Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-10-14
THE sAnDwIcH ISLANDS.

annexation Of the Sandwich Islands to the
United States, and the benefits that would re-
suit therefrom to our commerce in the Pacific.
1t is now becoming question Of great interest
and Of practical importance, and it is well that
the public mind should be prepared to meet the
issue when it arises.
The soil of this little group Of islands is fer
tile, and its climate salubrious and delightful.
The range of the thermometer is between GO
and $50 Fahrenheit. Every variety of tropical
fruits are abundant, and the great staples of
sugar and coffee are easily raised. The extent
of the Hawaiian group is 6,lo0 square miles.
The laboring class consists of Chinese Coolies
who are employed at the rate Of three dollars
per month--the cheapest agricultural labor
with which we are acquainted. Such is . brief
description of this group Of islands, which,
within century past, have emerged from the
most savage condition to high state of civil
cation. f'ga
But the fertility Of their soil, and the delight
full character of their climate and productions,
are not the chief elements which make their
acquisition Of such Importance to the United
States. The small extent Of territory will pre-
clude very large emigration from this coun-
try. 1t is to the commercial aspect Of the ques-
ton that we chiefly look for the benefits which
will flow from their accession. The success
and prosperity Of the Union depend upon our
commerce in peace far more than upon our
success in war. The facilities of late afforded
to Asiatic trade open the way to our speedy
growth as one Of the great maritime powers OF
the world. Situated about $50 west OF Wash
ington, and about sixteen hundred miles from
our ports upon the Pacific, the Sandwich
Islands promise to be an important and indis-
pensable point to facilitate the great Pacific
trade. Steam is beginning to supersede sail
vessels in commerce as well as in internal
navigation. The only objection that has ever
been offered to this force for transportation is
the difficulty which arises from carrying fuel
for long voyage-the great weight and bulk
of the coal which is necessary for the purpose
and the consequent exclusion Of alarge amount
of freight which might otherwise be carried.
1t is estimated that steamer, designed for
freight, cannot carry fuel more than sufficient
to last through voyage of thirty days. This
would forever preclude the navigation Of the
Pacific by steam from our California ports to
Canton or Japan, if there were not some inter
mediate point where the supply of coal might
be renewed. By making, then, the Sandwich
Islands q great coal depot forthe United States,
this important object could be secured, and the
only objection to admitting steam, the great
element of navigation, as means to advance
our commerce in the Pacific would be effec-
tually overcome This, in ITSELF is q sufficient
inducement, even at great sacrifice, to justify
the annexation of the Sandwich Islands.
To such step, however, some objections
have been urged, which have originated in the
fears and excessive caution of its opponents.
The first of these objections is to the system Of
acquisition ITSELF The tendency of the coun-
try towards indefinite extension is sadly la
mented, and is looked upon, by many patriotic
men. as one of the chief causes which will re-
suit in the destruction Of our institutions It
is not, however, sufficiently borne in mind that
our system of extension is far different from
auy that has heretofore existed. IT. indeed, the
government were consolidated republic, a
great unit, Of which the various States and Ter
ritories were but fractional parts, then there
might we'll be cause for apprehension. But
when we consider that annexation to the Con-
federacy is at last but stronger league to bind
the newly acquired power 10 coequal sove-
reigns, that for all purposes Of local char
acter peculiarly appertaining to the State it.
self there is no loss, or rather, no delegation of
sovereignty, and that it is only for the common
benefit of all that the Union has been formed,
then the evils apprehended have no foundation
in truth. 1t was never contended that treaty
of amity with foreign power tended to weaken
disagreement. On the contrary, such treaties
have their existence in sound and sure policy.
Is it more dangerous when the treaty formed
is even stronger and more friendly one, when
the powers are united, not only in peace with
each other, but in common defense against the
world2
But another view has been taken Of this
question, which is not entitled to the consider.
alton that it has received 1t is objected, that,
in order to maintain possession of the Sand
wich Islands, an immense outlay must be in
Cured for the creation Of batteries and for the
construction and maintenance Of an increased
naval force that in time Of war with naval
power, the islands would present a weak point
successfully held. We have all along contended
that, for other reasons than this specific pur.
pose, our navy should be increased; that such
increase was Indispensable in view Of the ad
vancing interests Of our commercial relations
and in view Of our general foreign policy
Such, too, seems to be the growing opinion o.
most Of our prominent statesmen, and II once
carried into practice, the Sandwich Island,
present an important naval post Bat even i