The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-03-29
Opposition to Government From
Washington Grows With Delay
in Effscting It
Sentiment Hostile to American
Interest Fostered by Japanese
and EnRlishmen.
PrOtcctorate = Queen LilIoukalani
Expects to Be Restored.

HONOLULU March q, via San Francisco,
March 28-The uncertainty which prevails
Ms to the probable fate of the islands, as
far Ms the question of annexation to the
United States is concerned. is having de-
pressing effect here. not only on general
trade. but on the morale of the people. and
feeling of unrest has arisen. Tho inaup-
uratlon OF the new party. the Hawaiian
Patriotic League, last week, having for its
object the avowod purpose of maintaining
as far as possible the autonomy of the
country. shows how opposition to annexa-
tion grows with delay.
Many members Of the league were not at
first strongly against the prospect of gov
ernment from Washington, but dispatches
In certain American newspapers received
here telling of apparent doubt existing in
the minds OF some people in the United
States as to the justness of accepting the
proposals of the provisional government. IL
having an effect on the minds Of Hawaiian
natives. who are naturally prone to change.
and 1t is an open question whether pleb-
iscite would show anything like the vote
that could have been obtained two
weeks ago. The royalists are jubilant and
openly assert that the queen expects infor-
nation soon that her throne will be restored.
with United States protectorate.
The women of the islands are almost all
pronounced royalists and nre factor in
politics. Their influence on any proposed
action is expected to count for a great deal.
Disaffeoted militiamen, under the lead of
certain officers, would also like to change
the ministry. and the proposal of the lib
hnt n IN Haa okah-
lished for the interim that is popularity sup
posed will elapse between the present time
and that at which the United States GOV.
ernment will arrive at some conclusion re-
specting annexation, is meeting with some
favor. 1t is believed the change could be
effected by vote of want Of confidence in
the ministry. accompanied by An act Great
ing republic. In Justice to the modera-
tion and patience of the provisional govern.
ment and prominent men of the annexation
party, IT must be said, however, that they
are quietly awaiting the action of the
United States, with faith in its good inten-
tions and no doubt as to a satisfactory con-
clusion OF the labors OF their commission
ers.
The plea Of Sir Edward Arnold, OF Eng
land, Tor japanese protectorate over Ha-
wail. has again called attention to a danger
which a few shrewd observers have for
seen. Col. Volney Ashford, in CONVERSE
tion with an Associated Press corre-
spondent. said he was satisfied the
officers of the Japanese wnr ships
now here would make an effort
to annex or establish a protectorate had
they not been forestalled by Minister Ste
vens. Gen. A. s. Hartwell also holds that
If the United States withdraws protection
it will forcu the islands into the hands OF
either England or Japan. There are from
10000 to $4,000 Japanese on the islands.
who. on popular vote. would cut power
full figure. Chief JuStice JUDGE also thinka
Japan has designs upon the islands. Brit
ish Minister Wodehouse is on friendly
terms with the Japanese comm issioner, and
is quoted as having said last weeks 1.-The
flag of the United States will have to come
down and her troops be removed" adding
that commissioner would be sent here
from the United States to investigate the
situation. Other remarks of the British
minister in line with this have given much
ofense to the Americans.