The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-18
HARRISON'S MESSAGE.
Full Text of the Document Recon-
mending Annexation.

WASHINGTON. Feb. 17-Following Is the
message of President Harrison accompany
ing the Hawaiian annexation treaty, which
is now before the United States Senate:
MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT TO THE
SENATE: Transmit herewith, with view
to ratification, treaty OF annexation con-
cluded on ;he l4th day of February. 1S93
by John w. Foster, Secretary OF State, who
was duly empowered to act in that behalf
onthe part of the United States, aud Lorrin
A. Thurston. w. r. Castle, W. C. Wilder,
c. l.. Carter and joseph Marsden, the COM
missioners on the part of the Provisional
Government Of the Hawaiian Islands.
The treaty. 1t will be observed, does not
attempt to deal in detail with questions that
grow out of the annexation OF the Hawaiian
Islands TO the United States. The COM
missioners representing the Hawaiian
Government have consented to leave TO the
future and to the just and benevolent pur-
pose of the United States the adjustment Of
all such questions.
do not deem lt necessary to discuss at
any length the conditions which have re-
suited in this decisive action. 1t has been
the policy OF the administration 10 not only
respect but TO encourage the continuance Of
an independent government in the Hawaiian
Islands so long as 1t afforded suitable guar
anty for the protection of life aud property
and maintained a stability and strength
that gave adequate security against the
domination of any other power.
The moral support of this Govern ment
has continually manifested itself in most
friendly diplomatic relations and in many
acts Of courtesy 10 the Hawaiian rulers.
The overthrow of the monarchy was not IN
any way prompted by this Government, but
had its origin In what seems to have been a
reactiOnary and revolutionary policy on the
part of Queen Liliuokalani, which put in
serious peril not only the large and prepon-
6eratng interests Of the United States in
the islands, but all foreign affairs, and in
deed, the decent administration of civil
affairs and the peace Of the Islands. 1t is
quite evident that the monarchy had become
effete and the Queens Government so weak
aud inadequate as to be the prey of design
ing and unscrupulous persons. The resto-
ration Of Queen Liliuokalani to the throne is
undesirable, il not impossible. and unless
actively supported by the United States,
would be accompanied by serious disaster
and the disorganization of all business
interests.
The influence and interest Of the United
States In the islands must be increased. not
diminished. Only two courses are now
open-oue. the establishment OF protecto-
rate by tie United. States. and the other,
annexation, full and complete.
l think the latter course, which has been
adopted in the treaty. will be highly promo
tive OF the best interest of the Hawaiian
people, and is the only one that will secure
the interests Of the United States. These
interests are not wholly selfish. 1t is essen
tal that none Of the other great powers Sc
cure these islands. Such a possession would
not be consistent with our safety and With
the peace OF the world.
This view of the situation is so apparent
and conclusive that no protest has been
heard from any Government, and l think
there is general concurrence in the opn-
ion that the Queen ought not to be restored.
Prompt action on this treaty is very desira-
bic If it meets the approval of the Senate.
Peace ana good order will be secured in the
Islands under the existing laws until such
time as Congress can provide by legls-
lation a permanent form of government for
the islands. This legislation should be.