Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-01-31
NO PROTEST YET.


nothing has been received here as yet from the
home government in the matter and that any
statement that protest had been entered or
would be entered today was premature and not
borne out by the facts. 1t is said that they
know nothing more at the legation as to the
probable attitude of England than has already
been made public in the newspapers
FRANCE AND GERMANY NOT MUCH INTERESTED.
Lord Roseberry's statement to the Hawaiian
charge at London yesterday that England
France and Germany would protest against the
annexation of Hawaii by the United States is
believed to have good foundation only SO far as
England is concerned. The interests Of France
and Germany in that country ia of not sufficient
importance. it is said here. to warrant either Of
against the political absorption of the islands
by the United States in case 1t was deemed best
by this country to take that action.
DR.. Mott Smith, the Hawaiian representative
here. expects England to protest and
to protest vigorously. He thinks that there
will be concentration at Honolulu as rapidly
as possible, of the naval forces of England now
in the Pacific for the purpose Of making a
demonstration. But it is not probable in the
opinion of DIR. Smith. that this will affect the
sentiment Of the people in any way. The COM
mercial interests of Hawaii are practi-
cally all with the United States, and although
the sympathies of the native population. under
the influence Of the members of the royal
family, are undoubtedly with the English still
the property interest of the Island will eventu-
ally control its destiny. That interest is in
favor Of political incorporation with the United
States.
MINISTER SMITH on THE OUTLOOK.
In conversation with STAR reporter this
morning Minister Smith said that SO far as he
had any official information there had been no
change in the annexation matter.
do nnt hat h,
tered any protest against the annexation of
Hawaii by the United States or that she con-
templates any such protest beyond what have
heard in an informal way. OF course a protes.
from England may reasonably be looked for.
Various European nations have moneyed
interests in Hawaii. and England especially
would be glad to have the islands
come under her power and she would naturally
hesitate to zee them annexed 10 the United
States without at least expressing a very strong
objection. This would come in the form of
diplomatic interference ard may be well e1-
pected from other countries also if the United
States decides to accede to the request of
Hawaii to be taken IN.
But. really" continued NJ. Smith, 81 have
had no official information myself and l can
hardly say L know any more about the
matter than any one else. The commissioners
from Hawaii should arrive in this CITY
early next Friday morning and then you
can learn all there is to learn in the matter
What do / think will be the outcome of the
whole affair? Well, really have no more idea
than you have. III you could tell me what
| Congress is going to do l might be able to tell
you, but as it all rests with them you can do
your own guessing"
In Congress the situation continues to be
privately discussed by members.
MR.. HARMER's VIEWS.
Mr.. Harmer, member of the House foreign
affairs committee, said to day: 'Iapprove of the
steps already taken by the representatives OF
the United States at Honolulu, as il has
prevented the government of Grea,
'Brltaln from assuming a protectorate over
the islands, which would have resulted.in abso-
lutte possession in the near future, which il to
avoid, we we're compelled to accept the propo-
sltlon for annexation at once l would favor it.
Our government should look to its own inter
ests first. which Great Britain never
| fails to do. No European power should
be allowed to seize Hawaii at any
time and especially while the representative
are begging at our doors for annexation. 1t il
claimed that no international treaty would be
violated by annexation. France and Great
Britain recognized the independence Of the
islands in 1S43, and subsequently the United
States. Much will depend upon the develop
ments of the next few days. but believe with
careful consideration, keeping American inter.
ests constantly in view. we shall reach a con.
| clusion which will be satisfactory to the people
Of our country"