The Hawaiian gazette., 1876-04-05
The Hawaiian treaty.
From The Alta caIllornI,, March II.

Prom, the Alta California, March H.
It is singular that Congress should find it dit
cult 10 decide whether country shall meet the
proposition Of King Kaakaua for a reciprocity treaty
with frank answer and assent. The Island King
came over the ocean 20 us, and he welcomed
and treated kindly aud generously. 1t was partly
because he behaved handsomely, aad although the
head of only small nation, he possessed the feelings
and toue OF s gentleman and an educated intellect.
He sent his Ministers to negotiate the esty bot went
back to bis little kingdom, leaving behind him pleas
ant memories In the minds Of all those who met him.
His little monarchy needs the friendship Of our repub
lie HE subjects need the benefits OF our market, aud
il was that they might obtain slcA market reel
procal terms that the treaty negotiated. But
somehow, ts confirmation hangs Gre 10 Congress
We eau scarcely think that the opinion OF Mr.. Da-
vid Wells. who decided against the treaty upon the
grounds Of revenue, ought 10 weigh with Congress
more than all the other great interests involved in this
treaty aud its confirmation. Confirming it, take
the little Island kingdom into family, if not
daughter born there, yet somewhat son in
Law or dauEhter.in-law Is accepted as new member.
We hope and expect to be lie cciorth on good terms
with Great Britain-no wars, more blockade
runners difficulties which may be satisfactorily
settled by arbitration, that mode Of adjustment 30
much cheaper and better and satisfactory than
and all their terrible consequences. But we are
not certain such continued and desirable peace. In
case OF war with Great Britain, We should desire
and need intimate relations with the little Hawaiian
Kingdom because Of its position out there in the
broad Pacific.
Great Britain. nautically expressing it, is close
aboard Of She is great, extensive, numerous in
New Zealand, Australia, FIJI and the Sandwich Isl
ands would complete fur her, chain Of possessions
from the great southern iland-contnent to British
Columbia. In possession of the Sandwich Islands,
with their harb0rs and bays in their keeping, she
would have us by the hair holding the Pacific by
line Of occupation from Victoria to Melbourne Ii is
not to cur interest that the Sandwich Islands should
rest in any uncertainty to its future relations.
Naturally We have the first claim. But do not de-
sire to annex the little kingdom We do desire that
it shall not be annexed conquered by England OF
any other power. All the benefits derivabe from it
be securedby the confirmation Of the treaty which
gives portion Of her people market, which Is sore
y needed, since their former dependence, the whaling
business, has SO nearly deserted them
The opinions Of our naval and military officers
agree on this question and have given expression to
their views. They look upon the question military
men, not as merchants OF traders Of single city or
State. The effects OF the Treaty night bear disadvau
tageyusly upon the business Of few Of cur peoDie,
while il would be beneficial 10 Others opening up,
euargng trade that foarish under high tariff.
But the greatest benefit would be one Of naonIl char
acter. Tue Sandwich Islands are outlyng
doubt the U4ied states being the main fortress In
the possession Of enemy, it could be made TO do
an immense amount Of injury. Our policy would
TO be not 70 desire annexation, but TO bind the
Government and people of Hawaii to Us by reciprocal
interests and alliances Of trade and which
would eiectuay bar out any and every other nation
from dangerous relations with that kingdom
The New York Herald gives of its
why the treaty should be approve by Congress, that
1t would prove popular with the people Of this
side Of the continent, and woald tend toward
our attachment to the Union 1t thinks
that the great barrier Of the Rocky Mountains would
make it comparatively easy for and main
tain independence with the assistance of foreign
power. The view, far the writer and Journal
may be considered Is patriotic and correct. But We
the Herald and the country. that there is
not State in the American Union more attached 10
and less inclined to desire separation from it. than
California. And may add the other Pacific States
md Territories One Of the strongest reasons why We
iesire the confirmation Of the treaty IS that it would
most certainly strengthen the Union while comforting
reeinrOeal benefit upon kaakaua's subjects.