The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-04-08
A Jap PETITION.
A Document that has Gone to the
Mikado

Mikado
Japanese residents OF the Hawaiian
Islands state their grievances to the
home government
BY the kindness Of Messrs, T. O. Su-
.gawara, NJ. Inomye, X. Kamio, and
Sakurada the representatives of the
Japanese Patriotic League Of Califor-
MIA, we are enabled to present to our
readers an abbreviated translation Of
the petition sent by the japanese res
idents Of these Islands to their home
government. The petition reads as
follows: 1--WE subjects of Japan, res
ident in the Hawaiian Islands, respect
fully appeal to your wise judgment for
action in the following matter" Then
comes a long geographical description
of the exact location of the Islands.
"These Islands are the Gibraltar Of
the Pacific, and from a stragetcal point
of view are of the utmost importance.
When the Nicaraguan canal is complet-
ed, and a cable laid connecting these
Islands with the different business cen
tiers of the world, they will be of great
value, and a desirable possession.
This is indeed the center of all
Pacific traffic. The population is
heterogeneous, and the natural conse
quence is conflict and strife
The entire population is $4,000,
10, 900 Of these are natives, 10000 are
japanese, about 1900 are Chinese;
about 10000 are Portuguese; the re-
naming 900 are Americans, English
and Germans.
The most influential element in these
Islands is the American. They have
control Of nearly all the business in
t5rssts.
Although lent only one-ninth of the
whole population they are in possession
of nearly the whole Of the Islands.
The Americans have everything
their own way, and run things to suit
themselves.
We are far from satisfied with this
state Of affairs. Our patriotic spirit
causes US to tuyn ID our Home Govern
ment for redress.
The japanese subjects in this coun-
try number about 2o,ooo-one fourth
Of the entire population.
The Japanese laborers are physically
and Intellectually the equals Of any OF
the foreigners. Indusuially our indu-
ence is very great
We should be dominant as we are
the most important element in these
islands.
We have never asserted our rights,
and have no protection for our lives
and property We are not allowed &c
say one word regarding the form OIL
government we live under Thus 20,
900 japanese subjects have no means
protection, and are always controlled
by laws enacted by the other people
We have always been governed by toe
laws made by others
We have no voice in political mat
tiers, and must tamely submit to the
rule of others. This is a disgrace t
the Japanese Government, aud a dis
honor to the Japanese who are here.
We pray our Home Government tc
place US upon an equal political footing
with other foreigners.
When the revolution took place, the
Americans dethroned the Queen witt
lightning rapidity. AT that critical time
the Japanese could do nothing. w,
had no suffrage and hesitated from
interference.
Observing past history, present con
ditlons, and future tendency, we earn
estiy conclude that the Japanese ar
the intellectual equal Of all other ma
tionalties, and must be recognized an,
granted privileges equally with citizen
of other civilized countries.
The monarchical form of government
has been overturned, republic is no,
established New treaties, no doubt
will be made with foreign countries
We consider this an opportune momen
for our government to endeavor t
place us upon an equal political basi
with other foreigners.
1t is not merely because of numerica
strength that we wish political suffrage
but to maintain the dignity @
40, 900, 900 japanese in Japan.
We trust to our Home Government
for firm and wise policy as to tn
object of this appeal
The petition has been signed b
6,ooo Japanese on the Hawaiia
Islands
Annie Rooney Up to Date.