The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-01-20

IF the United States continues to
refuse annexation. is it probable that
Great Britain will be asked to assume
a protectorate?" l queried.
I'VE are Americans i'm spirit" he re-
sponded, ''and do not like even to con-
template such step, yet our safety
may oblige us to take it,"
L asked. rs 1t true that the govern
ment is running heavily into debt and
that this may prove a source of weak
ness?"
"Our financial condition has been
very good indeed he replied. The
cholera epidemic was a source of great
expense yet our bonds are quoted
above par in foreign countries. We
have a small tariff upon revenues, and
levy one per cent. tax
1t is often stated i'm American papers
| that Japan, flushed by the victory over
| China, will soon take possession of Ha-
wall, If the United States does not an
mex, and then in the event of war be-
| tween Russia and Japan, Russia might
secure the island. This would place
| one of the greatest military powers
| Just outside the Golden Gate, ready to
| demand admittance at any moment.
| On this point / secured the personal
| not the official opinion Of Consul Shis-
nizu, the japanese consul. He said
Japan does not want Hawaii for
several reasons. 1t is too far away. 1t
| would be too expensive to keep, and
| would be of no benefit whatever If
Japan should get possession of Hawaii
| the reciprocity treaty, which now eX-
| lists between the islands and the Unit
ed States would change, and the sugar
industry-practically the only one of
| importance in the islands, would be
| ruined for IL would be impossible to
I ~ TWaaF s.A 80
which is virtually it's only market. As
/ a place to operate from in case of war
I the islands would be of no value to
| Japan: for Japan would never think of
| engaging war with the United States.
We have secured Formosa, which is
an important position to operate from
both against China and England. The
| articles written i'm Hawaii papers
about japanese intentions are intended
to scare the United States into annex
alton, but are without foundation"
| One needs to be in Hawaii hut a
very short time to be convinced of two
| things: first. that the monarchial rule
| never can be again established; sec
| ondly. that there is a strong sentiment
among all classes in favor of annexa-
/ ton It is at once evident that the
part to be played by the natives in the
/ future is Insignificant why? One rea-
son is that they are rapidly dying out
1 The demon of alcohol is playing a
more deadly game with them than
cholera a few months ago. There are
| now only about 10000 OF them left,
which number constitutes less than
one-third of the population of the ISL
| ands.
| The Kanakas. as the natives are
called, are asy-going and apparently
perfectly content to live on "poy."-an
| extraction from the faro-root which,
when cooked. forms a thick paste. eat
en- by putting the fingers into IL and
| then sucking them.
Although the natives when asked
| what kind OF government they prefer.
| would invariably answer: Me vote
| our queen" not one OF them for a mo-
| ment would think of asserting that
wish by force. except in n feeble way
under the lead of some white adven-
/ turer. And though they favor a re-
! establishment OF the queen in prefer
ence 20 the continuance OF the present
/ government. every one with whom
have spoken would like to have his