The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1893-04-26

Hawaii and the United states.
Commissioner Blount lowered the United
States flag in Hawaii and straightway every |
little fussy Republican bagpipe commenced to
agonize in fearful strains about the affair. A
collection of G. o. p. press fdmings on the SUBJ
ject would frment the great lakes. One paper
very sapiently says that if Gladstone had hauled
down the British flag under the same circum-
stances, he would have been sent about his bu-
siness that once let the Union Jack be raised,
and it was never lowered until shot down, &c.
It also elevated its dignity by indulging in a
little type muttering on the text, I" If any man
hauls down the American flag, shoot him on
the spot"
Well, is it positively settled that we must
adopt these mid-ocean waits? What would be
gained by such course7 But in any event,
why this senseless howling7 What did the
United States undertake in the premises9 Sim
DIV protectorate until the affairs of the Island
were adjusted and the question of its future
Government determined. The provisional gov
eminent had assured Commissioner Blount that
il was able to administer the affairs OF the Island
The following extracts from Republican ut
terances on the matters of annexation and the
flag, are commended to our Republican Ca
lamity howlers" and mouth shriekers.
Here is what ex-senator John ]. ingalls,, the
brilliant Kansas Republican, has to say about
annexation:
''Our policy and traditions from the beginning
have been continental and not insular. We
bought Louisiana and Alaska. and stole from
Mexico, in obedience to the continental instinct.
Fer the same reason We rejected the temptation
to acquire Cuba and San Domingo, though their
possession would have been of vast advantage.
We have no colonial dependencies nor outlying
territory, nor need of any. What manifest des-
tiny requires is the extension of our frontier
north to the Polar Sea and south to the 1sthman
Canal wherever that may be. To take the Sand
wich Islands because they are cheap. and might
some time be useful. is like the purchase OF
Thompson's door plate by Toodles in the comedy.
because he might have daughter and she might
marry man of that name. and then 1t would pc
SO handy to have in the house.
I'VE have lepers and Chinese and contamina-
ted blood enough already and to spare. The ac-
Quisiticn of these remote and vulnerable volca-
mic reefs would require vast sums for fortifca-
tions and munitions of war for their defence, and
additions to our navy for the patrol of the Pa
ciie. We should gain no element of strength
that We do not possess already, and establish
most pernicieus precedent in international pol
fty.'l
And here is an extract from the Cincinnati
Post (Republican in its sympathies:
why do some people persist in making an
active volcano out of meek ndlowly molehilli
The way in which if any man hauls down tbs
American flag. shoot him on the spot" has been
howled around is worthy Of frst-rate tragedi-
an. There would be just as much sense in rails
ing that cry when man takes in his flag on the
morning of July 5. It has served the purpose
for which it was brought out. and it has moi
heretofore endangered life to roll it up and put
II back in the closet. Commissioner Blount as.
sured the Provisional Government that the Uni
ted States would prevent any foreign power from
annexing the little group of islands. and ths
merely indicates that the Administration doei
not mean to push hastily into schemes of terri
torial annexation. suggestion which invites
serious consideration is that made by Mr.. Edward
Atkinson, that the United States should make 9
proposition to the great powers of the world
that the National rights of Hawaii be respected
and that absolute independence be thus guaran-
teed to its people. Such action would do credi
to the Nation. render expensive defences of tbs
island unnecessary. and at the same time secure
for the United States and the rest of the world
ample commercial opportunities under favorable
conditions. While this or any other plan is be-
ing discussed. let the spectators-even those of q
eo.off- at half. cock temperament-try not to be-
come unduly excited"