Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-11-27

Senator Morgan of Alabama, member Of
the committee on foreign relations, has
reached Washington on his way back from
Honolulu, where he went to post himself on
the annexation question. He says: my
conclusions, based on my observations, are
only full confirmation of what had pre-
vlously believed-that 1t is our national duty
and will be In every way advantageous to all
concerned to annex Hawaii to this country.
l have studied the question from the most
authentic and reliable sources. The estab-
lishment of an outpost OF the United States
within the tropics and 1900 miles from our
coast challenges the inquiry whether such ac-
ton Is necessary to our national welfare. our
northwestern possessions on the Pacific
along the Aleutian archipelago are over 1000
miles west of Honolulu. This gives us con-
troll of practically the entire American coast
Of the north Pacific. The Intervention of
the British possessions from the Straits of
FucR to tine northern boundary Of Alaska
creates powerful reason for our occupation
OF Hawaii. Without imputing to Great
Britain any other motive than to extend
her national policy Of commercial conquest,
It seems very obvious that II she should ac-
quire dominion OF Hawaii and open and
fortify Pearl harbor, her military fortress at
Es9uimault, on tho island Of Vancouver, CO.
operating, would cut our coast line In two
and Leave us encountered with mass OF ter
ritOry In Alaska. whose defense woulo be
almost impossible, ind tho full advantage
of which would bo lost to us. Tho Vancouver
coal fields would give tho British navy al
most Irresistible advantage in war and
virtual dominion of commerce In time of
peace. Beginning with Key West we have
annexed the entire gulf coast to tho Rio
Grandc by purchase OF territory and OK
tendin2up to the Rio Grando across the
continent to tue Pacific VIC have annexed
all the territory lying to the north OF that
line. and have annexed the entire Pacific -.
coast, except the frontage Of 600 miles con-
ceded to Great Britain. This rapid and vast
expansion has contributed much to civiliza-
tion. and in none Of the transactions have
We cause for regret. l have no fears OF
sucn expansion. especially as to posses
sions in the Pacific in, those islands that
constitute a part OF the geographical and
commercial system of the North American
continent. There would not be the slight
est difficulty in the character. condition or
wishes Of the 81 900 native people of Ha-
wall. They are far better adapted to
American citizenship than many millions
of those whom We have welcomed here
from Southern Europe. and better adapted
titan the Indians NcXicans and native Alas
kahs. Except among the few who expect
personal favors and ADVANCEMENT from re-
establishment of tho royal government, the
general body of Hawaiian population will
rejoice in the honor, safety. peace and pros
perity which annexation will bring. Nor
ally and practically the silent invasion of
Hawaii from the Orient the Japanese) vio-
lates all the declared policy and often ex-
pressed purpose Of the United States to pro-
tect these people against foreign interfer-
ence. The islands as national possession
would richly reward us for expenditure of
a hundred millions. The annexation would
cost Va nothing and will not at present ex-
cite the open opposition Of any nation