The record-union., 1893-05-04
Special to the REcoRp-ux1oN.

Honolulu, April pa factor not new
hut more than ever important has made
its appearance in Hawaiian politics, by
the arrival here of Claus Spreckels, the
sugar King" on the steamer Australia,
from San Francisco, April 18th. Spreck-
els influence in the islands is well
known, and that it is very great cannot
be gainsaid, and accordingly his opinion
on the burning question OF annexation
versus restoration has been eagerly
sought by both sides, though more espe-
cially by the Hawaiian leaders. He has
been charged by part of the press in the
United States with having conspired OF
exerted his influence to bring about the
revolution of January 18th last, in fur
therance of the interests of the sugar
planters. If this were the case, as has not
by any means been proven, the sugar
King" it might be expected, would have
so arranged his plans that the result
would have been satisfactory to him. The
fact is, that since his arrival here Spreck-
els has talked and acted like a man
whose interests were in need of protec-
tion rather than like one who had fore
seen the need of and devised that protec-
ton some time ago.
Immediately on his arrival the report
became current that he was opposed to
the annexation movement as well as to
the continuation of monarchical rule, and
friends of both ideas flocked in upon him.
a published interview, in which it was
stated that he had declared in favor of a
republic, being denied, the Associated
Press correspondent sought an audience
with him for the purpose of ascertaining
what, if any views, he entertained. Mr..
Spreckels was found in talkative mood,
but not altogether clear in his ideas of
what he wished to accomplish.
81 was not here when the revolution
broke out" he said, ''and I have come
down to investigate. While have a link
or two in the chain, my plan is not yet
definitely outlined. The labor question
Is the all-important one, and constitutes
my only objection to annexation. The
planters must have cheap labor, and this
in the necessities of the case must be
Asiatic labor. Whites could not and
kanakas will not work in the canefields.
Negroes have been spoken of for labor
ers, but it is impossible to keep them in
the country-they always want TO go
home. The contract system will not be
tolerated by the United States, but that
system is not essential"
In reply to question, Mr.. Spreck els
said: THE monarchy cannot be restored.
There are three conflicting elements, the
missionaries, the Kanakas, and third
opposing party, the white adventures.
which can not be united. The Kanakas
are simply children. There is gap be-
tween them and the whites which cannot
be bridged-a missing link which will
never be found. know more about the
kanakas than any man here, for have
studied them and led them, though not
mixing actively in politics. When Kala-
kaua was King l practically ran this
country. Kalakaua would break awav
at times and l would have to go to him
and tell him / wanted no more of his
lies.
''If could find man of ability whom
/ could trust 1 would favor republic.
The thing is to find the man. These peo-
pie the Provisional Government can't
remain in power always, and as have
said, the monarchy cannot be restored.
Il have not made up my mind to any
thing, but l am investigating the subject
fully and l shall yet have something to
say. l can lead the kanakas, for know
them and they come to consult me about
their affairs. If 1 could find man |
would favor republic, and give the
nited States place at Pearl Harbor in
fee simple-that's all they want. They
could keep their ships there and pro-
tect US if we couldn't take care of our
selves"
Mr.. Spreckels is evidently in earnest
when he says that so soon as he shall
have made up his mind he will act, but
he is apparently at sea as to where to be-
gin. His influence in one respect has be-
gun to operate, for it is stated on good
authority that Parker and Neumann, in
addition to Spreckels himself, have called
on Queen Liliuokalani since the mag
Mates arrival and have informed the de-
posed sovereign that the monarchy is
dead beyond restoration.
The Queen some days ago stated to one
Of her advisors that she was entirely pas
sive and was waiting the action of the
United States. Whatever the result
may be-" she is quoted as saying, 81 will
not utter a murmur. l have advised nv
people to remain quiet"
At the present writing Spreckels is
known to be comforting with numbe,
of sugar planters, but to what end has
not been ascertained.
The Provisional Government under.
stands, but processes 10 make light of the
power of Spreckels. The radical sugpes.
ton has been made by some ardent an.
nexationists that if Spreckels attempts
to embarrass the Government, martha
law should be proclaimed, and every
dollars worth of his property be confis,
Gated, but it is not likely such course
would ever be taken.
The Finance Department has issued 8
notice that bids will be received for thu
$500 worth of gold bonds authorized
January llth for internal improvement,
and other purposes.
The most important movement on foo
Is said to be proposition which has beer
made to the Provisional Government tc
buy off the Queen and hence kill all Cd.
position from the Hawaians by an annua
pension to her of $4,000. The project
which is understood to be engineered by
Paul Neumann and an American Jour
nalist, is being kept very secret, and in
terested parties profess entire ignoranc,
of the scheme. The fact that Commits
sioner Blount has held several close con
ferences with the Government and tn,