The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1896-11-25
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
TO BE IN A MOST
PROSPEROUS CONDITION.
The Only Thing Disturbing Business
is the Uncertainty Regarding
Annexation.

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 24.-Fx-Sac-
reta1-y and Mrs. John w. Foster arrived
to-day by the steamship City of Picking
from visit to the Hawaiian Islands.
greatly pleased with the scenery. CHI
mate and people.
MT. roster reports the islands in a
most prosperous and peaceful condition
He said the sugar planters have de-
clared large dividends on last wears
business, and the new crop now nearly
ready for grinding is even more prornis-
ing. Coffee cultivation is being largely
extended, and is looked forward to with
great expectations.
The increased commerce has justified
the Pacific Mail in doubling it's service
TO Honolulu, and a new line of large
japanese steamships is promised soon
to be established. The census recentlv
taken, but not yet published, will show
a considerable increase in the total pop
ulaton, but steady decrease in the
native race. The increase is mainly in
the japanese and Chinese popula ton.
The present Administration. al
though without the sympathy of many
OF the natives and some OF the foreign
merchants" said Mr.. Foster, lis con-
coded to be the best Government the
Islands have ever had and seems well es-
tablished and generally acquiesced in.
Although Commissioner Blount In 1893
predicted its overthrow within a year.
il is approaching the end of the fourth
year of its existence under most favor
able auspices. It's programme and the
Constitution under which it is acting de-
clare unequivocally for annexation to
the United States, and II will doubtless
press the subject anew upon the incom-
ing administration at Washington.
While there is a diversity of senti-
ment in the islands on the question of
annexation, there IS a general feeling
that the Government of the United
States should give a decisive answer re-
Specting it. The existing uncertainty
as to the future is disturbing business
and creates a state Of great uneasiness
in the community. The ex-Queen keeps
herself in seclusion, and but few of her
old supporters expect ever to see her
restoration. II the islands are not an
nexed to the United States, the belief
prevails that they Will fall under the
dominion of some other power. The
mutual distrust engendered by the
events of the past few years will make
ii difficult for any party to successfully
carry on an independent Government
and the growing political and CONNER
cial Importance of the Pacific in the
worlds affairs would soon bring about
complications with some one or more
of the nations now actively competing
in that part of the globe.
MIR. and Mrs. Foster left for Washing
ton tonight. The impression prevails
here that Mr.. Fosters trip to the islands
was not alone TO urge extension and en-
largefnent of the Pacific Cable Com
pany's concession. but that he went also
in the interest of the Republican party
10 ascertain the extent of annexation
sentiment at the present time. The
glowing accounts he gives of the pros
per3ity of the Islands and of the delight
Of the inhabita rts at the news of Major
Mckinley'Ss election are interpreted by
certain prominent people here to mean
that earnest efforts to annex the islands
to the United States will follow closely
upon President McKinleys Inaugural
ton.