The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-06-02
STEVENS AND HAWAII.
The Ex-Minister Points Out the
Advantage Of Annexation.
AMERICAN INTERESTS LEAD.
An Address Before 0aa HPoneaeeo CAam-
elutiens Raveriag Annsxasion.

san FKAxcrsco. June Hon. John l.
Stevens, ex-United States minister at
Hawaii. addressed the Chamber Of Com
merce Of this city to-day on the subject OF
Hawaiian Affairs and Their Relation to
the Interests Of the United States." A
large number Of business men we're present
and gave the speaker an appreciative recer-
ton. At the close Of the address . resolu-
ton was adopted favoring the speedy an
nexation Of the islands. Mr.. Stevens, in
relating his first impressions upon the
islands. said he had not been long in Homo
lulu before he perceived how thoroughly
m American city it was and how predom-
mating were all American interests on the
islanda. Continuing he said:
He had found an Intelligent body OF citizens
OF American and European origin supporting .
semi-barhsrie monarchy, dead in everything
but tts vices: coaxsey uxuriant In it, tastes and
wishes and spreading social and political de-
moralisation throughout the islandL
The speaker then related several incl
dents in the career of the derosed queen.
and charges her not only with personal
immortality, but also With having by un.
constitutional and arbitrary methods. Sc
cured the adoption Of certain measures.
such a. the opium and lottery bills, and
recited her attempt to promulgate new
constitution, which finally aroused the
respectable element of the community to
action. Mr.. Stevens then reviewed in de-
tail the circumstances of the revolution
and overthrow of the queen last January.
and the subsequent establishment of the
provisional government. He spoke of the
danger Of riot and incendiarism at the
time of the revolution. the fact that there
was no adequate police power in Honolulu,
and that an appeal was accordingly made
for the landing Of men from the United
States ship Boston. In this connection,
Mr.. Stevens said in part:
Under the diplomatic and naval rules, the
United States minister aud naval commander
would have shamefully ignored their duty had
they not landed men from the Boston for the Sc
cu.ity OF American life and property aud the
maintenance Of public order, even had the COM
mitses Of public safety not requested the United
States 10 do 90 The Boston's men stepped not
IN inch from the line o; duty: they nevc: lifted
q finger in aid Of the fallen monarchy on the
rising Of the provisional government and ali
sertions to the contrary, bv whomsosver uttered.
are audscious falsehooda
The remainder Of Mr.. Stevens address
was an appeal for the annexation of the
islands by the United States. In speaking
Of the desire of the provisional govern
ment in this matter. he said that without
the expenditure of single American dol
lar they offer this rich prize. this splendid
possession of the Pacific to the American
government in trust for the American peo-
pie. He continued, in part:
These islands for seventy yeafs have bssn
carefully watched by American statesmen and
nursed by American patriotism. American
merchants aud the American government have
fostered their prosperity. and By conttguity OF
interests, of water. and Of the necessary laws OF
INSTRUMENTATION they belong to the Amer
ican system OF states. For strasexical and CON-
United States than are cyprus. Malta and Der.
muia 10 Great Britain. so Adams, Webster,
Clayton and Marcy saw many years ago; 90
seward aud Blaine clearly perceived at more re-
cent datss: SO Bayard and Cleveland NUT have
understood when they Issued their instruc-
tons on July IL. 1857, to Minister Merrill aud
the naval commander. holding them response
bic for American life aud property and Arleri-
lean FREEDOM nance at Honolulu, and so clearly
President Harrison and the forcign relations
committee of the United states senate saw the
great value of Hawaii when they gave their sig
natures to the treaty OF anne xation. On those
islands 10 established an American colony with
. solid basis Of American civilization.
Speaking Of the attitude Of native Ha-
Stevens said:
The question at Issue 10 not one o; racc-of the
white man against the native Hawaiisns. rs IL
has been represented. The supporters OF annex
alton the more respon ,ibie OF the whites and
the best OF the native Hawaiian, while ths op-
ponents Of annexation are chiefly the less re.
sponsible OF the native Hawaiisns. led BY white
advcnturera.
In closing, Mr.. Stevens said:
I do not believe that the administration Of
President Cleveland will neglect this great
American opportunity. though careful and eau
tious. AZ 1t 10 Its duty to b.. But in due tune
ana At early date believe IL will not fail in
it, great duty to tho American people. IL viii
not postpone that which cannot be long post-
poned without danger and without putting loyal
American frenaA In the Hawaiian islands to
grave anxiety aud grave pesiix These Islands
will be accepted and placed among the jewels OF
Americas future crown Of empire and glory.
Failing 10 accept this valuable prize wonid
surely bring our statesmen to the bar OF history
with the indictment OF laundering eriminality.
from which there could DO no escape.
A New Collector Takes Charge.
SAN Francisco, June John II. Wise
took charge Of the office Of collector of