Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1893-02-13
BITTER STRUGGLE AHEAD
Many in Both Houses Will
Oppose Annexation.
srERCENARY MOTIVES CHARGED.

The Discussion Likely to be Brought on
at Any Time-HawaIian Commercial
Company aud the RevOlution-The Pros.
ident's Message to be Sent to Congress
Tomorrow.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16.-Annexation of
Hawaii will not be accomplished without
serious opposition and probably consider
able bitter debate In Congress. There are
two sides to this, rs there are to every
question, and, while the adverse side will
probably find few adherents, it may prove
obstinate.
1t is the general impression that an an
nexation bill will come before Congress
within the week
1t may be brought forward at any
time. 1t is not likely to be called up for
action before the President has sent his
message to Congress, stating the Incl
dents which led to the revolution, the
part taken by our Minister and navy, and
the status of affairs upon the islands at
present.
When the bill comes up for action, it is
limited, some ugly things may be said
in connection with the management of
the Hawaiian government during the
past few years, the manner in which
the revolution was precipitated, the I'M
derlying principles moving the annexa-
tionists and the possibility of fraud and
bribery as having brought about present
conditions.
Senator Pettigrew of South Dakota
raised his voice at the very outset of the
annexation agitation and declared that
selfishness, and not patriotism or love Of
government was at the bottom Of the
movement IN Hawaii.
1t is alleged that the majority of stock
holders in the Hawaiian Commercial
company, which owns the plantations and
produces the immense quantities of sugar
on the island, and those in the Oceanic
Steamship company, a line plying be-
tween San Francisco and Honolulu, have
for more than year been bearing"
down the stock of those corporations with
a view to buying in the minority stock
and then moving for annexation.
The Hawaiian Commercial company
owns three-fourths of the commercial
interests upon the islands, and annexa-
ton would insure peace and stability and
increase values.
1t Is asserted that the special repre-
sentative of the deposed Queen, who Is
now on his way here, was only q few
years ago sent by Clans Spreckles to
Hawaii as attorney to look after the
Commercial company's interests.
There are a number of prominent Sena
tors and members Of the House who will
fight annexation to the bitter end.
Among the former are Senators Gray,
Vest, Brice and Pettigrew.
The President will send his message
and treaty to the Senate to morrow.
The treaty is with the provisional gov
ernment.
Pending Congressional action the
Commissioners are to return home and
have these negotiations ratified by the
Provisional Government, and get the ex-
Queens consent to q pension. Mean
while, DIR. Mott Smith will remain in
Washington.
After the negotiations at the State
Department the Commissioners were es-
corted to the White House by State Sec
rotary Foster and presented to the Presi-
dent. The meeting was informal, no set
speeches being made. The reason of this
informality was that diplomatic custom
provides that the President shall not re-
ccire formally any diplomatic representa-
tive of foreign nation lower than q Min
lister,
A great deal has been said about the
| delay in the reception of the Hawaiian
Commissioners by the President, but this
explains all
| The Commissioners were accredited
to the State Department., and as soon as
| they We're received by the Secretary of
| State they We're recognized by the United
| States Government.
The reception by the President was
| the signal of the final conclusion of the
negotiations. 1t took place in the private
Office and the President chatted with the
| Commissioners for some time.