St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-02-08
WILL JAPAN TAKE A HAND ?

intelligence comes from Japan that
the mikado has determined, if the pres
ldent of the United States will not
Interfere, 10 restore Queen Liliuokalani
to the throne of Hawaii and maintain
her power and prestige by force OF arms
II need be. How much truth there is in
the report cannot be determined in the
light of present advices, but there is
some color of authority for it undoubt-
eddy.
Japan has as good right to interfere
in tine affairs of Hawaii as the United
States. There are more Japanese tina II
Americans OH the islandS-at least four
to one. Many Japanese own and oper-
ate plantations there. The trade be-
tween the two countries is considerable,
although carried on i'll British and
American bottoms. For years past it
has been manifest that japanese in
duence was increasing, and would
ultimately predominant. The climate
Is suited TO the Japanese, and they are
far superior race to the Kanakas.
They are as industrious as bees, as
frugal as squirrels, as ingenious as
Yankees. There is no more exemplary
race or people on earth. 1t may be that
the Japanese political system is too des-
potic, but this evil has been gradually
disappearing by reason of contact with
the outside world, and the strides in
civilization made during the past quar-
ter of century have been marvellous.
There is an affinity between the peo-
pie of Polynesia and those of Japan.
They are probably descended from the
same race, their present differences be.
ing mainly due to climatic and as socia-
tional influences. They would readily
assimlate, and the resultof such assimi-
lation would be of undoubted benefit to
the South Sea islanders. The greatest
need of that people is an infusio of in
dustry and enterprise, of which the
Japanese have an abundant store.
BY establishing the native queen upon
the throne Japan would acquire added
commercial dignity and importance,
which need not be in the least prejudi-
cial to American interests. The island
nation is more self-contained than the
United States. Its people have resources
in abundance, and the ability and dis
position to develop them. They are not
i'll search of territory for the sake of the
dignity it confers. but rather for the
opportunity it might afford for dispos-
Ing of surpluSage of population.
A Japanese protectorate over Hawaii
could be easily maintained. They are
not as far apart geographically as Ha-
wall and the United States. There
wonld be little conflict between the
races, and in time they might become
thoroughly assimilated - the Kanaka
imbued with some OF the energy and
frugality OF the Japanese, nd the Jap
anese relaxed from the severity of his
traditional bondage to ind ustry by the
ameliorating Influences that attach to
life in climate where existence is not
dependent upon toll.
Japanese pre-eminence in Hawaii will
perhaps be the solution of existing diff
ficulties. But it is doubtful if it can be
assisted by the president of the United
States, and congress is almost sure to
interpoSe an objection. Nevertheless,
the scheme may be tried. If it is, Amer
leans can afford to watch its results with
no feelings of jealousy. Japan may be
assured in advance of the sympathy of
a majority Of the American people In
her undertaking.