The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1897-09-08


day Of June, A. D. 1897.
| herewith transmit the same TO
the Senate for the consideration OF
the question OF the ratification
thereof, under its constitutional
authority.
In this relation | desire to call
your attention to certain significant
events which bear upon this matter
The Provisional Government,
which succeeded the Hawaiian mon
archy on the 18th day of January
A. d. 1893, was organized for the
administration OF public affairs un-
til such time as terms OF union with
the United States of America should
have been agreed on. Unexpected
delays in the contamination of such
union having occurred, the Rspub-
lie of Hawaii was organized and
proclaimed on the 4th day of July,
1894. The fundamental law OF the
new republic contained the follow
ing words: 1.-THE President, with the
approval OF the Cabinet, is hereby
expressly authorized and empower
ed to make a treaty of political or
commercial union between the Re-
public OF Hawaii and the United
States of America, subject to the
ratification OF the Senate"
The Legislature OF the Republic
at both Of its sessions passed joint
resolutions endorsing the annexa-
tion policy OF the Provisional Gov
eminent and Republic OF Hawaii.
The grounds for the adoption of
this policy on the 18th day of Janu.
airy, A. D. 1898, were; 1st-The ex.
listing local conditions under which
the maintenance OF stable govern
ment was beset with great and in
creasing difficulties; aud the grow
ing menance to the small Hawaiian
population involved in the impend-
ing immigration, possibly unlimited,
of races whose civilization was not
in accord with the established insti-
buttons OF the country. 2d--The
rapidly developing interests Of the
great naval powers in the Pacific
Ocean which rendered the perma-
hence of tho Independent govern
ment OF the Hawaiian Islands ex-
tremely uncertain. 3d-The import
ance of securing such permanence
of relations with the United States
as would render possible the de-
velopment of the resources of this
country; and, 4th-An abiding con-
victiou that it was for the best in
terests Of all of the people of these
islands.
All of these reasons for annexa-
ton to the United States of Am
erica still exist, and subsequent
events have emphasized their i'm
portance.
would further cali your atten.
ton to the friendly and protecting
policy of the government of the
United States of America toward
this country which has existed from
the inception OF its foreign relations,
whereby tho danger Of foreign inter
ference has been lessened, the sta
bility of the Hawaiian Government
has been promoted and trade re-
lations have been developed to the
great benefit Of Hawaii.
An important feature OF the
treaty submitted to your consider
alton is the provision that all Ha-
waiian laws and customs regulations
not inconsistent with the treaty
under consideration, nor contrary to
the constitution or treaties Of the
United States of America shall re-
main in force until changed by Con-
gress; such legislation by Congress
to be preceded by report to that
body from five commissioners, at
least two OF whom shall be residents
Of the Hawaiian Islands, recon-
mending such legislation concern
ing Hawaii as they shall deem neces-
sary or proper. Thus is deliber-
alton assured as to the ultimate
form of government for the Terri
tory of Hawaii, and the injury that
inevitably follows sudden changes
of political conditions precluded.
In submitting this most import
ant measure to your consideration,
l would remind you that you are
the representatives Of the interests
the whole Hawaiian community of
every class and name; and | cannot
doubt that in reaching your decision
you will be guided by the concien-
tious and patriotic desire to pro-
mote its best and most lasting pros
perity." .,o
On motion of Senator Brown the
message was referred to the Stand
ing Committee on Foreign Affairs.