The San Francisco call., 1897-11-20
Opening of Our Gates to an
Undesirable Population
Opposed.
SENATOR WHITE DEFINES 5
HIS POSITION.
VIII Use His Utmost EndeaVor to
Prevent the Acquisition Of
Hawaii.
Special Dispatch to THE CALL

LOS ANGELES, NOV. 4J.-1ne people
OF Los Angeles-and they voiced the senti
ment of all Southern California-gathered
in mass-me citing tonight and sent forth {
righteous protest based upon good, sound
logical and patriotic reasons, against the
proposed annexation of the Hawaiian
Islands to the United States. The meet
ing was held under the auspices of the
Los Angeles County Council of Labor
This body represents 5000 organized work
lngmen. After considerable study anC
discussion in It's own ranks the mem ber.
OF the council some time ago unani
mously adopted q resolution opposing an
nexation upon the ground that the crea
ton of 100, 900 undesirable American citi.
zens could not help but result in disad
vantage 10 the American laborer, who
was already burdened by existing condi
tions.
Then it was resolved to hold a public
mass-meeting 10 voice the sentiment o
the council and of the people generally
upon this important question. That meet.
ing was held his evening, and it was {
success in every way. The large hall wa;
packed to the doors, and many were un'
able 10 gain admission. The audience wa:
made up OF some of the most prominent
citizens OF Los Angeles. The Iaboring
men gathered in large mum bers, and i'll
many cases brought their wives with
them. As early as Z o'clock the crowd
commenced 10 enter the hall, and by Z &c
there was not a seat left in the auditorium.
b clock the galleries were crowded.
When Senator Stephen NJ. White en-.
tered the hail he was given an enthusias
tic reception by the multitude as soon a:
he was TeCogniZed proceeding down Inc
aisle. Behind Senator White followed ex
General Lionel A. She con. Cyren Z. Fish
and H. &. Martens, the chairman Of the
evening, and the e-presldents, Z, R
Holman, f. B. Cover, L. D. Bailey, Y
Yaeger and H. Y. Riffel.
Chairman Martens called the meeting
to order. He made no set speech, but
briefly explained that the gathering had
been called by the Council of Labor in
order tnat the feelings Of the people o.
Southern California with regard to the an
nexation OF some OF the islands of the Pa
ciic, with their undesirable population,
might be voiced.
Mr. Martens then introduced the first
speaker OF the evening, Cyren E. Fisk
the State organizer of the Typograp phical
Union ard delegate 10 he Council o1
La Dor. Nj. Fisk is a young man, a very
Gle yer puoiic speaker and well known in
the IA rks OF organized labor. He made a
ten-mlnute address, in which he took oc-
caslon to explain the grounds upon which
organized labor wa opposing annexation.
He said that in his opinion, the laboring
men OF the country as whole were not
sufficiently aroused to the importance OF
protesting against the adoption of the
policy, which they could not view as
otherwise than inimical 10 their interests
and to the best interests of their country
Mr.. tlsK's remarks and the excerpts he
read from President GomperS' statement
were received with applause.
Chairman Martens then introduce ex-
Governor Lionel a. Sheldon, who was
given cordial welcome by the audience.
Governor Sheldon delivered an able and
I'm Impressive address,, IN which he took oc-
casion to review the policy of the Amer
lean republic in the matter of the acquisi-
tiOn of territory, from the time of Jeffer-
son to the present day.
He showed that 1t never had been the
policy oil this Government to acquire any
detached islands; that the Louisiana and
Alaska purchases had been made for the
purpose OF acquiring continental autono.
annexation OF Hawaii. 20C0 miles from The
shores of the United States, meant in the
way of expense to retain and protect it as
a portion of Federal territory. He dwell,
upon the fact that the population, save
5000 souls, that would be taken in wa:
made up OF people who were totally ig.
norant of the duties of citizenship, and hs
explained how difficult it would be to
govern those people, inasmuch as they
did not know how to govern themselves
The Governors remarks were enIhusias
ticaliy appiauded.
The cha .rman then introduced the prin-
cipal speaker OF the evening, Hon. Stepher
M. White, In the following we'll chosen
words: p
"Fellow-citize ladies and gentlemen.
L now have the honor of prese nting &C
you the favorite son of California, the
ablest representative and defender the
West ever had in the Congress of the
United States. YOU all know him. HI
lives with US now and has for over
quarter of Century. Fe!low-citizens,
now introduce to you the noblest Roman
OF them ALL a man who may, and whom
we sincerely hope will, some day be Presi-
dent OF the United States-Stephen NJ
White"
As Senator White arose and came to the
front of the platiorm he received vel
come which was certainly enthusiastic
and prolonged. 1t was several moments
before the applause subsided. When il
di the Senator opened all address which
cons umed an hour OF time and which wa.
listened to with the cosest attention
He spoke in an earnest vein, Introduce
facts and figures TO bear up his argument
and INDUCING in some humor and cutting
sarcasm. In the main the Senator said:
take il, my friends, that we are gathered
here this evening for no spectacular purpose
but rather to consi Ter inteligently and care
fully question which is certainly OF vast i'm
portance TO our country. Upon this question
1t has been my lot TO take a posi- ion whi ct
docs not meet with the Endorsement OF all my
friends. However, the position have taken i:
based upon rny honest opinion and that nave
ever been ready to express at all tint s. hav,
always tried 10 do and to act Independently
and when finally my friends gather around on