The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-05-13
HAWAIIAN ISLAND AFFAIRS.
Spreckels Fighting Annexation, but
Planters Are Opposed to His Ideas.

HoNoLULU. May 4.-Thc proposition to
establish Hawaiian republic, which has
probably never been seriously entertained,
even by those advancing it, since the crea-
tion of the provisional government, has
not been materially promoted during the
past week. A meeting of planters was in
vitcd to meet Claus Spreckels on April %.
ar which the latter explained his ideas Of
a republic in detail. and offered for adopt
ton communication TO President Cleve-
land opposing annexation because of the
difficulties il would place in the way of OBJ
tanning the cheap labor necessary to plan
tation work. The matter was not dis
cussed at any length except by Spreckels
himself, and the communication was re-
ferrcd to a committee. At subsequent
meeting the communication was shelved,
some of the planters present declaring
themselves ready to concede anything to
secure annexation.
The convention of the Hawaiian Patri-
otic League assembled on May 1, there
being about fifty delegates present from
all the islands. The object of the conven-
ton was to frame q memorial to Commits
sioner Blount which should be an express
sion of the natives wishes in the matter
of government. Such a memorial. which
was against the annexation movement,
was afterwards presented to Blount. A
delegation from the Mauia Annexation
Club called on Commissioner Blount on
May l. The chairman, in addressing the
commissioner, said the delegation wished
to assure him that the annexation senti-
ment was growing in favor among the
natives as we'll as the forei aAers of the
,.Ja xxf
in replying to the address, asked the chair
man if, in the event of annexation, the
natives would expect to become voters. to
which the chairman replied that they
would expect it.
The natives of the other islands are ex-
ceedingiy desirous that the commissioner
should pay them visit, and it is not TO be
questioned that his reception by them
would exceed that given any other per-
sonage except the queen. Blount at diff
ferent times has expressed different ideas
as to the trip. To member of the SUI
preme bench he said a few days ago:
90 not want to go to the other islands.
have taken considerable responsibility upon n.y.
self in lowering the flag and l want to remain
here so taat ! could order tho troops ashore in
case of any trouble.
The situation here may be summed up
in few words: The provisional govern
ment believes itself strong enough TO quell
any internal disturbance and maintain it.
self in authority; the minister of finance
states that the means for carrying on the
government are ample; the annexation
sentiment is perceptlbly strengthening.
but the delay in the settlement of the aues-
ton is telling with effect on business inter-
es,s that desire to expend O. invite capital,
and the hope is expressed that congress
will not long withhold its decision after
the commissioner report has been re-
ceived.
The government has lately been revis-
ing its sedition and treason laws. Coun-
cilor Ermetluth recently introduced the
following resolution:
WHEREAS. The provisional governmen. OF the
Of anua,y for the purpose of furthering the ar
nexation of these islaud 10 the United States:
and.
NHEgEas, As this provisional government
has been recognized By ali representatives of
foreign powers as the sole government Of these
islands: therefore, DO it
Resois6f. That the agitation for the resto:a-
ton OF the ex-queeu. or for any political pur-
pose other than that for which this government
hes been organized, 10 hereby declared TO coma
within the meaning OF the seiition &C; passed
By this council! on January % of this year. and
Tho police department Is hereby instructed 70
proceed against all persons making themselves
liable under this act.
Considerable discussion followed in the
council, several members urging the adop-
ton OF the resolution. Attorney General
Smith said the government should deal
cautiously in the matter, IS there was
danger in going too far. He believed in a
peaceful discussion, which was certainly