The times., 1897-12-20
DEMOCRACY AND HAWAII.
.n. rhitnr nf rhe TImes.

To Tia, Editor of The Times:
It Will be a great mistake for the Demo
Gratis to mako a party issue in oppoSi'in n
To the .nnexation of the Ha waiian Islands
1t will be historically n departure from
Democi attic precedents and policy. sloh
anita O luism will not enlist bat tend dir &c ly
IN aliepa te the sympathy of the Am .rican
neopIs. II is the policy Of territorial
ACQUISITION, and, with bat the single
execution of Alaska, Democratic policy,
which has given to the United states
its un1uestioned predominance in American
nationality. Is this preponderance some
thing 10 bo regretted? Do Democrats
wishro a bdiea 5c this lea dership. todiminish
its influence or lessen its security? 1t may
possibiy be maintained without the loaui-
sition of these islands, but most clearly
in no way so easily OF so certainly as
in extending our Jurisdiction to this bu!-
wark Of the Pacific. The European powers
are engaged in an intense struggle for
colonial aouuisitton They are parc"linS
out between them Africa, and the seiz ire
and partition of all that portion OF ASIA
not already under European domination is
only DELAYED until their mutual 1ealon'1es
can be arranged. Whatever their antag-
ment in common, and that is hostility
to any Increase in the present influence
of the American Republic. They are
united il detestation of the Monroe Doctrine
and when they shall have agreed upon
the territorial distribution OF africa ana
Asia. tI,eir combined ornaments will be
employed to curb the career and punish
the arrogance OF this ma tion, which presuucs
to exclude them from pursuing their am
bilious schemes upon the American con-
tinent. Alreadyin Germany and Austria
the note Of alarm has been sounded 1T
is silly to talk about an era or peace anu
good will and to fancy an immunity TON
foreign aggression when every country
of Europe is straining its resources 10 IN
crease its naval and military establish
ments. If we wishto preserve our national
prestige and authority, we must be able 10
defend it and the control 0fth ese Hawaiian
islands, is in the view OF every miiit Iry
authority essential to this defense.
But 1 did not intend to discuss the
policy Of Hawaiian annexation in gen
eraI way, but in its relation to the Dem
ocratic party. The strength Of the DeTn"c-
racy is its distinctive Americanism. The
Republican party has European lilies,
but in the governing classes of Europe
American Democracy has neither allias
nor friends. They are our enemies. l WISH
to ask of any Democratic Congressman
whether he believes that there is Il single
European government to which the acquisi-
tiun OF Hawaii by the United States would
not be displeasing. and to which our ie-
rusal to accept a voluntarily Offered an
neyation would not he gratifying? Why
should the Democratic Tart abandon that
| distiuctively American EClicy which
most endears it to the people" Is it
| because it is a Republican measure, pro-
posed apd urged by a Republican Presi-
dent? Why should tie attitude of the Re
| publican party toward any public qti' s
| tinn be permitted tu control or influence
! Democratic policy? If Il Republican Posi-
! dent has recommended Il measure which Is
| right ard i'll he interest of our people IN
! no way can Democracy so strengthen its
| influence rs by giving TO such measure
| hearty support. By refusing to antas-
onizc whatever of Mr.. Mckinley recon-
| mentiiticns they can approve Demo rats
| will en,pla n size ttcif condemnation pf
| those which they oppose. If those who
I ASSUME t.. he leaders have no higher IDEA
= .eiuucr;.cy y than an opposition to Repro