The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-02-04
New Foreign Complications.

This country has had more wranges
with foreign countries in the past four
wears than in any preceding ten-with
Canada regarding fisheries and canal tolls;
with England on Behring sea; with Italy
ON the New Orleans Lynehing; with Chill.
over an attack on our sailors, provoked by
our minister taking sides in a revolution;
and now comes up serious question con-
corning Hawaii. In the last four years
there have been some minor disputes and
controversies also.
The Harrison Administration may leave
the Hawaiian matter to the Cleveland Ad-
ministration, and surely il is not one for
hasty action. England and France will be
involved in the settlement, as each has an
interest in the islands, and there is an
agreement between the two to maintain the
Independence and neutrality of the Ha-
waiian government.
Hawaii is the chief of the Sandwich Is
lands. some thirteen in number. The group
lies in the Pacific Ocean about twenty-five
hundred miles from San Francisco, on the
route to Australia coaling station Ha-
wall is of vast importance to the United
States. in commercial and naval sense, and
it is equally important to Great Britain and
France. BY treaty with the government
each has established caoling stations on the
island and secured certain privileges
Americans have hocked there in consider
able numbers and are more numerous than
other foreigners, except Chinese and Japan
ese. who were imported to labor on the
sugar. rice and coffee plantations and to
construct railroads.
The territory of the whole group is less
than half the area of Maryland, and
Hawaii, the largest island. and the seat OF
government, is about seven times as large
4. as this county. The population of the
whole Kingdom is about eighty thou
sand, of which about forty-tive thousand
are natives. The Americans, however
have gained large influence in the govern
ment. They have invested much capital
control the bulk of trade, and own many
sugar, rice and coffee plantations. In the
Queens cabinet they held the most i'm
portant positions aud filed the chief offices
of government. Recently the Queen de
sired to set up new constitution. Ii ex-
cluded all foreigners from participation IN
government. and in this she was supported
by the natives. She offered the instrument
at a recent meeting of her ministers and
demanded their resignation. In her de-
mand she was emphatic, and threatened to
turn the populace upon them in the event
of their refusal Excited natives were
then gathered in large numbers about the
palace, and it was difficult to restrain her.
She, however, agreed to withhold the con-
stitution for time.
While this meeting was going on another
meeting of foreigners, mostly Americans,
was being held and a committee of safety
was organized. \ United States war ship
came into the harbor the night before, and
the commander landed three hundred we'll
armed marines and the sailors ran two
eatlins guns ashore This demonstration
resulted in quoting the fears of foreigners,
and in the preservation of order. The
ministers resigned and the foreigners, and
perhaps a few natives, organized proyis-
ional government This provisional gov
ernment sent commissioners to the United
States and they arrived in Washington on
Thursday. Their mission is to request the
annexation of Hawaii to the United States,
and this raises question that will be diff
hcult to settle. England and France will
both protest against this, and the matter
will be one that will have to be ably and
skilfully handled TO avoid serious trouble.
The Americans in Hawaii, who have been
instrumental in virtually overthrowing the
regular government and setting up new
one, are moved by personal interests, and
have taken advantages of the supposed
necessities of the United States to ask the
annexation of Hawaii \ coaling station
is already located there, and this govern
ment had also obtained leave TO erect forti-
fieations. Much money has been spent.
and more has been appropriated to COM
plete the work begun.
As a precautionary measure Two more
war vessels have been ordered TO HAWAII,
and other vessels with ammunition and
supplies will be dispatched in day or two.
English and French war ships will soon be
there, too, and each will be guarding the
interests of the subjects of their respective
governments. pending settlement of affairs.
In Washington among congressman the
feeling is generally for annexation, though
there is opposition direct upon the part OF
some, and others want fuller information
before expressing their views Some be-
Geve that. if there is sentiment in Hawaii
for annexation, the acquisition should be
made by purchase. Among the more
conservative Senators there is belief that
England, France and the United States will
mite ia preserving the neutrality Of the
islands. This seems to be the most reason
able view of the matter, as neither govern
ment will willingly surrender any rights
there now enjoyed.
The theoretical road builders who ar,
now agitating the question Of road i'm
proyement ia Maryland, estimate that Their