The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1897-06-07
Annexation PROSPECTS
JUDGE HARTWELL REVIEWS THE
PRESENT SITUATION.
Democratic Senators Vote Against
Republican Tariff, But Strongly
Favor Annexation.

Favor Annexation.
1t is not unlikely that Congress, in
the discussion of Hawaiian tariff and
treaty matters will find that a majori-
ty in each House regard the anneXing
of Hawaii as the most satisfactory
solution of all questions. Undoubted-
ly there are Democratic Senators and
members who, while bound to vote
against any Republican tariff bill, are
in favor of annexation. For this reas-
on, vote upon the treaty clause in
the tariff bill would not show the full
strength of the annexation party.
Public opinion on the subject
divides itself on the following lines.
On the one hand, there are those who
believe that the United States ought
to rely solely on moral grounds for
the enlargement and maintenance Of
its foreign commerce, and for the pro-
| lection of the persons and property
of it's citizens in foreign countries. In
their opinion, nothing but entangle-
ments with foreign countries, involv-
ing big navy and constantly increas-
ing army budget can come from any
other policy. They scout the notion
that England. Japan, or any other
power will do anything aggressive to
the United States, either within its
own borders, or by acquiring influ-
ence or territory in Hawaii. They be-
lieve that there will not be the slight
est difficulty in carrying out the ira
ditional policy of "hands off" concern
ing Hawaii, and at the same time of
avoiding the annexation policy and all
the evils which they think that such
policy would sooner or later involve.
1t is not, in their opinion, a question
of the constitutionality of anneXing
| Hawaii; nor of the Hawaiian popula-
ton, laws, and institutions easily
adapting themselves to American laws
and institutions; but solely a question
of foreign policy
On the other hand. there are those
who, while disclaiming the epithet of
Jingos, and denying that they are less
conservative in their views than are
their opponents, regard the United
states as bound to take its place with
the great powers in the worlds a
fairs. They do not propose to meddle
with European questions or with any
thing but American interests. They
/ do not think that a good foreign COM
merce can successfully be sought by
the United States in any other way
than it is sought and secured by all
great commercial nations, and that is
by showing to citizens of the United
States that wherever they make in
vestments or enter into business ven
lures abroad, there they will find the
flag of their country with ample naval
power to enforce their rights and Just
demands. and prevent encroachment
upon the same. IF all this involves a
larger navy, they do not shrink from
the responsibility. This means a
foreign policy which accords with the
natural aspirations of American citi-
zens. They point out that the oppo-
site course means foreign policy,
but one which is productive of moth
ing but to narrow and confined Ameri-
can industry and enterprise. ''Noblesse
oblige," they say is their maxim for
nation as well as for an individual.
1t remains to be seen which policy
will prevail, the active or the mac
! tive.
ALFRED s. HARTWELT..
! Honolulu Juna < 1907