The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-06-04

annexationsts. As one OF the State De-
parts1en officials said to the correspon-
dent OF The New-York Times: II be-
lieve that tho condemnation OF the Ad-
ministration has como ill-informed and
misinformed-one can hardly say ignor-
ant-sources. and believe that there Will
be a hearty approval OF what has been
done by this Administration 10 prevent
Hawaifs annexation when all the condi-
tions are better known"
Ex-Minister Thurston's intention that
the social situation and the conditions or
suffrage in Hawaii should remain un-
changed offers an important and impress
sive obstacle TO the desired extension or
the United States Government TO the
Sandwich Islands. IL is impossible 20 ac-
cept these conditions as part OF any
domain over which the Constitution has
any authority. Recent reports 10 the
State Department show that within the
last year. a period subsequent TO the
efforts of the anneNationists. there have
been no less than 500 contract lahorers
admitted into Hawaii. This increases
the number OF coolies TO probably more
than 350o0-at least third OF the entire
population Of the republic.
II is said that those most concerned
IN the annexation project were made ac-
quainted with this obstacle TO annexation
but the note Of warning appears 10 have
been lost. Even Mr.. Thurston himself
was directly or Indirectly responsible for
the admission at Honolulu OF two ship
loads OF Portuguese laborers. This ele-
ment I'm the Hawaiian population Will
some day confront those who feel that
a change In our Federal Administration
will bring about annexation.
This subject" said the official above
quoted, lis certain TO harass the Re-
publicans II they ever have 20 deal with
the Hawaiian question. as some OF the
Republican papers are hungry TO DO. 1t
is an erroneous idea 10 suppose tnat the
United States rejected the Hawaiian pro-
position for annexation solely on ques-
tions of justice to the former rulpr or
that country. How would our Republican
friends handle this contract labor fea-
turef There are treaty conditions which
deny TO those contract labOrers the suf-
frage which is the privilege OF all the
classes in this country. The Hawaiian
Constitution limits suffrage, 10 those hav-
ing certain property interests. and TINS
feature Is contrary, OF course, TO the Ma
tiOnal Constitution and any State dOcu-
ment."
When a Republican Congress takes up
the question Of Hawairs annexation II
"
labor Assuming that Hawaiian laws,
and treaty stipulations would be amended
to accord with the United States Consti-
tuition and statutes. 1t is known that
there would be opposition among IIa-
waiian people of commercial stability ana
success 90 any change IN localfconditions
which would place the contract laborers
and the Hawaiian natives upon an equali-
ty OF vote and voice in the local govern
ment Of the islands.
There is another feature Of the Ha-
waiian situation which has evidently es-
capped those who have been urging an
neXatiOn so strongly. The Monroe doc
trime, of which we have been nearing so
much lately figures largely in this other
feature. THAT doctrine continued The
official, 'is capable of a logical and con-
sistcnt application. II we maintain,
as we have been doing ever since Mon
rOe's celebrated message. that foreigners
must not encrOach upon territory the
occupation of which, owing 70 its location
or our trade relations, is inimical to our
interests. we must be liberal and fair
enough 10 cOncede 20 others a non-lnter-
ference on our own part To be sure,
Secretary Marcy insisted on the kinship
of the Sandwich Islands and as early as
1893 be said. 10 seems TO be inevitable
tAdt lutA must come under the control OF
this Government. and lt would be- but
reasonable and fair that England ana
France should acquiesce I'm such "A dis
position OF them. provided the trans
Terrence was effected by fair means
Marcy had written almost on the same
day another sentiment which Is apllcable
to-day He said While we do not ln-
tend 10 attempt the exercise Of any eX-
elusive control over them, We are re-
solved that no other power shall exact
any political privileges from them which
We are not permitted to enjoy MIR.
Marcy realized as well as any one that
sc must regard the interests of other
powers if We expect them 10 observe our
wishes. Secretary Legare ten years be-
fore had officially stated that ,ye were
Justified IN preventing by force the Euro
pean acquisition Of Hawaii. Since then
the United states mas hdt varied and
valuable interests commercially end agri-
culturally in and with Hawaii. rlydnd.
France, and Germany have shared this
prosperity. They have rs much as. u
Lot more 30 gain fnau,iilly AMI s.rate-
gic1hy than the Uuigel Ststes II we
say hands or 10 England sne nas the
right 10 give The st..c warn 10 % us. If
We are 10 insist on he nOn-.nterfafence
OF European powers We must also be
willing TO dismiss all ambitions Tor pos
session"