The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1891-03-19

The death of King Kalakaua has
aroused public interest in Hawaiian
Affairs. II was generally under
stood that the prime object of Kala-
kaua's visit to this country was to
promote closer relations with the
United States. His death while ne
gotiations were pending was sorne-
what unfortunate, because it Is not
absolutely certain that the policy Of
the Hawaiian Government under his
successor will run on precisely the
same lines. But while there is room
for doubt on this head, there is also
a reasonable probability that Kslla
kaua's death will not materially
change the drift of public policy.
The Hawaiian Islands are Am eri-
can in sentiment and sympathy. Wis
itors from the United States to HO-
nolulu feel themselves at home the
moment they land from the steamer
There is nothing in the social condi-
tons to remind them that they are
on foreign SOIL Hotels and stores
are conducted on the American plan.
American money is the circulating
medium. Outdoor sports and popu-
lar amusements are fashioned on the
American pattern, and the Fourth
of July is national holiday. Con-
versely, when Hawaiian resident
visits America, he finds himself at
home in San Francisco or anywhere
else in the United States.
The native Hawaiian people look
to America as their best friend.
They received their civilization from
it, and they have constant inter-
course with it. In other words, they
know that their material prosperity
depends upon the friendship Of the
United States. But they are impress
sionable and easily led, This is the
weak point in Hawaiian affairs. 1t
has been the cause of the recent
trouble in the islands, and will con-
tinue to be source Of uncertainty
and weakness while the Hawaiian ma
tives continue to he influenced by
their old traditions and customs.
There is a small but influential
element on the islands which, if not
exactly antipathetic, is not inclined
to be favorably disposed to Ameri-
can ascendancy. This element may
be grouped as representing British
and German sentiment, while the
Portuguese, by reason Of their num-
bers and thrift, are fast acquiring
political and commercial Importance.
AT present the leaning of the Portu
guese is toward America, but the
sentiment is not very pronounced.
The Japanese are likely to make their
influence felt through their govern
ment, which, it has been limited,
would probably demand the suffrage
for such of its people domiciled on
the islands as may be able to comply
with the requirements of the election
law; but there is no danger of any
interference from Toxic in the for
eign relations of Hawaii with the
United States or any other country.
Should the japanese receive the fran
chise, possibilities would be opened,
however, for political combinations
of various kinds, some of which
might be inimical to American infu-
ence.
The Chinese form the remaining eIe-
ment in the Hawaiian Kingdom
which might possibly become hostile
to American supremacy. But the
Chinese do not take any part in pub
lie affairs as rule, although they
took an opportunity of exhibiting
their strength when it was proposed
by the late Reform government to
initiate stringent anti-Chinese legis
lation. They assembled in public
meeting and pronounced against the
proposed legislation, and as conse-
quence it was quietly dropped. This
incident gave the Chinese confidence
in themselves, and they are not at
all likely to abate one particle Of
their Importance or pretensiOns. But
Cinnamon look upon all foreign coun-
tries with the same feelings of aver
sion, and therefore may be regarded
as passive on any question that
might ARISE in Hawaii between the
| United States and either England or
Germany. l am inclined to think,
all other things being equal, that the
Chinese in Hawaii would give. the
preference to the United States.
However, it must be remembered
that the Chinese are people who do
not permit sentiment to influence
them, and may therefore he expect
ed to favor that which they think
would pay best.
This brief statement of conflicting
national sentiment on the Hawaiian
Islands is necessary to proper under
standing of the situation there. 1t
will be observed that the only potent
! factors, exclusive Of native Hawai-
lans, are the American, British, aud
German nationalitles have grouped
the last two together for convenience.
although they are very far from
pursuing common aim outside of
business As have said, however,
American influence greatly prcpon-
derates in every department of gov
eminent and branch of industry.