The Hawaiian gazette., 1893-03-07

the very best thing that could hsI
pen to Hawaii The native Govern
/ ment has always been = dire failure
Revolutionary movements have bee
frequent, conspiracies have been a
most of annual occurrence, and 1t ha
been self evident for long time ths
the white mans influence must be d
jure as well as de facto predominant
il the islands are to do any perma
nent good for themselves. This j
not orthodox doctrine, we know
Great Britain has always, for som
occult reason or other, opposed Amer
ican annexation but the logica
necessities of the case must, in tn,
long run, override our commercial
jealousy. These logical necessitie.
are summed up in three simple facts
Q) The native monarchy has been 1
fraud and q failure; (2) a British
protectorate is quite out of the ques
ton; and (9 the Americans have, by
reason of geographical position, com
mercisf relationship, and local intiu
ence, the paramount claim to govern
the islands if the inhabitants desire
that they should do so.
| Our interest in Hawaii, which is
both commercial and financial, does
not amount to a great deal. Some
100000 Six per Cent Hawaiian
Bonds are held in this country, the
interest on which has hitherto been
regularly paid. The position, how
ever, is not too encouraging. In 1891
the exports exceeded the imports by
about S3,000,000; SO that the balance
of trade is in favor of the islands.
The estimated revenue for the bien-
nial period of 1890 90 was S2.770, ,2S2,
and the expenditure S2,76S,0 ,053 =
which does not leave very substan-
tial margin. Altogether, the debt.
internal and external, amounts TO
S3,217,161. In their proclamation to
the people, the Committee of Public
Safety say: "We firmly believe that
unless radical measures are taken
our already damaged credit abroad
will be wrecked, and final ruin will
come upon our already overstrained
financial condition" If the interests
OF the English bondholder alone were
consulted, it seems certain that
American annexation would be the
very best thing that could happen for
him. 4 six per cent bond with the
guarantee of the United States Gov
ernment would be a most desirable
security to hold. and would com
msnd high price in the market.
British capital is also invested in the
Hawaiian Tramwsys Company, and
whatever may be the prospects of
that undertaking, they would be
very much improved under a strong
and capable government. The shsky
political conditions of the past five
years have upset confidence in the
Hawaiian monarchy, and retarded
enterprise. 1t follows
that under more stable conditions all |
kinds of business would become |
healthier and sounder.
We believe that it would be very
much better for Hawaii to be annex
ed out and out than for the islands
to be ruled by local government,
nominslly independent, but really |
taking its instructions direct from
Washington. Great Britain might
very properly assent to annexation
IN condition that British rights were
protected, and that our commercial
citations with Hawaii were not in
my way prejudiced. Still, we have
10 great voice in the matter at all,
considering that 81 per cent. of the
rade of the islands is with the
United States. To all intents and
Hawaii is already a small
American colony-Honolulu is up to
late with American ideas and Gus
0ms-and no harm could ensue to
nyone If the bond of connection
7ere made as tight in name as it is
D reality. The inevitable course of
istory is that these pettifogging
loDarchies should disappear, and
hat the communities which they in
dequstely represent should be alb I
Orbed in the greater States OF the
-orld II the American Legislature
e reluctant to undertake the duty
-hich is thrust upon it, some other
ountry viii have TO step in; for Ha-
ali cannot be left to become the
ictim of internal convulsion and the
7alries Of political intrigue. {
.