The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-12-25
JAPAN DESIRES TO
POSSESS HAWAII
The MikadO Is Ambitious 10 Extend His
DOniaiOus.
SIGNIFICANCE, OF ILLS VISIT
Japanese Legation in Washington
BnsiIy Looking Up Hawaii's Reia.
tiOns with Other COuntries..A An
Eye is Focused on the Philippines,
Too.

Washington, Dec 24.-The coming OF
eX-Queen Liliuokalani. or Mrs. Dominis.
To this country, promises interesting
development as regards the annexation
of the Hawaiian Republic. According
to the interview she gives out, the eX-
queen favOrs the plan of uniting the two
republic. But this statement must be
taken with grain of salt. The truth
is she anticipates some developments
soon of more or less import to Hawaii.
and wants to he on hand to take ad-
vantage of them.
While Ministers Cooper and Hatch are
making hopeful reports over the pros
poets of Hawaiian annexation. the Jap
anese government Is quietly preparing
coun d'etat for the proper time. 1t
has been an open secret for some
months past that the Mikado's minis-
tcrs have been very busy in "cOlonizing'
Japanese in the young republic of the
Pacific. The meaning of. this, in so
many words, is that japan herself
wants soma say In the matter. when 1t
comes to voting for annexation. The
fact Is, his ministers are very anxious
to extend the Mikado's empire. They
are row reaching out after the Phillip
inc Islands, and at the same time have
designs upon Hawaii. Ever since the
Chinese war, Japan has been exceed
inSly ambitious for aggrandizement
Two years ago Japan tried to buy the
PHILIPPINES from Spain, but her propo-
sition was promptly declined with
thanks. Spain would under no circum-
stances part with these "crown Jewels"
The present revolt i'm the PHILIPPINES
gives the Mikado's ministers the op-
pOrtunity they long have sought
Whether or not the future makes the
PHILIPPINES colonies of Japan, the fact
remains that the Mikado has an eye or
the main chance" in Hawaii. The
Japanese colOnists are already a factor
in the young republic. and immigrants
are continually arriving from Toxic by
every steamer. When the Hawaiian
people come to vote on annexation.
Japan will be in good condition to
combine with the natives in making or
marring ths plans of the present min
listers.
JAPANESE LEGATION BUSY.
Within the past few weeks the Jap
anese legation here have been very
busy in collecting all the data possible
bearing on the treaties and cOnven-
tions between this country and Hawaii
They have visited the various commit
tee rooms of the se1kte. and secured
copies of every Hawaiian document In
existence. Indeed, it was the thorough
ness of their quest that gave the clew
to their intentions, and has caused so
much comment in congressional circles
just now. The excitement over the Gu
ban question the past few weeks gave
them ample opportunity for conduct
ing their Investigations without at
tracing scarcely any attention.
The Japanese legation has been par
ticularly anxious to get all the infor-
nation possible bearing on the rela-
tions of the young republic with other
countries. The senate committee rooms
and document rooms have been
searched for data of every description.
and already the legation has acquired
some valuable information. No ex-
pense or pains have been spared to Sc
cure everything in any way pertaining
to Hawaii.
prominent senator conversing up
on the subject today said: "The Japs
would like to go to Hawaii themselves.
They are after the PHILIPPINES, and
their warshiDs are even now in the
port of Manila awaiting a good oppor-
tunity to help the insurgents in the war
with Spain.
JAPANESE IN THE MAJORITY.
THE Japs already are in the major
ity among the foreigners in Hawaii,
and are rapidly increasing their infiu-
ence in the island by colonization. Sup
pose the question Of annexation comes
up for referendum, don't you imagine
the Mikado's subject would poll a pret-
ty coed vote? Indeed. might they not
have the balance of power and decide
the future fate of the republic?
We have been so busy watching Gu.
ban affairs here In the senate. that we
have had our eyes practically closed
to the clever designs of the Japanese
Unless ] am very much mistaken,
Hawaiian annexation vii cut quite a
figure in the affairs of the coming ad-
minstration. Hawaii is the key to the
Pacific. and the leading nations are
now beginning to recognize this fact
as never before. Many Janiese have
emigrated to the young republic. and
already the Mikados government Is a
big factor In the future destiny of the
island.
IF Japan cannot buy the PHILIPPINE
Islands. or succeed by hook or crook in
wrestling them from Spain, she will
turn with redOubled vigor to her task
of annexing Hawaii
This is what Is behind the present
industry of the Japanese legation here
in securing the senate for Hawaiian
convention and trpa ties"