Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1893-02-23
"Old Glory" Will Surely Sup
plant the Native Ha-
waiian Flag.
Details of the Provisions OF the
Annexation Treaty Before
the Senate.
President Strongly FavOrs TAX
ing the Islands-FOreign
Powers Quiet.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16.-The treaty
of annexation concluded between Sec
rotary of State Foster and the Com
missioners of the Provincial Govern
ment of Hawaii was transmitted to
Senate yesterday, but not made pub
lie. The message of the President
was brief It stated that it was
deemed more desira BILE to fully annex
the islands than to establish pro-
tectorate. The President SAYS the
overthrow of the monarchy was not in
any way promoted by this government;
that the restoration of Liliuokalani is
undesira BILE, if not impossible, and
that unless actively supported by the
United States would be accompanied
by serious disaster and the discon tinu-
ance of ali business in the islands.
He says:
SIT is essen tial that none OF the
other great powers shall secure these
islands. Such a possession would not
consist with our safety and with the
peace of the world. Prompt action
upon this treaty is very desira BILE. If
it meets the approval of the Senate,
peace and good order will be
secured to the islands under existing
laws until such time as Congress
can provide by legislation permanent
form of government for the islands.
This legislation should be, and l do
not doubt will be, not only just to the
natives and all other residents and
citizens of the island, but should be
characterized by great liberality and
a high regard to the rights of all the
people and of all the foreigners domi-
ciled there
IN letter to the President laying
the treaty before him, Secretary Of
State Foster recapitulates the history
of recent events in the islands leading
up to the revolution; the esta blish-
ment of the Pro visional Government;
the appearance of the commissioners in
Washington; the negotiations that have
taken place, resulting in the prepara-
ton Of the treaty; and the esta blish-
ment of the protectorate by Min
lister Stevens. Secretary Foster con-
firms the Presidents statement that
the revolution was entirely unex-
pected, so far as this country was con-
| cearned. cat no time" he says, had
Mr.. Stevens been instructed with re-
gard to his course in the event OF
a revolutionary uprising. The change
! was in fact abrupt and unlocked for by
the United States Minister or the naval
co ntnander."
In regard TO the protectorate, Secre-
10 -
instruction has been sent to the Minis
ter commencing his action in so far as
it lay within the purview of standing
instructions to the legation and to the
naval commanders of the United States
in hawaiian waters and tended
to cooperate with the administra-
ton of affairs by the Provisional Gov
eminent, but disavowlng any stress in
excess of such instruction whereby the
authority and power of the United
! States might appear to have been as
serted to the impairment of the in
dependent sovereignty of the Hawaiian
Government by the assumption of
! formal protectorate.
Secretary Foster says that the pro-
SAoAodo VA WV OiSdoy ICoSINc 10 SolI"
gress the determination of all ques-
tions affecting the form Of government
Of the annexed territory, the citizen
ship, and elective franchise of its in
ha bitants and all questions relating to
the economic and political status of
the islands
In conclusion he says that, pending
the negotiation, he received assur-
ances from representatives of the
! leading powers of the world in this
city and from our own Ministers
abroa convincing him that the incor-
poration of the Hawaiian Islands into
the Union will be regarded by these
powers with satisfaction or ready &C.
quiescence.
The treaty itself provides for the
cession of all rights of sovereignty
over the islands, all public buildings
and property to the United States
revenue from public lands. except
such as reserved for government pur-
poses, to be used solely for the benefit
of the people on the islands. Until
Congress provides otherwise, the ex-
listing government laws of the Ha-
waiian Islands are continued subject
to the paramount Authority of the
o.