The herald., 1893-02-01
THE HAWAIIAN QUESTION ]
Informally Discussed by the
Cabinet.
England Has Not Yet Filed q
Protest.
The Navy Department Shows No
Unusual Activity.
Official Action Postponed Until the Enc
voys Arrive-Public Opinion Al
most Unanimous for
Annexation
BY the Associated Press.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31.-The discussion
of the Hawaiian question at the cabinet
meeting today was informal, and there
being nothing before the body for ito
consideration no action was taken. The
matter of the reception of the commia-
sioners OF the provisional government
of Hawaii concerns only the presi-
dent and secretary of state, with
whom their business must be trans-
acted. The commissioners, of course,
will be received courteously and their
proposition listened to with sympathy,
but the recommendation that may be
made then will be determined by its
terms. 1t may be said there will be no
precipitate action upon the matter; IL
cannot be disposed of in day nor
week. There will be no message to
congress from the president until after
the commissioners are heard, and then
only, it is surmised. in case q favorable
recommendation upon their proposition
shall have been decided upon.
THE NAVY DEPARTMENTS sUPINENEss.
There is seemingly no preparation be-
ing made at the navy department for
sending vessels to Honolulu to support
the Boston. The statement that 900
marines will be sent to Honolulu on the
steamer Mariposa lacks confirmation.
The flying squadron, consisting Of the
cruisers San Francisco, Atlanta and
Charleston and the gunboat Yorktown,
are expected at Barbados in few days
and they can easily be reached there by
telegraph if it is decided to send any Of
them to Honolulu. 1t is probable. how
ever, that no extraordinary action will
be taken until after a conferences is held
between the Hawaiian annexation COM
missioner now on their was TO Wash
ington AM he secretary of state.
ENGs-..s>s. .sss MOI Ps0TEsTnr.
1t was stated today that the report Of
last night that the protest Of EEgiand
against the annexation of Hawaii by the.
United States would be presented today.
was premature. 1t was said at the state
department that it had not been re-
ceived, and that there was no intima-
ton that it would come today. Lord
Rosebery's statement to the Hawaiian
charge at London yesterday, that Eng
land, France and Germany would pro-
test against the annexation of Hawaii
by the United States, is believed to have
good foundation only go far ae England
is concerned. The interests OF France
and Germany in that country are not of
sufficient Importance to warrant pro-
test.
MOTT SMITHS EXPECTATIONS.
DIR. Mott Smith, the Hawaiian repre-
sentative here, expects England to pro-
test vigorously. He thinks there will
be concentration at Honolulu as rap
idly rs possible of the naval forces of
England now in the Pacific for the pur-
pose OF making demonstration; but it
is not probable, in the opinion of DR..
Smith, that this will affect the senti-
ment OF the people in any way. The
commercial interests of Hawaii are prac-
ticslly all with the United States, and
although the sympathies of the native
population, under the influence of mem
bers oi the roval family. are undoubted-
ly with the English, still the property
interest OF the island will eventually
control its destiny. That interest is in
favor of political Incorporation with the
United States.
CONGRESSMAN HARMER's VIEWS.
In congress- the situation continues to
be privately discussed by members.
Harmer, Republican member of the
house foreign affairs committee, said to-
day: 81 approve of the steps already
taken by the representatives OF the
United States at Honolulu, as it has
prevented the government of Great Bri-
tain from assuming protectorate over
the islands, which would have resulted
in absolute possession in the near future,
which if to avoid. we were compelled to
accept the proposition for annexation at
once, would favor it. Our government
should look to its own interests first,
which Great Britain never fails to do.
No European power should be allowed
to seize Hawaii at any time, especially
while the representatives are begging at
our doors for annexation. 1t is claimed
no international treaty would be violated
by annexation. France and Great Bri-
tain recognized the Independence oftha
islands in 1843 and subsequently the
United States. Much will depend upon
the developments OF the next few days,
but believe with careful consideration,
keeping American interests constantly
in view, we shall reach conclusion
which will be satisfactory to the people
OF our country"
HARTER OPPOSES ANNEXATION.
Congressman Harter (Dem. of Ohio)
is radically opposed to annexation, say
ing today: "The whole scheme is Job
intended to benefit few sugar planters
who are anxious to secure the cents
pound bounty paid by the United
States on the native product. We win
knock that bounty out shortly and then
you'll hear no more about annexation" !"
ANNEX THE IsLANDS.