The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-06-22
JAPAN'S FORMAL PROTEST.
HER DIRECTIONS TO THE HAHAILAH
ANNEXATION TREATY.

The Protest says That Japan's Legal Rights
and Those or Her Citizens Would BE Multi.
Ned by the Treaty-No Threat or or Hiatt as
Retaliation If the Treaty Becomes Effective.
WASHINGTON. June ~21.-Japan has followed
her memorandum inquiry" about the
Hawaiian annexation treaty with a formal pro-
test against annexation. under the terms OF the
agreement between the United States and
Hawaii, on the ground that her legal rights and
those Of her citizens in Hawaii would be nulli-
fed should the treaty become effective. There
is no threat of retaliation contained in the pro-
test. nor any hint OF retaliation. 1t shows
throughout an earnest desire on the part of
Japan to continue the friendly relations she has
always had with the United States. Minister
Teru Hoshi. who filed the memorandum in
CURRY also signed the protest. presumably I'M
der instructions from his Government. Appli-
cation at the japanese Legation for information
about the protest met with a polite declination.
1t was not even admitted there that it had been
presented. Our lips are sealed by a holy SEAL"
said one Of the members Of the legation laugh
ngly.
The main objection made by Japan to the an
n~exation treaty is that it will abrogate rights
given japanese residents of Hawaii by q treaty
made in 1871. By that agreement all the rights
and privileges Of other foreigners in Hawaii
were granted the japanese. Minister Hoshi
contends that many japanese who have
become citizens OF Hawaii through naturaliza-
ton cannot have their citizenship confirmed
by the United States II the treaty becomes
effective. The laws OF the United States have
been construed TO exclude Japanese from e1er-
cising the franchise in this country. and after
annexation those who have obtained nsturaliZa-
ton IN Hawaii will find themselves unpro-
tected by any Government and in an anomalous
position.
Many claims made By Japan against Hawaii
are pending. and the Minister contends that
these are repudiated through the treaty. The
Interpretation Of customs regulations has been
an endless cause of difference between the Toxic
and Honolulu authorities. Special considera-
tion for some Japanese products has been
secured by treaty. and the alleged failure OF
Hawaii to observe the letter OF the agreement
has been followed by demands for pecuniary
damages.
The protest will be sent to the Senate Com
mittee on Foreign Relations for consideration in
effect cannot, OF course. he predicted. but it will
probably be used by the opponents of annex
alton when the treaty is taken up in executive
session.
Japan is the only country tina. has filed an
out-and.out protest. Portugal. through its Min
lister here, has merely expressed the hope that
the rights Of Portuguese subjects in Hawaii will
be observed II the islands become part OF the
United States. The Chinese Minister has sub
United an argument against that provision
OF the treaty which provides. that Chi
ncse persons residing in the Islands shall
not enter the United States. The Minister
holds that a treaty between China and this
State or Territory 10 another, and II Hawaii be-
comes part OF the United States the subjects OF
China residing there may proceed from THAI
Territory 10 the American continent.