The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1868-01-24
OUR RECIPROCITY TREATY WITH
THE SANDWICH IBLANDs.

AL the people In this country, but more es-
pecially those who reside on the Pacific coast,
are more or less interested in this treaty. 1t Is
not only important In a commercial point Of
view, but it will serve to strengthen the bonds
and multiply the relations which to some extent
already exist between this country and these
islands, which lie midway Of the ocean. Ameri-
can Interests will be promoted, and many reeip-
roesl benefits will be secured to both countries
by the ratification Of this treaty. We under
stand that the Senate Committee on Foreign
Affairs now have 1t under consideration, and
we trust that their report will be favorable to its
speedy ratification by the Senate.
The locality OF these islands make 1t sure tn at
some time, and that, too, at no distant day, they
must become part Of the United States. AT
present the King opposes annexation, and the
best thing that can be done at this time Is for
our Government to give effect to this treaty.
These islands lie in the track OF the trade be-
tween California and the East. Indeed, all ships
and steamers which leave San Francisco for
China and Japan must necessarily make these
Islands their coaling and supply depot. In a
commercial point of view the Sandwich Islands,
occupying, as they do, this central point In the
North Pacific ocean, afford US many important
facilities. There is no point in our dominions,
along the Pacific coast, where trade with the
East is likely to spring up that would not take
In its track to China, Japan, or the East Indies
these islands. They may be considered, there
fore, as holding in their hands the command oil
the keys to the commerce OF the Pacific ocean.
Il seems to be the manifest destiny Of the native
population of these islands to fade. 1t is writ
ten In the book Of fate that the original stock
which now inhabit the Sandwich Islands mus,
decay and pass away forever. The census show
this. In 1882 the native population was l30, 3l3
From this point 1t has dwindled down to abou
6o,OOo, and 1t is estimated that OF this number O
people about 5000 are American and European
Like the Arab, the Sandwich Islander seem
destined "to fold his tent and pass silently
away" As this decadence is now going on
unless something be done to check it-in the
period Of single century the native population
will become extinct.
We can see by what Is constantly transpiring
that, as the native population Is decreasing, tn,
American stock must come in and take Its place
In short, II seems that 1t is written In the In
scrutible DEGREES of Providence that this peopl
must decrease while we increase. Viewed from
a commercial and business stand point, 1t will b
seen that American interests largely dominat
IN these islands. 1t is estimated that some eight
tenth. OF the skilled industry OF the country /
under the immediate supervision of Americans
OF the twenty-six large sugar plantations i
the islands, the Americans own twenty. The
direct and manage by far the larger portion Q
all the active business done In the country
lhat tIIese lslands muBt some time form a part O
the American nation, there can be no room 70
doubt, 1t Is therefore only a question Of time
but, till then, let US have the treaty. We do no
doubt that Its ratification will quicken and IL
crease the productive industry OF the country
There will be more sugar for expectation, an
this will be admitted into San Francisco dut
free and this, Of course, will be a loss to tn
revenue, but VIC shall fnd our compensation /
this-lumber, manufactures, cereals, and almos
: everything that California can export will b
admitted duty free into the islands.
We trust the Committee on Foreign Affair
will soon make n favorable report upon the ratif
cation OF this treaty, and that 1t will go into op,
ration in accordance with Its terms. We or
confident that important advantages will be a
tanned by Its adoption.
MAGAZINES, ETc.-We have received frol
Sbillington, corner Four-and-a-half street an
Pennsylvania avenue, q copy Of that popula
monthly for little folks, 1.-THE Nursery" 70
February.
Also, from French Il Richardson, s3i Ponnsyl
vania avenue, and Joseph Shilington, cornt
Four-and-a-hal street and Pennsyl vania avenue
we acknowledge the receipt OF the " AtlantI
Monthly" for February, the table of contents q
which was published in the REPUBLICAN, c
Wednesday.
Also, from Joseph shillington, copy of 40,
Young Folks" for February. The present nun
Der contains, besides the usual amount of rea
Ing matter, a splendidly-executed chromo-lith
graph, entitled awake Up.n
THE New York Evening Poa and the Jour'l
Of Commerce sre reported to have cleared ti7
am. .,d II flval Ia