The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1897-09-10

ence and effort of the intelligent peopI,
| of the community. And the year:
| ly these Islands would have TO come un
| der some foreign power There were
| many causes which led to this conviction
| the decrease of the Hawaiian race the
| coming in of people from foreign lands
| the weakness of the Government and
changes which were occurring-all con
tr1buted to this result.
Early in the consideration of this sub
Ject 1t was conceded that when it should
| become necessary for these Islands to
come under a foreign power that the
United States of America was the coun-
try to which we would have to look The
civilized institutions of the country had
been established mainly under the foster
ing care of the United States. The United
States, by its moral and material assist
ance, had developed the industries of the
country and protected the stability of the
Government. For every reason it was ap-
parent that when the time should come
for passing under the protection of some
foreign power it would be to the United
States we should have to appeal and to
no other.
The intelligent element in the commu-
nifty which supported the monarchy is the
same element which now leads in seek
ing annexation to the United States. For
many years, at great personal sacrifice of
effort, time and means, the Intelligent
men and women of this country did all
in their power to maintain good govern
ment and preserve the monarchy and the
independence of the country. Those of us
who were born here and others who had
resided here for many years and many
of those who came later earnestly desired
that the independence of the country
should be maintained.
1t was equally the desire of the United
States that such independence should be
maintained. A proposition for annexa-
ton was made to the United States by
the chiefs of these Islands early in the
sos, and at various times thereafter the
subject was suggested for consideration.
But the United States pursued the policy
which il had established and did all that
it could to promote the prosperity of the
Islands. AT the same time it recognized
that eventually, in the natural course of
events, the Islands woui1 have to cpme
under their control.
In 1875 the treaty of reciprocity was
granted for the avowed purpose of fos-
tering American interests in these ISL
ands. That purpose has been accom-
plished, and the institutions Of this coun-
try have become essentially American.
And now, in the progress Of events, the
time has come when we must look to
that great country for the. protection
which has been so long anticipated.
Many causes have contributed TO this
end. The changes which have occurred
in this ocean, the marvellous develop
ments of the great colonies to the south
of us, in the Orient and Pacific Coast of
America and Canada, have produced re-
suits of great import to the future of
these Islands. The commerce of the Pa
cific is progressing with tremendous
strides, and the Importance of these ISL
ands in its relations to the great powers
of the world has increased the difficulty
of maintaining our independence.
1t is a matter of regret, of deep regret,
that the permanent independence of these
Islands cannot be preserved, but TO those
who are acquainted with the history of
the past, and have shared in the burden
of striving to maintain that independence.
there has come abiding conviction
that it is for the best interests of this
country, it's institutions and of the ma
tive Hawaiians that we should come un-
der the protection of that great country
which has done so much for our welfare
in the past. The community arrived
slowly al this conviction. For many
years before 1887 ceaseless effort was
made in the Legislature and out of it to