Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-18
THE EXACT SITUATION IN, HAWAII.


Impressions Of Charles Nor,lhon Regarding
Auti-Annexafion Sentiment.
Charles Nordhof writes to the New York
Herald from Honolulu. under date Of April 8,
an interesting letter regarding the sentiment
there on annexation Of the Hawaiian Islands BY
America. Among other things he says: can
only say that il there should be rioting this
would be the fault Of those who in such time
as this are SYSTEMATICALLY Haunting their for
eign annexation flags in the eyes Of the native
population. who-on the planters own admis-
sions-are unanimously and strongly opposed
to annexation. The orderly and peaceful con-
duct of the native people under the ,circ UNI
stances and under the aggravations of the
planter annexationists is admirable and de-
serves the greatest praise. II there should be
trouble hereof which there is no likelihood
the blame will be entirely upon the snrexa-
tonists, who are to the last degree enbittered
by the failure of their schemes, and some Of
them would welcome the violence they are in
citing, because they have no hone of success
/ saw at San Francisco and on the ship CO.
nung here number of old and new acquaint-
ances-some provisional government men and
Observation-Disclosures favorable to the main
tenance of the old system. All Of both parties
frankly acknowledged that the natives 40 900
in number and all of proper age. able to read
and write and brought up under American mis-
sionary training. with a very few exceptions,
are strongly opposed to annexation.
NATIVES OPPOSE ANNEXATION.
wish to emphasize this fact-confessed by
all the annexatonists have seen-that the ma
tves are solidly opposed to annexation. There
are against these 10000 natives 1 1928 Ameri-
cans, men, women and children, most. though
by no means, all of whom want and cry out for
annexation. The leaders of these are heads Of
the fading provisional government
That these 1928 are not unanimous is clear
from the fact that the annexation and pro-
visional government scheme has made trouble
in social circles, trouble in the church and in
business relations, so ruthlessly have the plan
ter annexatlonists pushed their revolutionary
scheme and purpose among their own class.
An American or other foreigner who does not
60 In for annexation must keep quiet or suffer
persecution in church, society and business.
The present situation is this: The provisional
government continues to exist but is slowly
losing acherents. 1t would go to pieces By a
slight push, but it is the policy OF the native
leaders and their American advisers not to
push. but to wait
The provisional government leaders have no
hope except In annexation. They know and
confess that they cannot maintain an indie
pendent existence but would be voted down at
once, not merely by the natives, but by q con-
siderable number of Americans and other
foreign residents. The impression Of careful
observers is that they in the situation of the
man who held bear by the paws and did not
know how to let go without help. They would
quit if they saw how to quit. The influence of
the queen and all her advisers is exerted. SO
lar. to keep the people absolutely quiet, wait
ing for President Clevelands decision, which
they believe will be just and will restore the
constitutional government No one except
very few absurd people fears any violent or
lawless outbreaks outside of Honolulu, and
here Only if annexationists should unendurabiy
irritate the people. some Of the less judi
cious seem inclined to do.
1.-THE PEAR" NOT SO RIPE
The American minister, Mr.. Stevens, though
substantially functus offcio, Col Blount hav-
ing plenary powers, still goes about urging
and encouraging annexation. His speedy re-
moval would help the situation here, and. per-
haps, be welcome to him, as he has certainly
discovered by this time thai ''the pear is not
SO ripe as in his queer dispatches he persuaded
Mr.. Harrison it was. republic does not
seem to be favored by anybody here.