Morning journal and courier., 1893-02-02
IA 4 w All.

The discussion of the Hawaiian question
nas already been very thorough, and not..a
single weighty objection against snnexa-
tion has been brought to light. And there
is a prompt, general and enthusiastic
recognition by the people of this country
of the wisdom of allowing Hawaii to come
under wing of the American eagle.
Now that the Hawaiians have got into
trouble with each other this country is
looked to as the natural friend and pro-
tector of the islands. United States cspi-
tai controls three fourths of the business
of the little kingdom Nearly all its sugar
and rice is shipped to San Francisco. OF
its twenty millions of foreign trade at least
80 per cent. Is with the United States.
The reciprocity treaty of 1875 between this
country and Hawaii made it what 1t Is in
business way. 1t is already annexed to
the United States 90 far as its business in,
terests are concerned.
But the question is not chiefly one of
dollars and cents. 1t is largely one of
patriotism and that enlightened selfshness
which takes thought for the future, aud
by prompt action ut the right time saves
trouble and expense. Although Hawaii Is
out in the Pacific ocean , 100 miles from
San Francisco, it is a very important
strategic point. This hiss been Tecogn zed
by the government Of this country for at
least fifty years. AS long ago as 1S42 We
find President Tyler declaring that mas
m uob far from Z he
dominion of European powers, while FIVE
sixths of it's commerce was with the United
States, this government could not permit
any subversion of Hawaiian inder endence
by foreign nations. From that time on
presidents and secretaries of state have
made similar declarations. Among those
| who, being dead, yet speak concerning this
| important matter is James G. Blaine. And
none who has taken part in the govern
| ment of this country has ever spoken about
it more to the point. For instance, he said
in his dispatch to Minister Comfy dated
December l, 1885, "The United States has
| acquired legitimstely dominant influence
| in the North Pacific which it can never con.
| sent to see decrease by the intrusion there
in of any element of influence hostile to its
own. The situation of the Hawaiian isl
ands, giving them the strategic control
of the North Pacific, brings their pos
session within the range of questions
OF purely American policy" And further
"It (the United States government) firmly
believes that the position of the Hawaiian
islands as the key to the dominion of the
American Pacific demands their neutral
ity, to which end 1t will earnestly co
operate with the native government. AND
If through any cause the maintenance o
such a position of neutrality should b
found by Hawaii to be imprscticsble, thi
government would then unhesitatingl.
meet the altered situation by seeking al
avowedly American solution for the grav
issues presented"
The Gathered situation" has come, and
demands can avowedly American solu
tion." Hawaii is ready and anxious t
find shelter and protection with us. 1t
greatly for our advantage as well as TO
hers that we should give them. Gres
Britain Is on the alert and ready an
eager to seize the prize if she can see an
way to fasten her greedy grasp upon ii
She knows it's value and she would like t
add 1t to her girdle of fortresses whic
already practically encircles us. 1t wi
not do to let Great Britain or any othe
power deprive the United States of suoh
point of vantage. This is a case wher
we should not only not look gift-hors
in the mouth, but we shouldn't spen
much time in looking at any part of il
We should thankfully and promptly tax
.. it by the halter and lead 1t into our ow
| sfah1a