Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-06-06
RAGING FOR AN ISLAND.
II Reported Contest Between n British
and Hawaiian Vessel.

The attention Of the State Department
at Washington was called on Monday.
says the Baltimore sun correspondent.
to the reports from Honolulu stating that
the British warship Champion and a yes
sci OF the Hawaiian government were of
on a race to lay claim to some Island
near by.
The reports affirm that this island Is
called Johnson's Island, but this is dis
credited at the department. where It IL
said that the island most probably both
ships have sailed for Is Neckar. about iOJ
miles northwest of the Hawaiian Islands.
and In an entirely different direction from
Johnson.
Neckar Island Is nothing but a barren
rock, not over 40 feet long, and rising 10
a peak In the centre 40 feet high. Ii
stards alone. and Is Of no practical value
TO any country. except. perhaps. 10 Great
Britain, as n landing-sta lon tor a cable
which is contemplated from Australia TO
British Columbia. Years ago this rock
locmed at least 200 feet above the water.
but has been gradually wearing away BY
the oceans action. until It's size has beel
very considerably reduced.
lut AlaMabHiA't II - 'ANFh'A " ~
State Department. are I'm possession OF
the rock by acquisition some years ago.
and II any attempt was made by Great
Britain to assume control over n, this
country would perhaps protest.
JOhnson's Island, which. IL Is alleged. Is
the objective point OF the steamers. IL
not in the line 81 the route Of the
proposed cable, and lies several hundred
miles 20 the south OF Honolulu, while
Neckar Island IL 10 the north. The pos
session OF this island is a matter Of
great doubt. although the charts OF the
Navy Department place II as belonging
to Great Britain. One thing Is certain.
that It does not belong 10 the United
States, but the fact that in 1891, when
a British warship sailed there and
hoisted the colors and proclaimed posses
sion the action was protested by tho
United States. leaves the ownership a
subject for further settlement. Years ago.
1t Is said. the United States claimed thcS
island. but has never asserted lis righ'i
TO possession. I
In a few days an important conferend
Will be held I'm Ottawa. when delegatS
from all the British possessions will NEE.
to consider the best plan OF bringing "a
closer trade and commercial relations all
OF her colonies. and 10 make them de-
DeUltuI upon Ul- dtNAAtE ~ ''IutiTfAhAtf
Advancement, and independent IN this re-
spect OF other nations.
The eastern colonies are 10 be hroughtl
nearer commercially 10 Canada by fasy
steamship lines and cable conusc,ior9
and shipments Of wheat and other prot
ducts TO be so arranged as 10 90 dlrsctl
10 the mother country by the most direct,
route through Canada from Vancouver.
The trade relations are 70 be extended
between the colonies. AMI A %generail
scheme adopted whereby the tentacles
OF England will reach directly through,
steamship and cable lines by the mossl
direct routes to It's outlying possessions
Neckar Island ~. Therefore. OF more
consequence TO Great Britain for L cable
station than 20 the United states or
Hawaii, and as under treaty relations sho
cannot land her line On the Hawaiian
group without the sanction Of the United
States, she must either have the hnel
direct. or secure permission 10 land on
Neckar. the latter contingency being one
Of extreme doubt. I