The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-02-04
JAPAN AND HAWAII.

There are many who believe that the
Hawaiian republic is more In danger
from Japanese interference than from
any native uprising melted by the
queen and her active adherents. There
IL some ground for this apprehension.
The japanese comprise q large percent
age Of the population. In 1890 they
ranked third in number. Chinese being
second to the native population Adj
miraa Walker in his report 10 Secretary
Herbert. recently made public, states
as a fact that Japan wants the right OF
suffrage extended to her subjects in the
islands. and that shei manifests much
earnestness In the demand. Thus far
the republic has declined to accede,
and 1t probably will not go long as the
present administration continues 70 gov
ern the islands.
Just now Japan, Of course, has bust
ness in China sufficient to engage her
entire attention, but that will probably
be soon ended. and then, flushed with
success. with victorious army and a
powerful navy, manned by experienced
officers sand crews. will she not be
tempted to renew her demand upon
Hawaii. coupled possibly with distinct
menace in event of noncompliance?
Rear Admiral Beiknap some time ago
pointed out the danger OF japanese in
reference in Hawaii in this language:
But" said the admiral, white we
keep one eye on England. with the de-
termination that the fruits OF New En-
gland work at the islands shall not go
for naught, We should also Keep the
other wide open upon the schemes and
movements of Japan. That autocratic
empire aims 10 be great Pacific power.
She Is anxious to establish colonies
after the manner OF England and pur-
sue Ike commercial policy. With
some 10000 of her subjects at Hawaii"
he continued, and considerable and
growing navy intelligentiy officered and
wen manned. she VIII bear close
watching at the islands in view OF her
vaaltsng ambition"
There Is doubtless truth IN these
ptate. They have had exceptional op-
7,ortunatles OF observation, and it is
their business 10 form conclusions from
facts coIr!sg within their knowledge.
There is comparatively little difference
In ease of access to Hawaii from Japan
than from ths United States, and her
naval strength is far easier. of concen-
tration than our own. Speaking of this
feature. Admiral Beiknap says: AT
the recent naval review at New York
we had but nine vessels OF our own.
yet in APRIL. 1890. i saw tie mikaao
review twenty-five skErs OF his imperial
fleet at Hiago, most OF them being Of
Europesn construction. some Of them
very heavy ironclads. others fast cg'als-
ews Hike the Charleston. ard all armed
with Krupp and Armstrong rifIed can
non. IN this" he added. ''you viii see
something OF the significance OF the
maritime progress or shat notable reo-
pie in atle mere than one generation %
Since the foregoing words were VI
tered By Admiral Beiknap. the power OF
the japanese navy has had opportun-
ity for demonstration. "a also the ca
paei;y 81 tts officers and bravery az the
crews. Il has practically annihsiated
the navy II an enemy. which was Itself
thought worthy az consideration IA pos
sghle contingencies OF conflict VITA
but little eoaaparstivs loss either -
men Or ships. Japan has practically
driven China of the sea. She L. ssfii
adding 10 her feet. and the esnpespr
Is 80 earnest IN this istent that he
contributes an immense sim annually
frssn his private purse and levies a
tax ot 10 Per cent. upon all oflsczai
SALARIES Ia sSe devoted 90 naval extern
SION, When Japan gets through her
present war. IL would seem 20 BE the
part Of wisdom sisas few OF our war
shsrs and cruisers should be On the
Pacific coast. within hail Of the navy
department ard within reasonably
easy reach OK the Hawaiian group. =
may be added that hereafter without
especial reference 20 Hawaii. e wcula
seem advisable ard not an excess of
Isreoansion that our naval strength Ia
larszsc waters be permanently IN