The Hawaiian gazette., 1890-06-24

orful DaIlODS Ol Tie hOTiu uapc SOiuLi-
tarily incorporated in their treaties with
Hawaii.
l do not accuse the majority OF the
committee of malicious intent, but do
say that they have shown gross ignor-
ance.
CONCLUSION OF THE MINORITY OF THE
COMMITTEE.
The direction of the House to the COM
mittee was two-fold:
1st-To report whether the proposed
treaty was intended, or calculated to in
any wise ieopardize the political inde-
pendence of Hawaii.
2nd-To report whether the proposed
treaty was intended, or calculated to IN
any wise jeopardize the commercial In
dependence of Hawaii
There is no evidence, either oral or
documentary, that there has been any
thing than the most absolute and disin-
terested good faith upon the part of the
Cabinet and the Hawaiian Minister at
Washington, and sincere endeavor on
their part to advance the commercial
prosperity of Hawaii.
The references to annexation" in
connection with the proposed treaty
which have been made, are unworthy of
any honest man. There is no party and
no individual, that know of, having
any voice or control in Hawaiian affairs,
who is in favor of annexation to the
I United States, or any other country, or
who is not honestly and heartily
in favor of the maintenance and
perpetuation of Hawaiian indepen-
dence and autonomy. So well known is
this that declarations and accusations of
any persons to the contrary, should be
looked upon with suspicion, and sub
mitted to careful scrutiny to ascertain if
ulterior objects and motives are not be-
ing cloaked under vociferous semblance
of patriotism. te-
l will consider second, the question
whether. the proposed treaty was calcn-
lated to in any wise jeopardize the poll
teal independence Of Hawaii.
l say most emphatically that the pro-
posed treaty did not jeopardize the poll
teal independence of the country, but on
the contrary afforded the most substan-
tial guarantee of such independence that
we ever have had or ever can receive.
My reasons for saying this are as fol-
lows: OF all the vast number of islands
in the Pacific Ocean the Hawaiian Group
is the only one of any importance which
has not passed under the ownership or
control OF the great European nations.
Within the last few years the policy OF
absorbing all available territory has been
on the increase Hawaii and its disposi-
tion has ever been the subject of consid-
GRAFTON and discussion among certain of
the great powers.
Hawaii cannot protect herself by force.
1t is all well enough to trust to mutual
good will, good feeling and equity, but in
the absence of any specific guarantee of
we never know what
day may bring forth. The rapidly chang
ing policies and mutual relations be-
tween the great nations make it impos-
sible to foretell the day when it may be
considered essential to the protection of
some great power to take possession of
the islands.
Among all the various treaties made
by this country there is not one which
guarantees our independence.
The recognition " of our indepen-
dence by France and Great Britain is
not guarantee of our independence
Hawaii is not even party to that agree
ment. 1t is simply an agreement be-
tween France and England that for their
purposes, they will not interfere with
this country. If they SO choose they can
abrogate that treaty tomorrow and we
would have no right to object.
Under these circumstances, the oppor-
tunity is offered of obtaining a positive
guaranty by nation OF perpetual indie
pendence, not only as against all other
but as against herself.
What can be more astonishing or dis
ingenious than the claim that this pro-
position was a menace to our independ
ence. The proposition was tor the
United States to, by solemn treaty, un-
dertake to prevent foreign aggression in
this country The argument based here |
on is that the Cabinet thereby intended |
to facilitate foreign aggression and secure |
to the United States.
The argument is as illogical as is the |
proof that black is white.
Although the majority of the commit
tee have evidently seen the ridiculous |
nature Of this charge, as they make no |
mention Of it in their report, have mem |
tionediit here as the charge has been |
made not only in the public press, but |
by the Attorney-G General upon the floor |
Of this House.
This proposition is not without prece-
dent ,as in the treaty between the United |
States and New Granada of the United |
States of Columbia, now of about forty |
years standing, the United States guar
antees the autonomy of Columbia over
ner own territory, and am informed |
hat on several occasions this guaranty |
mas been of the most signal service to |
Columbia.
The South American republics are most |
sensitive of their technical international
tights, and in years past have been par
ieularly jealous of the United States, but
10 suggestion has ever been made by
Columbia that any of her " sovereign
.ightsn were interfered with, or her sin
dependence jeopardized" by this treaty. |
On the contrary, it has always been con-
'idered, as it in truth is, most valuable
protection to her against foreign aggres-
ZION. f
THE COMMERCIAL QUESTION.
In regard to the Commercial indepen-
lence"" of the country 1 would say that
he United States is our natural COM
nercial market, and any form of Treaty
,r coyomarciaI cnmnonf oau in M vuax-