Evening journal., 1893-02-18


inquiry. In order that whatever proceed |
ings were to be taken might be delib-
crate and guided by exact information.
There was no danger after the Provis
ional Government had been set up, and
especially after Minister Stevens. sup
ported by the commander of the Boston,
had assumed a temporary protectorate
in the name of the United States. that
any other power would intervene or that
our interests would be endangered We
are given to understand that the
revolution was brought about by the
reactionary course of the Queen of the
islands in undertaking to annul the
constitution of the monarchy and replace
it with one of a more arbitrary character,
which would have endangered the large
foreign interests and the peace and good
order of the kingdom. But we do not
know what intrigues may have
been behind this reactionary
movement, or whether it is not
instigated for the very purpose
of bringing about a situation which
would lead TO the deposition of the
Queen and justify the demand for an
nexation. For years the foreign element
at Honolulu has been powerful in
Hawaiian politics, and the influence Of
Americans, who are largely concerned
in the material affairs of the islands, has
been dominant at the capital. It was
probably able to subvert the existing
government whenever convenient oc-
casion might arise, if it was deemed
desirable for the interests that it rep
resented. Secretary Foster, in his letter
submitting the treaty for annexation TO
the President is at great pains to show
that nothing was done to egg on revo-
luton, but that the provisional govern
ment became a necessity for the pro-
lection of American interests and for the
security even of the welfare of the
native people. Il seems to us
that in his labored representa-
tions he protests too much and
raises the presumption that there was
occasion for explanation. If we had all
the light we ought to have, we
should know just what the situation
means and what course is most expedi-
ent, and should not have to rely upon
the assurances Of the Secretary of State,
whose information is little better than
that of the public. There has been an
appearance of undue haste in all the pro.
ceedings. The conduct of the Hawaiian
Queen whatever its prompting or induce
ment may have been, was followed by
the immediate establishment of the Pro-
visional Government by the Americans
at Honolulu, with the prompt countenance
Of Minister Stevens and the support of
/ Captain Wiltse, Of the Boston, aud with
all speed a Commission was despatched
TO Washington to secure annexation, as
if that was assumed to be the logi-
cal aud necessary result of the de
position of Lilioukalani. Pending
that mission. Mr.. Stevens assumed
provisional protectorate. The uthori-
ties at Washington seem to have fallen
in with the annexation scheme with the
utmost alacrity, and barely ten days
after the arrival of the commissioners a
treaty had been concluded. Each step
taken was calculated to commit our
government to a preconcerted policy
without an opportunity for deliberation
A treaty of annexation, negotiated by
the Hawaiian commissioners. who are all
Americans, and the Secretary of State,
approved by the President, and sent to
the Senate with recommendation of
prompt action, is ca lculated, and was
no doubt intended, to preclude the con
sideration of any OF ner course. An
effort seems to have bt en- made to shut
]
of dealing with the subject. AS we have
said before, it may be that annexation
is the best solution of the problem of ad
ministering the affairs Of the Hawaiian
Islands for the security of American and
other foreign interests, and for the well.
being even of the native population OF
the islands. In view of all the circum.
stances it might be the only satisfactory
way out for all concerned, but our gov
ernment is not acting with a clear view
Of all the circumstances. We cannot see
that there was any occasion for such hot
haste. 1t would have been more seemly
TO obtain the fullest information attain
able, and to act with deliberation ant
composure. Apparently the Presidenf
and his Secretary of State thought they
saw the opportunity for brilliant stroke
with which TO close the administration
by the acquisition of the group of island
in the pathway Of commerce across thl
Pacific, and were unwilling to let it pass
But in such manner it is the perma
nent interests of the country that shoul'
be considered, and not the prestige of
passing administration Mistakes in sucl
a matter can hardly be iectifsd. The,
should be avoided. There is as ye
no assurance that mistake is not beinl
committed