The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1893-02-17

the United States in the islands but all
foreign interests and, indeed, decent ad-
ministration of civil affairs and peace of
the islands.
1t is evident that the monarchy was
effete and the government SO weak and
inadequate as to be prey for designing
and INSCRIPTIONS persons. The restora-
ton of the queen to the throne is unde-
Sirable if not impossible and unless ac-
lively supported by the United States will
be accompanied by serious disaster and
disorganiZation OF all business interests.
The influence and interests of the United
States in the islands must be increased and
not diminished.
Only two courses are now open, one,
the esta blishment of a protectorate by the
United States, and the other the annexa-
ton full and complete. think the latter
course which has been adopted in the treaty
will be highly promotive of the best in
terests of the Hawaiian people and the
only one that will adequately secure the
interests of the United States. These in
terests are not wholly selfish. It is essen
tiaI that some of the other great powers
secure these islands. Such possession
would not consist with our safety and
the peace of the world. This view of the
situation is SO apparent and conclusive
| that no protest has been heard from any
government against proceedings looking
to annexation. Every foreign represent
ative at Honolulu promptly acknowledged
the provisional government and think
there is general concurrence in opinion
that the deposed queen ought not to be
restored.
Prompt action upon the treaty is very
desirable. If it meets with approval peace
and good order will be secured in the is
lands under the existing laws until such
time as Congress can provide by legisla-
ton for permanent form of government
for the islands. This legislation should
be, and do not doubt will be, not only
just to the natives and all other residents
and citizens of the islands, but should be
characterized by great liberty and high
regard to the rights of all people and all
foreigners domiciled there.
In his letter to the president laying the
treaty before him, Secretary of State Fos-
ter recapitulated the history of recent
events in the islands leading up to the
revolution and the establishment of the
provisional government; the appearance
of the commissioners in Washington; the
negotiations resulting in the preparation
of the treaty, and the establishment of a
protectorate by Minister Stevens. Secre-
tary Foster confirms the presidents state
ment that the revolution was entirely I'M
expected SO far as this government is con-
cerned. tAt no time,' he says, chad Mr..
Stevens been instructed in regard to his
rising The change was in fact abrupt and
unlocked for by the United States minis
ter or the naval commander.'
In regard to the protectorate, Secretary
Foster says: instructions have been
sent Minister Stevens commencing his
action in SO far as it lay within the pur-
view OF standing instructions to the lega
ton and naval commanders of the United
States in Hawaiian waters and tented to
cooperate with the administration of
affairs by the provisional government,
but disaVowing any step in excess of such
instructions whereby the authority and
power OF the United States might appear
TO have been asserted to the Impairment
of the independent sovereignty of the
Hawaiian government by the assumption
of formal prOtect0rate.
Secretary Foster says the provisions of
the treaty reserves to Congress the de-
termination of all questions affecting the
form of government of the annexed terri
tory, the citizenship and elective fran
chiSe of the inhabitants and all questions
relating to the economic and political
status of the islands. In conclusion he
says, pending negotiation he received
assurances from representatives of the
leading powers of the world in this city
and from our own ministers abroad con-
vincing him that the incorporation of the
Hawaiian islands into the union would be
regarded by the powers with satisfaction
or ready acquieseence- The treaty itself
provides for the cession of all rights OF
sovereignty over the islands and all pub
lie buildings and property to the United
States.
Revenue from public lands, except such
as are preserved for government pur-
poses, is to be used solely for the benefit