The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1897-07-03
PRICE FIVE CENTS.

In this condition of things, the Ex-
ecuttve can take no leading part But
by the negotiation of an annexation
treaty IL could make a positive move.
and as an administration movement,
call all of the Republicans TO it's sup
port, and II an annexation treaty was
ratified the Hawaiian claim would be
eliminated from the tariff bill.
The annexation treaty was at once
negotiated, and the papers were pre-
pared to be submitted TO the Presi-
dent on his return from his Southern
trip. On his return, on the 18th. he
considered the subject, approved of
the treaty, and it was signed on the
morning of the 10th
If the move towards immediate an
nexation should result favorably, the
enemies of reciprocity and annexation
may consider themselves humble but
effective workers in securing that re-
suit. BY creating or fomenting differ
ences of opinions among Senators,
need of action by the United States
they have forced tht Administration
to act at once.
The Japanese trouble in Hawaii has
the attention of the Administration,
and 1t has emphasized the need active
policy. by the United States.
AT the same time the Administration
has no jingo policy. 1t knows better
than the average politician that the
conservative element in this country
wishes no foreign complications. The
war spirit does not help trade 1t keeps
men away frim ventures and new ar
rangements. If it were generally be-
lieved that Japan and Hawaii had
serious differences, ii might influence
the judgment of conservative Senators,
who believe that we have enough trou-
BILE on hand. This can be clearly seen
in the Cuban affair. While Congress
seems to be very belligerent, and has
much reason to feel so, and it is rest
less because of the Spanish cruelties,
it does not intend to disturb American
finances A war with Spain would in
yolve the issue Of many millions of
bonds, and the question would be at
once raised, how shall they be paid, in
gold or silver?
1t is said that several of the Demo-
cratic silver men are desposed to vote
for annexation, in order to show their
contempt for Mr.. Cleveland. 1t is a
method of kicking" the man who has,
they believe, ruined the Democratic
party. However, politicians as a rule
are very forgiying. They are men of
the world, and cannot afford to spend
their time revenging their grievances.
Regarding the value of prophecy, it
is noted that in an interview in the
Washington Post, Capt. julius Palmer
declared that President Mckinley
would not sign any annexation treaty
with Hawaii. At the moment he made
this solemn declaration the treaty had
been engrossed, and would have been
signed, if all of the parties had been
present.
The signing of the new treaty is
received with great favor by the
friendly press. Even the Washington
Post that has strongly opposed annex
alton has a rousing article favoring
The most impartial observer notices
that bitter feeling towards annexation
is confined to only one or two Sen
ators. The old school Democrats say
they must have time to think over the
matter. These may, in the end, say,
I'VE are in some doubt, but IL the GEN
ate is willing to take the chances, we
will not oppose" The friendly press
seems to believe that the subject will
go over until next winter, but that the
feeling for passing the treaty will in
crease in the mean time.
At the present writing, no decisive
action has been taken by Senators
tothe treaty. If the Admin
stration believes that the Senate will
act promptly, it will push it, Other
wise it will let it go over. But the
opinion is growing that nothing will
De done during the present session.
1t may be said that the Cabinet was
not entirely clear on the question Of
negotiating the treaty at the present
lime, or of delaying the subject until
winter. 1t has, however, been done,
and all that remains now is, TO see
hat it is carefully considered by the
men who must pass upon it.
w. N. A.