The Hawaiian gazette., 1897-04-20
TREATY WILL Be FOUGHT
Annexation Now or Trea.
ty Will Surely Go.
Some Senators VIII Oppose-Sec-
rotary Sherman's Attitude.
Quarantine Matters

y have enjoyed my visit TO the
States immensely, seen and talked with
a number OF Senators" said Attorney
General Smith yesterday, land ascer-
tanned how they feel on the subject of
annexation. Quite a number thar met
are not familiar with the conditions
existing here, and it is from them we
must expect the greatest opposition 10
the continuance Of the reciprocity
treaty.
"As 10 annexation? They feel as
men have felt for so years past that
closer political union with the United
States is the destiny OF Hawaii. That
feeling was strengthened by the con-
summation il the treaty Of 1875, and
il is growing stronger all the time
among the friends OF the movement.
They believe the time has arrived 20
bring the matter TO an issue, and if
they fail this time the abrogation OF
the reciprocity treaty will follow.
There will be a bitter fight made
against the treaty in this session, for
some Of the Senators feel that since
the treaty went into effect the United
States has practically made Hawaiian
planters a present OF S55. 900 900 or. 10
quote Secretary Sherman, about three
times what the Islands are worth.
These men argue that the treaty was
made as a stepping stone TO anneNa
ton, and il that bond is not TO be ee-
mented now. there is no use allowing
treaty which puts gold into the peck
cts OF few 70 continue in force Presi-
dent Mckinley was very cordial with
us. and made many inquiries regard
ing the conditions here. and seemed
anxious 10 familiarize himself through
US. cannot quote any OF his remarks.
bur believe I am safe in saving that
he was deeply interested in all We told
him.
Secretary Sherman may not fight
annexation. though he is opposed 10
the acquisition Of any more territory
by the United States. In conversation
with me, Mr.. Sherman said: Ny views
in this subject are well known. but
what I may think personally and what
l may do as a member Of Mr.. MeKin-
ley's Cabinet are different matters
Naturally this remark would lead one
TO believe he would not strongly op-
pose Us They feel over there that Ha-
waii must be controlled by a foreign
power. and the policy thus far has been
one OF hands in l think now they
realize the seriousness of the situa-
tin. and that if the United States does
not take hold. some other Government
will
DO l think an annexation message
viii be presented at this special ses-
sion2 I have no idea. A thousand
bills have been prepared on different
subjects and handed in. but not one
has been presented. Il has been given
out that nothing but tariff legislation
must be attended 70. and until the Sen
ate is through with the Dingley bill I
an confident no other matters win be
handled. unless something serious
should arise. We cannot tell anything
about IT, neither can they. But I am
safe in saying that the tariff bill will
not be finished for four months, at
least Our affairs must be handled very
carefully until they have finished their
own important matters
The attention Of Mr.. Smith was call
ed 70 that part OF the tariff bill which
provides for a duty Of cents a pound
on pineapples. and asked if he believed
the Hawaiian delegation could have
that excepted or included in the reel
procity treaty. Replying 10 the ques-
ton he said:
I do not believe we can do any
thing The trouble with the Senators
is that they think We are getting TOO
much already, and if we ask for more
the whole treaty will GO Literally. the
treaty is being suspended over very
warm fire. and 10 stir il means that
the thread viii catch and the whole
business Be consumed I feel that We
had better leave well enough alone, so
far as the treaty is concerned.
During Minister Smiths visit II
Washington he met Surgeon General
Wyman several times. and discussed
with him the advisability Of having a
medical inspector al Asiatic ports. the
same as the Hawaiian Government
has.
4 explained 10 him. said Mr.. Smith.
that it was hardly right for emigrants
booked 10 Hawaii, after being in quar-
antine for Il days and being fumigat-
ed. 10 have TO De thrown in contact
with passengers destined 10 the United
States, who had not even been in
spected- He seemed to grasp the idea,
and assured me that he would detail
one Of his STAFF TO make visit 10 Hons
Kong and the japanese ports and
make an inspection Of our methods.
This may result in the Hawaiian in
spectors being appointed. and 7 b4-
lieve the dangers OF bringing disease
here will be reduced.
I had hoped TO stop in New Orleans
on my way home and look into the
matter Of sewerage and quarantine. bu'
the foods IL the Mississippi ValIey
prevented IL. and came direct to Sa1
Francisco 1 am glad to see that small
pox did not extend beyond the limits
Of the quarantine station / should
say that our strict enforcement Of the
immigration laws was what saved Us
This is q remarkable case. and one
that may never be explained. o.
course, there are several theories al
Faneed as 10 the way the disease may