The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-08-22
JAPAN AND THIS GROUP.
A SUFFRAGE TALK WITH MR.
FUJII.
What Japan Wants No Serious Trouble
Likely Not Opposing Annexation
American Policy.

Consul General Fugi drove down
town this morning and met several
Japanese gentlemen who wanted to
talk about the attitude OF the United
States in respect to Hawaiian suffrage.
Later a STAR reporter called on him at
the legation and was, received with
generous hospitality on the side of
creature comfort and with diplomatic
reserve when conversation began to
veer toward the relations of Japan and
the Provisional Government of Hawaii.
The Consul. General is a credit to
the country which has availed itself Of
his services. No one could be more
alert, sagacious and polite than he, nor
could anyone say less of the plans Of
his Government in more agreeable
manner.
"You have read the statement that
Mr. Blount would not permit Hawaii
to grant the suffrage to the Japanese,
have you not?" asked the reporter.
ooh, yes" said Mr.. Full, affably, 81
saw it it in the STAR"
care you at liberty to say what the
Japanese policy will be p y
"You must excuse me-"
"Do you anticipate any trouble with
the United States2"
"None at all, was the answer. "The
relations with Japan and the United
States have always been friendly. To
be an American is passport anywhere
in our empire; and no complaint can
be made of the treatment of Japanese
in the United States, outside very
limited circle on the Pacific Coast. l
was a boy when Commodore Perry
came to Japan, and having lived in the
United States | know the feeling in
both countries. 1t is most friendly.
Here in Hawaii the Japanese do not
oppose annexation, and shall not"
"Do you think that any trouble will
arise over the suffrage question J" said
the reporter.
Mr.. Fugii paused thoughtfully.
HMaN | npntR Won nc SAVING that
there is no danger of a serious msun
derstanding2"
eyes," replied the Consul General
you may say that"
evil there be any more necessity, sc
far as you know, for the presence here
of apanese cruisers ?"
THAT is another question:" said Mr.
Fugii with diplomatic smile.
The Consul General admitted tina
he had talked to Minister Bount abou
the franchise question.
"Can you give us any clew as to hi
views ?" said the STAR man.
"You know what they are as well a
l do" was the smiling response,
swell, suppose you were to get thu
franchise now and the Islands shoulC
be annexed, would the fact that tn
United States must deprive you OF
in default of naturalization alter tn
friendly relations of Japan and Am
Ierica ?"
"Not at ALL Japan would not com
plain at the operation of laws, lon
since established, that would deal wit
all foreigners alike. How could she
As the case stands in Hawaii, all W
ask is our treaty rights These ar
covered in guarantees of the sam
treatment which is accorded the mos
favored nations Now as subjects {
the most favored nations have certai
voting privileges here, we ask the sam
concession, as we have a perfect rlgf
to. Why not? Of course, in tn
event of annexation we should be on
plane with other foreigners who coul
, not vote without becoming America
, citizens. Of that we could make n
, complaint"
This closed the interview, Mr.. Fuj
not wishing to go into particulars abo'
e the present status of the suffrage cas-