The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1897-07-02
SHE MAN AGAINST
Wait.
TIE Secretary at VarianCe With
The Administration
To the Portuguese Minister He Ex-
presses His Opposition TO the
Treaty of Annexation and
Says He Hopes the Sem
ate Will Not Ratlfy it
lis This Prelimi-
nary to His
Retirement.


of Mr.. Sherman in signing the
treaty when he could have preserved
a consistent attitude by delegating
that authority to Assistant Secre-
tary Day, the active head Of the
State Department, caused some as
constituent among those who be-
lieved they had accurate informa-
ton that Mr.. Sherman would oppose
annexation to the last. To. day, how
ever, the venerable Secretary of
State unbosomed himself to several
members of the Diplomatic Corps,
and showed very plainly in his re-
marks that he was totally at vari-
snce with the views of President
Mckinley about taking Hawaii
under the protection of the United
States.
Thursday is the regular day for
reception OF foreign Ambassadors
and Ministers by the Secretary Of
State, and among those who called
this morning was the Viscount De
Santo Thyrso, the Minister to Por-
tugal. His business with the Secre-
tary related to the possible effect
the treaty might have on the rights
of the large number Of Portuguese
residing in Hawaii The Minister'S
inquiries were not in the nature of a
protest, but we're of courteous
character, intended to obtain from
Mr., Sherman an explanation OF what
the Portuguese in the islands might
expect if the treaty became effec-
tive.
Mr.. Sherman did not mince words
in explaining to the Viscount his
opinion OF annexation, and as
tonished his diplomatic visitor by
the frankness with which be ex.
pressed his opposition to the treaty
now before the Senate. He was
opposed to making Hawaii part of
this country, he said, not only on
the grounds that it was not good
thing to do, but because other ques-
tions affecting our foreign relations
were Of creator moment, and should
not be interfered with by bringing
to the front matter that did not
call for immediate action. Further
more, Mr.. Sherman said he hoped
the treaty would not be ratified by
the Senate.
Mr.. Sherman spoke in the same
vein to other members of the Diplo-
matte Corps who saw him to-day.
The news spread quickly among the
diplomats, and they are apparently
unanimously Of the opinion that Mr..
Sherman cannot remain in the Cabi-
net unless he changes his view.
Several of them discussed the Secre-
tary's revelations in an animated
way before they left the State De-
partment,
Just how the attitude of Mr.. Sher-
man will affect his relations with
the Administration cannot be pre-
dicted, but officials OF the Govern
ment, Senators, and members of the
Diplomatic Corps, think that the
venerable statesman has already de-
termined to leave the Cabinet.
1t is probable that the treaty will
not be acted upon by the Senate
this session. 1t may be considered
by the Foreign Relations Commit
tee, but its opponents can easily pre-
vent action while the Tariff bill is
pending, and as soon as that mea-
sure is finally disposed of adjourn
ment will take place There is un-
doubleday more than two-thirds Of
the Senate in favor OF ratification,
and prompt and favorable action
will be taken at the meeting of the
regular session in December, The
! friends OF the treaty are not dis.