Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1893-02-23
HAWAIIAN TREATY.
Message of the President Transmitting 1t


to the senate.
WASHINGTON, Feb 17.-Following is
President Harrison's message transmit
ting the Hawaiian treaty to the senate:
To the Senate: transmit herewith, with q
view to its ratification. treaty OF annexation
concluded on the 18th day OF February, 1898. be-
tween John W. Foster, secretary Of state, who
was duly empowered to act in that behalf on
the part of the United States. and Lorin Thurs
ton, w B Castle, w c. Wilder, Charles L
Carter and Joseph Marston, the commissioners
on the part of the Hawaiian Islands The pro-
vislonal treaty, it will be observed. does not at
tempt TO treat in detail with the questions that
grew out of the annexation of the Hawaiian
Islands to the United States The commission
ersrepresenting the Hawaiian government have
consented to leave to the future snd to the just
and benevolent purposes of the United States
the adjustment of all such questions 1
DO not deem 1T necessary to discuss at length
the conditions which have resulted in this de-
cisive action 1t has been the policy of the
administration not only TO respect but to en-
courage the continuance of an independent gov
eminent with the Hawaiian Islands. so long as
1t Afforded suitable guarantees for the protec-
ton OF life and property, and maintained
stability and strength that gave adequate Sc
curity against the domination of any other
power The moral support of this govern
ment has continually manifested itself in the
most friendly diplomatic relations and In
many acts of courtesy to the Hawaiian rulers
The overthrow of the government was not
In any way promoted by this government but
had its origin in what seems TO have been
reactionary and revolutionary policy on the
part of Queen Liliuokalani which put in Sc
rious peril not only the large and preponder-
ating interests of the United States on the ISL
ands, but all foreign interests and, indeed,
the decent administration of civil affairs
and the peace of the islands 1t is quite evil
dent that the monarchy had become efete and
the Qneen's government weak and made
quate as to be the prey of designing and I'M
Mo k9Cr0 iRn of
Liliuokalani to her throne is undesirable, If
not impossible, and, unless actively supported
by the United States, would be accompanied by
serious disaster and the diSorganizatiOn of all
business interests. The influence and interest
OF the United States in the islands must be
increased, and not diminished Only two
courses are now open-one the establishment
of a protectorate by the United States, and
the other annexation full and complete I
think the latter course, which has been
adopted in the treaty, will be highly pro-
motive of the best interests of the Hawaiian
people, and it is the only that Will ade-
Quately secure the interests Of the United
States These interests are not wholly selfish
1t is essential that none of the other great pow
erS shall secure the control of these islands
1t would not be consistent with our safety and
with the peace Of the world This view of the
situation is so apparent and conclusive that no
protest has been heard from any government
against proceedings looking to annexation
Every foreign representative at Honolulu
promptly acknowledged the provisional gov
eminent, and think there is general concur
renee in the opinion that the deposed queen
ought not to be restored
Prompt action on this treaty is very desira-
BILE If it meets the approval Of the senate,
peace and good order viii be secured in the ISL
ands under existing laws until such time as
congress can provide by legislation a perma-
nent form OF government for the islands This
legislation should be, and shall be. just to the
natives and all other residents and citizens OF
the islands, but should be characterized by
great liberty and high regard TO the rights of
all the people and of all foreigners domiciled
there.
The CORES pondence which accompanies the
treaty will put the senate in possession OF all
the facts known to the executive
BENJAMIN HARRISON