The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1897-12-29

fury. This is the assurance which this
and other lands extend to this inter
esting group of islands off the western
shores Of this country. Shall this de-
velopment be made under the Stars and
Stripes, or under the flag Of some
European or Asiatic power2
Competent authority, authority that
commands the highest respect and con-
fidence in Europe as well as America,
argues that these islands are necessary
for the defence of the Pacific coast of
this nation, as we'll as to increase the
general supply of material things. 1t
hardly becomes civilians TO close their
eyes to the judgment of 30 eminent
naval authority as Captain Mahan who
maintains that the Hawaiian Islands
are necessary for the military defense
OF the Pacific coast of this nation. In
the hands of foreign power, In the
event OF war, the ground that this naval
expert takes lie that these islands would
be the key to the western coast Of this
country, just as the Bermudas, in the
hands Of England, are to the eastern
coast. Japan's late advance to the
front as nation formidable in her mill
tary and naval strength, an object, also,
for the exercise Of vigilance by reason
OF her turbulence since her brilliant
achievements in the late war with
China, the land grabbing Of Europeans
on the farther shore of the Pacific, are
among the signs OF the times warning
this nation to guard we'll its western
coast. In the hands Of hostile power
Hawaii would be menace to the Pa
cific States; in the possession of the
the United States, an outer defence.
The islands are stepping stones be-
tween Eastern Asia and North Amer
lea. Briefly stated, this is the military
view Of the necessity for annexation.
But the probabilities Of unbroken peace
overshadow the possibilities of war.
The war scare is addressed to mems
fears rather than their reason. In un.
broken peace the United States would
undoubtedly::enjoy its new possession
and the multiplying fruits thereof.
Another advantage Of annexation, one
that has been presented in every com.
prehensive discussion of the question,
was thus tersely stated, few days ago,
by Admiral Belknap:
II have boon an annexationist ever since
FIRST saw the islands In 1874. Unless ell
signs fail and all commercial interests are
diverted from their natural flow. the Pa
ci6c will become. without question, Q field
Of enterprise and activity which will rival
II not surpass anything the Atlantic has
from Its happy situation, will become the
great port Of call Of the ships Of every ma.
ton for dockage and repair, for coal and
provisions, for other needed supplies and
rehttings and for consignee orders. The
nation that holds such point Of vantage
will be great gamer financially, and its
commercial Importance to our people, II we
have the good sense to take what Is offered
to US, will be incalculable."
A writer in the North american Re.
uieU says: "Before I visited the
islands I was strongly opposed to the
annexation Of Hawaii or any other
country" But seeing was believing
and he "came away an ardent annexa-
ZIONIST" This writer says further that
he has yet "to meet anyone who has
visited the islands and studied the
people who has come to different con-
clusion."
The argument against annexation,
as most frequently presented, is that
the act will be radical departure from
the traditional policy Of this republic.
The answer to this objection is found
in the acquisition of the great north.
western territory, Louisiana, Florida,
Texas, New Mexico, California, and, in
more recent times, Alaska. The re.
public has annexed territory whenever
annexation by natural and peaceful
means has been deemed advanta-
geous; and every increment has been
opposed on grounds similar to those on
which the acceptance of Hawaii's prof.
fered domain is now discouraged.
Events have justified every extension
of the national boundaries.
"The natives have not been con.
suited" But when were the natives OF
North or South America, of India, OF
Africa, or Alaska, or any other, land
consulted as to the surrender of their
country to the present occupants and
dominating influence? When would
this land have been redeemed from
barbarism had the pioneers of civiliza
ton awaited till Il aboriginees had
been consultedP When first discovered
the islands in question harbored a popu
lation Of 500 900, but these natives Of
the soil-the consequence of their owr
physical degeneracy-are now reduced
to 10000, an indolent, EASY poipl