The record-union., 1897-06-08
THE RECIPROCITY TREATY-LET
SUPERVISORS PAUSE.

The Record Union has already
shown that reason, self-interest and
commercial need and political sagacity
demand the retention of the Hawaiian
reciprocity treaty. It would seem to be
unnecessary to further argue the ques-
ton, but for the fact that there are
lot of people who are much interesting
themselves in endeavors to get Boards
of Supervisors to pass resolutions IA
voring abrogation, when the simple fact
is that Supervisoral Boards have not
studied the question thoroughly, and
when they pass resolutions demanding
abrogation of the treaty they do that
of which they have not adequate knowl-
edge. This we say with all due respect
for Supervisors; nevertheless we assert
with perfect confidence in its verify
that not a single board called upon to
take such action is well and CONNER
cially informed upon the subject in a
degree that gives them warrant to
speak for the people and commercial
interests
The boards are simply asked to deal
with a matter they do not understand,
because they have made no examina-
tion of the subject that qualities them
to pass upon such an important ques-
ton. They are being made use of, un
Willingly, of course. They should be-
ware of all who seek to influence them
to make declarations against the treaty.
Unless they are willing to go upon rec
ord as ignorant of the merits of the
case they will take no step against the
treaty until they have probed the ques-
ton to the bottom.
Those who have passed adverse reso-
| lutions have been melted to do so by
emissaries of the sugar trust. The
State of California has a large and
profitable trade with the Sandwich
erately sacrifice that whole trade with
no possibility of regaining It, The cry
about sugar coming from the islands
in such volume as to influence the price
twenty-five years. 1t will take quar-
| ter of a century of time for any such
influence to affect the price of sugar in
| this country. The plain truth is that
simply put off the ultimate annexation
Of Hawaii, or the extension of a pro-
/ tectorate, either of which is desirable.
Supervisors of counties are supposed
to represent very largely, and especial
| ly the interests of the farmers of Cali
fornia. In most cases Supervisors are
chosen from among farmers. When SUI
pervisors, therefore are besought to fa
their influence directly against the first
best interests of the farmers of this
State. and to play into the hands of
the allied sugar kings.
1t is a remarkable fact that the head
and front of this great interest only a
few years ago was diligently engaged
in writing for reviews and newspapers
articles directly opposed to the policy
of ahrogation now advocated by point
ing out the value of Hawaiian trade
to the United States. Can farmers be-
lieve for a moment that the sugar
trust under the specious plea of pro-
noting the beet-sugar industry is act
ing unselfshly and in their interest,
rather than for the schemes of the
trust?
These men have built up a vast bust
ness. involving millions of capital, in
importing and refining, and would now
have the farmers of California believe
that they propose to wreck this enor-
nous business in the interest of home
agriculture. The truth probably is that
the sugar trust is planning to strike
home industry blow, and that its