The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1893-12-21


TOO early a movement, as il might snh.
Ject us, however unjustiy. to the i'm
putation OF seeking to establish tba
claim of our neighbors to territory
with view of subsequent aconisition
by ourselves" This is in marked con-
trast with the hasty recognition Of the
government openly and concedly set
up ior the purpose OF rendering to the
pnltea States territorial annexation.
l pelleve a candid and thorough ex-
amlnation OF the facts will force the
convictlon That the provi innal gov
SInluenC owes lts existence to armed
INVASION .by, the United States.
EAR minded people with evidence
nelore them will hardly claim that
the Hawaiian government was over
thrown by the people of the islands or
Inat the provisional government has
ever existed with their consent. I do
not understand that the members Of
tnis government claim that the people
would uphold it by their suffrages If
tney were allowed to vote on the cues.
ton. While naturally smypathizing
Win every effort to establish q Rspub-
lican form OF government it is the set
tied policy of the United States to
concede to the people of foreign coun-
tries the same
FREEDOM AND INDEPENDEYcE
In the management of their domestic
affairs we have always claimed for
ourselves, and 1t has been our practice
TO recognize revolutionary govern
ment as soon as it became apparaut
tnat they. were supported by the peo
pie. For illustration of this rulc, need
only 10 refer you to the revolution In
Brazil in 1889 when our minister was
instructed to recognize the
republic so soon as q ma
Jority OF the people Of Brazil
should have signed their assent to its
establishment, and maintenance to the
revolution in Chill in 1891, when our
minister was disposed to recognize
their new government, II accepted by
the people, to revolution In Venezuela
in 1899, when our recognition was ac-
corded on condition the new govern
ment was fully established In posses
sion of power of the nation and ac-
cepted by the people,
AS apprehend the situation, we are
brought face to face with the follow
ing conditions. The lawful govern
ment OF Hawaii was overthrown with
out the drawing of q sword or firing of
@ shot, by process every step Of
1t may safely bs as serted is di-
rectly traceable to and dependent for
lts success upon the agency of the
United States government through its
diplomatic and naval representative.
But for the notorious prediction of
the United States miuister for
the committee of
safety which should be called
the committee on annexation
would never have existed; bat for the
landing OF United States forces upon
false pretexts respecting dangers to
life and property, the committee would
never have exposed themselves to the
pains and penalties OF treason by un-
dertaking the subverson OF the queens
government; but for the presence of
United States forces in the Immediate
and In position to afford all
neeueu protection aud support, tiIe
would not have proclaimed
the provisional government from the
steps of the government building, and
finally but for the lawless
OCCUPATION OF HONOLULU
under false pretexts by the United
States forces, and but for Minister Ste
yens' recognition OF the provisional
government when the United States
orces were Its sole support and con
Jtituted its only military strength,
he queen and her government would
,ever have yielded to the provisional
even for the time and for
he sole purpose of submitting her
,ase to the enlightened justice OF the
United States. Believing, therefore,
hat the United States could not under
he circumstances disclosed, annex
he islands without justly lncurring
he imputation Of acquiring them by
methods, shall not
gain submit the treaty of annexation
% the senate for its consideration, and
n instructions to Minister Willis. copy
II which accompanies this message,
lave directed him to so inform the pro-
'isional government
But in the present instance our duty
loes not in my opinion, end with re-
using to consumate this questionable
transaction. 1t has been the boast OF
,ur government that 1t seeks to do
JUSTICE IN ALL THINGS
regard to the strength or
weakness OF those with whom It deals
mistake the American people II they
avor the odious doctrine that there Is
10 such thing as international morali-
y; that there is one law for the strong
lation and another for the weak one.
\ substantial wrong has thus been
one which due regard for our nation
l character, as well as the right Of
njured people. required that weshould
ndeavor to repair. The provisional
overRment has not assumed a re-
'ublican or other constitutional form,
'ut remained mere executive coun-
II or oligarchy get up without the as
ent OF the people. Ithas not seen fit
O find permanent basis OF popular
upport and has given no evidence OF
Is Intention to do SO. Indeed, the
representatives of that government
ssert that the people OF Hawaii are
nfit for popular government and
-ankly avow that they can be best
uled by arbitrary or despotic power.
THE LAW CB NATIONS
founded upon reason and justice
nd the rules OF conduct OF govern
Con in-td on sth page.