily spreading, until it has
at length assumed the form of a distinct and
enthusiastic desire. Limited in population,
feeble in power, inconsiderable in resources,
they need a protector. On the fimsiest pre-
texts, the French and English have on several
occasions, treated them with great cruelty and
with indefensible indignity. In consequence,
they have no sympathy with, or affection for
them. Againif they should put themselves
under the dominion of either of those govern
ments, they would be but an oppressed and
a powerless colony; but if they should succeed
in accomplishing a union with us, instead of
being held in colonial vassalage, they will main.
tain the dignifed character Of sovereign State,
and, like all of our States, will be entitled to
the protection of the national government
Hence, their eyes are turned to us.
Seeing this, and singly and jointly watchfnl
to prevent us from undertaking the acquisition
of these islands, France and England have
combined, as they did in that stupid trpartite
treaty, to throw difficulties and distractions in
the way. This vigilant jealousy of these two
countries, has recently led to the following Joint
protest from the English and French consuls
to the king of the Islands:
Protest efhhe Co"snh Of Great Britain and France
Honolulu, Sept. !, 1853.
May IT PLEASE Your MAJESTY We, the repre-
sentatives OF Great Britain and France beg leave
respectfully 10. intimate TO your majesty that we
are fully informed Of the extraordinary course
adopted by some American me charts landed pro-
prietors, and other citizens Of the United States
connected with the Protestant missionaries resd-
ing on Woahoo, with view 10 induce your ma
jesty TO ALLEVIATE your sovereignty and the indie
pendencc OF these islands by immediate negota-
ton for annexation 10 the United States; and that
we are aware also Of the countenance and support
that memorial which those gentlemen have ad-
dressed TO you the aforesaid effect has received
from high official tunctionaries at Honolulu all of
which proceedings have given rise To considerable
excitement among French and British residents
Under these circumstances, we consider it our
duty to remind you that Great Britain and France
have entered into solemn treaties with the Sand
which Islands, by which treaties your Majesty
your heirs and successors are bound To extend al
all times, to French and British subjects The same
advantages and privileges may be granted TO
subjects or citizens of the most favored nation and
that the Joint resolution of England and France Of
the 2Sh OF November, 1913, was founded upon the
clear understanding that your Majesty was TO pre-
serve your Kingdom as an independent State.
Therefore, we declare, in the name Of our gov
efnmpnfS. IN hos IL