The record-union., 1897-09-23

tween the Republic OF Hawaii and the
United States Of America which was
signed by the plenipotentiaries of both
Governments in the city Of Washington
on the 10th day Of June, A. d. 1897.
l herewith transmit the same to the
Senate for the consideration of the
question of the ratification thereof, un-
der 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 monarchy on
the 18th day of January, A. D. 1893, was
organize 70 the admin st attn of pub
lie affairs until such time as terms of
union with the United States of Amer
lea should have been agreed upon. I'm
expected delays in the consummation of
such union having occurred, the Repub-
lie of Hawaii was organized and pro-
claimed on the 4th day of July, a. d.
1884 The fundamental law of the new
republic contained the following words
The President, with the approval of
the Cabinet, is hereby expressly au-
thorized and empowered to make a
ion between the Republic of Hawaii
and the United States Of America, sub
ject to the ratification of the Senate" "
The Legislature of the Republic at
both of it's sessions passed joint resolu-
tions indorsing the annexation policy
of the Provisional Government and of
the Republic of Hawaii
The grounds for the adoption of this
policy on the 18th day of January, A. d.
1898, were, first, the existing local con-
ditions under which the maintenance OF
stable government was beset with great
and increasing difficulties; and the
growing menace to the small Hawaiian
population involved in the impending
immigratio possibly unlimited, Of
races whose civilization was not N ac-
cord with the established institutions of
the country. Second-The rapidly de-
veloping interests of the great naval
powers Of the Pacific ocean which rem
dered the permanence of the independ-
ent Government of the Hawaiian
Islands extremely uncertain. Third
The Importance of securing their per-
manence of relations with the United
States as would render possible the de-
velopment of the resources of this coun-
try; and, fourth-an abiding conviction
that it was for the best interests of all
of the people of these islands.
All of these reasons for annexation
to the United States of America still
exist, and subsequent events have en-
phasized their Importance.
| would further call your attention 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 for
eign relations, whereby the danger Of
foreign interference has been lessened,
the stability of the Hawaiian Govern
ment 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 consideration is the
provision that all Hawaiian laws and
customs regulations not inconsistent
with the treaty under consideration, not
contrary to the constitution or treaties
of the United States of America, shall
remain in force until changed by Con-
gress; such legislation by Congress to
be preceded by a report to that body
from five commissioners, at least two
of whom shall be residents of the Ha-
waiian Islands, recommending such
legislation concerning Hawaii as they
shall deem necessary or proper. Thus
is deliberation assured as to the ulti-
mate form of government for the Ter
ritory of Hawaii, and the injury that
III 1o1I1 IA oh nf
political conditions precluded.
In submitting this most important
measure to your considerat ton, l would
remind you that you are the represent
atives of the interests Of the whole Ha-
waiian community of every class and
name, and I cannot doubt that in reach
ing your decision you will be guided by
the conscientious and patriotic desire
to promote it's best and most lasting
prosperity.
Following are the resolutions adopted
by the mass meeting in opposition to
annexation:
Whereas, 1t has been submitted to
the Senate of the United States Of
America by the President of the United
States of America and its Secretary CT
State, a treaty for the annexation of
Hawaii to the United States of Aneri-
ca, and which still lies with the said
Senate for action thereon to be had at
its regular session which shall be in
December next; and,
Whereas, A proclamation was issued
by S. B. Dole, President of the Repub-
lie of Hawaii, calling all the members
of the Senate of this Republic to assem-
BILE in a special session of said Senate
to be convened at the Executive build
ing, in Honolulu, Island Of Oahu, Ha-
waiian Islands, on the Sth instant, for
the consideration of the question CT the
ratification of the said proposed treaty
of annexation of Hawaii to the United
States of America; and,
Whereas, The native Hawaiians and
large majority of the people Of the
Hawaiian Islands, have been in direct
opposition to the annexation Of Hawaii
to the United States of America; and,
Whereas, The native Hawaiians and
a large majority of the people of these
islands have fully believed in the lnde
pendence and free autonomy of these
islands and to the continuation of the
Government of Hawaii as of a free and
independent country governed by and
under its own laws: therefore, be it
Resolved, We, who in mass meeting
assembled on the 9th day of September,
A. D. 1897, at the City of Honolulu
aforesaid, for ourselves and for and on
behalf of the people Of Hawaii. as well
as for the large majority of the people
of the Hawaiian Islands, earnestly
protest against the annexation of Ha-
waii to the United States of America
in any form or shape"