The weekly tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1891-1894, 1893-02-24
WHAT IT WILL COST.
Hawaii Comes High, But We Must
Have it or Something
Worse.
We Provide for the Queen and Prin.
cess and Assume the Ma
tiOnal Debt.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16.-The treaty of
annexation concluded between Secretary
of State Foster and the commissioners
Of the provisional government of Hawaii
was transmitted to the senate yesterday,
but not made public. The message of
the president was brief. 1t stated that
it was deemed more desirable to fully
annex the islands than to establish a
protectorate. The president says the
overthrow Of the monarchy was not in
any way promoted by this government;
that the restoration of Liliuokalari is
undesirable, if not impossible, and that
unless actively supported by the United
States would be accompanied by serious
disaster ana the disorganization of all
business interests.
He says: 1T is essential that none of
the other great powers shall secure
these islands. Such a possession would
not be CONSTANT with our safety and
with the peace OF the world.
Prompt action upon this treaty is very
desirable. If it meets the approval of
the senate. peace and good order will be
secured to the islands under the existing
law until such time as congress by iegis-
lation shall provide a permanent form of
government for the islands. This legis.
lation should be, and ! do not doubt will
be, not only just to the natives and to all
other residents and citizens of the islands.
but should be characterized by great
liberality and a high regard for the
rights of all the people and of all the
foreigners domiciled there"
In Il letter to the president, laying the
treaty before him, Secretary of State
Foster recapitulates the history of re-
cent events. Secretary Foster confirms
tho presidents statement that the revo-
luton was entirely unexpected SO far AS
this government was concerned. At no
time, he says, had Mr.. Stevens been in
structed with regard to his curse in the
event of revolutionary uprising. The
change was in fact abrupt aud Unlocked
for by he United States minister or the
naval commander.
Secretary Foster says the provisions
of the treaty reserve TO congress a de-
termination of all questions affecting the
form of government of the annexed ter
ritory, citizenship and elective franchise
of its inhabitants, I'd all questions re
lating 20 the economic and political stat
us of the islands. In conclusion he says
that preceding negotiations he received
the assurances from representatives of
leading powers of the world in this city
and from own ministers abroad con
vincing him that the incorporation of
the Hawaiian islands into the union will
be regarded by these powers with salts
faction or ready acquiescence.
The treaty itself provides for a cession
of all rights of sovereignty over the is
lands, of all the public buildings aud
property to the United States, and the
evenue from the public lands, except
such as are reserved for government pur-
poses to be used solely for the benefit of
the people of the islands. Until congress
provides otherwise. the existing govern
ment and laws of the Hawaiian islands
are continued, subject to the paramount
authority of the United States. A resi-
dent commissioner is to be appointed
who shall have power to veto any act of
sad government until congress enacts
the necessary legislation.
The existing commercial relations of
the Hawaiian islands both with the
United States and foreign governments
shall continue. The immigration of the
Chinese into the islands is prohibited
and the Chinese now in the islands shall
not be permitted to come into the pres
ent territory of the United States. The
public debt of the islands is assumed by
the United States to the extent of 1920
OOO. The United States agrees to pay
Queen Liliouokalani $4,000 a year dur
ing life and Princess Kaioulani $1,000.