The Hawaiian gazette., 1893-03-28
ANNEXATION.
Commissioner Castle Talks About
the Value and Resources
of the Islands.

III IdHh W MI. 1uuIStOD. III u1SCuSS-
ing the annexation project at
Wormley's Hotel to-day, said:
have been repeatedly asked what
is the sentiment among the natives of
Hawaii as to annexation with the
United States. In answer / have said
that the natives are divided on this
question. majority opposes a change
from the system which prevailed I'M
der the Queen, while an intelligent
minority favors a transfer Of the con-
troll of public affairs to the United
States. / should like to invite partic-
ular attention to petition signed by
135 natives and addressed to President
Harrison, which was thrown on board
of our steamer just before she sailed
from Honolulu. This petition is
written in the native language, so
that it was an honest and intelligent
expression of the views and wishes of
the signers. Had time permitted, it
is probable that at least 1000 natives
would have added their names to the
petition. By profession / am law
yer. | am familiar with the nature
and language of native Hawaiians.
Many of my clients are of this class,
and, from a knowledge of all the cir
cumstances, l pronounce that petition
an important and significant docu-
ment.
All of the Commissioners are agreed,
however, that whatever the natives
may desire now, they will welcome
annexation by the United States as
soon as it becomes an accomplished
fact. A short time before going down
to the steamer talked with some of
the natives on this subject. At first
they manifested opposition to our
mission to this country, but upon
hearing from me that such a change
of government would benefit them
ton meant increased products and
wealth and better opportunities and
conditions for the laboring classes, the
murmuring ceased and surprise and
satisfaction were expressed. Only
few years would show the natives the
advantages to be derived from annex
alton, and have no apprehensions on
this score. If necessary can give
Secretary Foster positive assurance on
this point.
Mr.. Castle was asked what he
considered the advantages and dis
advantages to the United States of
the annexation Of Hawaii. He re-
piled:
1t would take me some time to an
swer properly and fully. Briefly
though, the advantages are many, the
disadvantages are few. OF course all
Americans appreciate the value of
Hawaii as a naval station or military
outpost. The advantages to the coun-
try OF such station are apparent, and
when 1 recall the fact that England
has recently appropriated Johnson's
Island, which is little to the south
west of us, | regret very much that
this movement was not started in time
to check that move. England will use
Johnson's Island as landing for the
Canadian cable she is to lay
very soon.
l do not pretend to say that if the
United States refuses to accept our of
fer that we should go to England
that is too much like threat-but if
England ever succeeds to authority
over the Hawaiian Islands, she will
have this country completely hemmed
in with military and naval outposts.
This is worth most serious considera-
ton by Americans, for, whatever the
past policy has been, increasing inter-
course between the United States and
foreign powers bring additional re-
sponsibilities and dangers. A wise
general establishes strong outposts to
guard against attacks upon the main
body of his army. Hawaii would an
swer as magnificent outpost for the
United States, to protect part of her
main body, the Pacific coast. II also
might be well 10 remember that only
a short time ago one of the powerful
chiefs from the Gilbert Islands visited
this country and besought the author
tiles either to establish protectorate
or annex those islands. This chiefs
request was not granted. Within a
few weeks after the United States de-
clined the Gilbert Islands the English
government formally annexed them,
and they now form a part of the Brit
ish possessions.
1t is upon the material advantages,
however, that prefer to dwell. In
Hawaii there is an immediate oppor-
tunity to settle the country and invest
capital. The total population is now
less thar 100000. There is ample
room for five or six times that num-
Der. The islands may be said to be
practically undeveloped, except in the
sugar industry, with respect to which
it can be said that the limit of yield
has been reached. Hawaiian soil and
climate are unsurpassed for the rails
ing Of tea, coffee. tobacco, raisins.
citrons, various fibres used in indus |
trial pursuits, and a great variety of
delicious tropical fruits. None of these
products is at present well developed.
Profits for the few engaged in getting
from the soil articles of commerce are
chiefly confined to sugar. Excepting
a few patches of tea, cultivated more
for experiment than anything else. no
attempts are made to raise this mar
ketable product. The duties in this
country have, of course, prevented any
extensive developments in teas. A
few months ago samples of tea raised
were sent to London, and, upon trial,
were pronounced by experts excellent
in quality and STRENGTH In racrard In