The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-09

or place bv treaty of annexation or other
wise the President of the United States,
with the advice and consent of the Senate.
may appoint Governor for the same and a
legislative council. to consist of any num-
Der of persons, not less than five nor more
than twenty-five, whose acts shall be sub
ject TO revision or repeal by Congress, and
unless the treaty of annexation or cession
shall otherwise provide said Governor and
council shall constitute and conduct all the
Provisional Government for such country
or place until Congress shall otherwise pro-
vide by law"
Senator Morgan, ii will be seen, has tried
TO pave the way for an easy solution OF any
difficulties in preparing a government for
Hawaii, should 10 ever become a part or q
possession of the United States. The
purpose of the bill was fully explained by
him tonight.
'On several previous occasions" said he,
'as for instance. the time of the acquisition
of Florida, Texas and California. the diff
Guilty has been experienced of having no
provision Of law by which the civil author
ity of the United States could be brought
into operation. In Mexico we had our
armies in the field, and the country was
placed under military jurisdiction. In the
case Of Alaska all these questions of govern
ment were settled in the treaty OF purchase.
| am, of course, in favor of the institution
of civil law in such cases as soon as posi-
bic after we acquire, by discovery. annexa-
ti0n or any other means. any territory.
Consequently proposed this bill to meet
such an emergency. 1t simply gives to the
President of the United States such powers
as are already vested in the rulers OF other
countries. Great Britain has an act of
Parliament which provides for similar
cases. but this is one of the many emergen-
cies for which the United States has not yet
made provision. or course the provoking
cause of the Offering of this bill is the
Hawaiian situation. II we should acquire
by treaty or otherwise, these Islands there
would be no method at hand for
the establishment Of United States
rule, and during the time which would
necessarily elapse before permanent civil
administration could be set up. there
would be practically no legal government
IN existence over the islands. Under this
bill, however. the President can appoint a
Governor and council of twenty persons,
20 be confirmed by the Senate. and at once
set In operation provisional! civil govern
ment. ! have introduced this bill without
any consultation with the present admins
tration, and purely on my own responsible
ity; but l think that if it was now upon the
statute-books it would materially aid Presi-
dent Harrison in his consideration of the
Hawaiian situation, which is now before
him."
Mr.. Wilder, one OF the Hawaiian com
missiOners, was seen by reporter to-day
while engaged In reading a copy of the bill.
oF
the intention Of Senator Morgan 10 intro
duce such measure. nor Of the views OF
the administration upon the subject; but
that it was exactly what the commissioners
desired for the islands in case annexation
was decided upon.
None of the commissioners called at the
Sthte Department to-day. Secretary Foster
spent the forenoon in his private Office, busy
with rontine business. The negotiations
are progressing slowly, but judging from
the general sentiment they are progressing
iavorabiy toward annexation.
The opinion among naval and other Off
eials is that the commissioners will eventu-
ally realize their hopes, and this opinion is
strengthened by the expressions Of the COM
mlssioners themselves. They do not hest
tate to Jay that they are most hopeful Of the
accomplishment Of their mission.
Notwithstanding the fact that TO all out
ward signs the matter is quiet. the various
departments are busy collecting and com
pillng data and statistics REGARDING the
islands in anticipation Of the opening Of the |
question in the House. The Navy Depart
ment is also still alive to the situation while
apparently inactive, and the officials are
getting matters in shape for any emergency
which may arise.
The report that several British vessels
now on the Western coast had been ordered
to get ready for orders 10 Honolulu has
aroused considerable gossip among naval |
officers. 1t is believed that should the re-
port turn out to be well founded the depart |
ment will Immediately strengthen the
United States fleet now there by ordering
the Ranger and Adams to Hawaii. Both
vessels are being held in readiness and can
put 10 sea at once il necessary.
1t is understood that the President will,
in his forthcoming message regarding the
Hawaiian matter. urge upon Congress the
Importance of an appropriation for the con-
stTuction Of cable to HoGolulu.