The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-08-09
TRUTH ABOUT HAWAII.

The testimony Of Mr. William Brew |
ster Olson, as printed in the Boston
newspapers, regarding the condition
existing in Hawaii, is given with an
evident fairness that should command
the attention Of the American people.
Mr. OIeson, who is on a visit to Boston,
is a prominent resident Of Honolulu,
and principal of the Kamehameha
Manual Training School. His sym
pathics and his professional associa
tions are with the intelligent natives,
and there can be no doubt that he
represents their sentiments honestly
and correctly. Mr.. Oleson disposes
briefly of false reports in relation to
the Provisional Government Of Hawaii.
That Government, he declares, is in a
stable financial condition, and all the
departments are moving along with
great efficiency. "But," he adds there
is one element which creates uncer-
tainty in business and in other matters
Any assurance of a stable Government
there for the future, under the direction
of the United States, would be received
by nine -tenths OF the people with the
utmost satisfaction"
Mr.. Oleson shows why the civilized
Hawalians, as we'll as foreign residents,
found the native monarchy lnsupporta-
Bile. The record Of the monarchy,
since Kalakaua came upon the throne
in 1873, has been one Of corruption
and antagonsm to a regular and legItI-
mate administration of affairs, Kala-
kaua became so despOtlc that the
people rose en- masse and demanded
Constitution, 1t was hoped that the
Constitution then secured would pre-
serve the independence of the Ha-
waiian Government, and yet afford to
the property and industrial interests of
the country the stability and support
that were necessary. But although the
people secured a new Constitution
they did not get a new kalakaua, and
the King continued to the end of his
reign to intrigue and COnsplre to avoid
his obligations under that Constitution,
and to interfere with the functions of
the Legislature. After his death and
the accession of Liluokalani the same
course was pursued by her, eliminating
in her effort to carry things back to
where they were before Kalakaua had
granted the new Constitution of 1887.
Then came her deposition and the es-
Enlistment of the Provisional Govern.
ment, which proposed the annexation
of Hawaii to the United States.
The Press was the first newspaper to
indicate editorially the danger that, il
the United States failed to accept the
splendid opportunity, Japan might an.
mex the Islands This suggestion is
attacked by Cleveland organs and in
inspired dispatches from Washington,
but it is apparent that Hawaiian opinion
on this phase Of the annexation ques-
ton is in accord with the views of the
Press. Mr. Olcson says that if the
United States were out of the way, the
Hawaiian Islands would fall prey to
Japan much more easily than to Eng
land. Japan is an ambitious power il
the Pacific and would not hesitate, i
the opportunity offered, to get into en-
tangling complications there with the
United States if thereby it could SEE
its way to getting possession of the
Hawaiian Islands"
1t is manifest that the highest motives
Of policy and self interest, as well as 0
honorable obligation to the people 0
Hawaii, demand that the plan Of an
nexation should be carried out and thu
present condition Of affairs, so unjus
to the Hawaiians and damaging to The
prestige of the United States, brough
IN termination. -Ne7p York Press