Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-02-22

In discussing the Hawaiian treaty
sent by the President to the Senate, the
Boston Herald takes the view outlined
by the REGISTER when the treaty was
submitted. It notes the fact that from
first to last there has been no reason
stated why 10 is necessary or even de-
sirable % annex Hawaii. Possibly
some such argument may be made in
the message which the Senate is con-
sidcriuc in secret session, but so far as
the public are concerned they are left
in entire ignorance.
The only plea that has been openly
made is tlar it is necessary TO take pos
session of Hawaii to prevent the
Islands from falling into tho hands Of
the English. But precisely the same
argument could have been used with
eQua, force at any time during the last
twenty years, aud we have stated more
than once. what is an iucontrOver,i6e
fact, that so far as English, French or
German seizure is concerned, the de-
clarat.on Of I protectorate by the
United States government would be
just as effective 10 keeping of seizure
as the Incorporation Of Hawaii as a part
Of our national domain.
But, il is said, those in control OF the
Hawaiian government viii not accept
protectorate. II the United States is
not willing TO take them in as Ameri-
can citizens, then they will ask to be-
come a part Of the British empire. But
the governing forces in Hawaii can be
told that in matters Of this kind they
have not the power Of selection; and as
we have already proclaimed a protec-
torate at Hawaii we could and should
insist upon this, whether it was accept
able to the Hawaiian people or not.
There is besides the matter of final
policy tbe question Of a proper consider
alton of race and class rights. Hawaii
has a population Of about $4,000, Of
which about half are natives, 5000 are
either half castles, or are of Hawaiian
birth by foreign parents, some 10000
are Chinese, 1900 foreigners, of whom
about 10000 are Portuguese. The rev.
olution has been effected through the
fundamentally of three or four thou
sand people out of this $4,000, and these
former almost wholly OF foreign birth.
They have over:hrown the estab-
lished government, have declared
provisional government Of their
own, aud have asked to be made part Of
the United States. On the other hand,
those representing the deposed ruler
have sent q deputation to this country,
asking our government to respect the
rights Of those who have been made the
victims OF an instruction. As we I'M
derstand it, the representatives Of the
late government are now On their way
to Washington. But before their side
Of the case has been heard, before they
have been given even an opportunity to
resent it, the President of the United
States sends in a message based upon
what must necessarily be eXparte state
ments, and decides that the revolution
lists are in the right, and thar the Uni
ted States should annex Hawaii. Com
menting On President HARBIsoN's &C
ton the Herald says:
This is certainly a scandalous procedure,
even on the assumption that later on the
annexation Of Hawaii is brought about. Is
it IN accordance with Democratic or Re-
publican principles that a little body Of in
diviCuals, numbering not more than one
twentieth of the people of country, shall
have ,he power to absolutely decide what
its destiny shall be. II this is the manner
i'm which our foreign relations are TO be
carried on, the practice can hardly fail 10
result in the end in seriously disastrous
consequences TO the United States, and
these brought ABOUT by our own rashuess.
The only justification for this indecent
haste would seem 10 be the fear lest, if the
other side OF the case was presented, a
large part of the American people would
realize the injustice OF tue claims now adj
Vauced