New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-06-18
THE ANNEXATION TREATY.

Tho signing of a Hawaiian Annexation treaty
caused general surprise. not because IL siRn''
fed the adoption Of a new, unexpected or "h'
welcome policy but because II had not peeh
understood that the arguments against lihiheu'-
s,e Executive action had been. in the President
judgment. overcome. Apparently his OPINION
was rather suddenly changed by CONSIDERATIONS
arising out Of the very situation which had preVi-
ousv furnished reasons for delay. His strong
desire that nothing should Interfere Win the
massage of a tariff bill was until recently re-
garded as sufficient warrant for the maih'eh-
ance of existing relations with HAWAII out
finally the same motive led him to adopt a
course which is expected to remove the obstacle
interposed by the reciprocity complication. II
NAV he also that apprehension or increasing
embarrassments on account or the attltude Oh
Japan constituted an additional reason FOR avoid
ing unnecessary delay. That Is consideration
which the course of events may render lmpor-
tant. but which need not be emphasized al pres
ont. The main fact Is that the submission OF
an annexation treaty TO the Senate, though not
imperatively demanded at this time by puphc
sentiment. unquestlonably declares policy
which the country approves and has conndent-
ly expected to see realized III the near future.
The peope of the United States have not been
n, any time disposed unduly TO hasten the ac-
QUESTION of the Hawaiian Islands, for the rea-
son that they have never doubted their ultimate
union with this country. -Four years ago condi-
lions suddenly created by the revolution Tor
which the monarchy was responsible brought
the question TO an issue, and indicated the ad-
vantage and proprley or accepting the pro-
posal which the Commissioners or the FRO
visonal Government brought to Washington.
Mr. Clcveland's abrupt reversal OF his prede-
cessor's policy caused some anxiety as well as
much Indignation, but the last doubt OF eventual
o,nexation was removed when he RENTED TO
CONGRESS the control Of a situation which his
clandestine operations had only served 10 COM
plicate With the abandonment OF his attempt
10 reseat Lilluokalani upon the throne which she
had forfeited and the establishment OF a re-
spected republican government over the ISLANDS.
the American people resumed their TRADITIONAL
attitude Of quiet waiting for an event which IN
,beir oninion was sure TO occur. In the judg-
mon, of the President and his advisers and OF
the Hawaiian Government, the time has now
arrived for the accomplishment OF Denehcent
purpose. and we have no doubt that the country
will Enthusiastically signify its cordial approba-
ton.
The right course for a nation to pursue can
not be infalllbly determined by consideration
OF motives which govern the individuals who
COMPOSE it in the management OF their personal
affairs. The individual has only brief future
TO provide for. The nation has long life to
secure 1t Is most desirable that the United
States should protect for all time the comper-
cIal highways to China and Australia against
the probable intrigues Of foreign nations, not
for the selfish promotion OF her own interests,
but for the benefit Of the world. 1t Is impera-
lively necessary that she should make adequate
provision for the permanent defence OF her own
coasts. The opportunity to accomplish these