The Hawaiian gazette., 1897-04-13
Study in Facts and Fig.
ures Presented.
Some Reasons Why Present Trea-
~ Relations Should be
Continued.

Since the announcement that efforts
would be made looking TO the abroga-
ton of the Hawaiian reciprocity trea-
". it is reported that memorial 10
the United States Congress was in
course Of preparation. advocating the
passage Of the measure, and that this
same memorial was alleged TO be in
favor Of those persons interested in the
beet sugar industry.
Promising that no citizen of the
United States would or should so act in
any prejudicial manner as 10 stihe or
retard any industry that will enable
Us by its operation to become indepen-
cent OF any foreign base of supplies. il
cannot be denied that the question of
the sugar production of the Hawaiian
Republic an industry owned and fos-
tered by American citizens, can or will
be considered by any unbiased and
sJUdiOus observer as being inimical 70
the interests Of either the cane or he
beet sugar industries OF the United
States.
\
convince Us that if we as q most ga
yored nation by the Hawaiian Repub-
lie wish 70 maintain those relations.
two courses are open for our Govern
ment 20 pursue. Either let Us annex
the Islands so that they may become
an integral part Of the Republic. or
else let US refrain from any move th9t
may be regarded as looking to the alb
rogation Of the reciprocity treaty.
When the fact is considered that in
return for the reciprocal advantages
enjoyed, the Hawaiian nation has con
coded 10 the United States the almost
exclusive right 10 sell its products in
their midst. 1t seems beyond the
bounds Of all common reasoning that
any person or body should be so selfish
and short-sighted as TO desire the Alb
rogation of this treaty. that benefits in
commercial sense the entire country
al large.
The opponents OF the continuance Of
the treaty can scarcely have consider
ed the question in calm or unbiased
light
Let US suppose that this treaty be
abrogated. what will be the result?
The merchants of Honolulu. Hilo and
other towns will say: We intend 10
buy our supplies from those countries
that favor US; here is Australia, Can
ada and Japan. countries close 10 our
gates. ready and willing TO enter into
all manner Of arrangements with US TO
take our sugars. our coffees and ether
products. at reciprocal advantages;
why should We be influenced by any
feelings TO patronize the United States.
- -t -
bily2
For old acquaintance sake and
natural ties and feelings that TO the
United States. through whose citizens
these Islands have been improved and
developed, We owe some gratitude. We
purchase our needs from them. but as
We now see that jealous interests are
working TO put an end TO the treaty
that binds the two countries. We in
tend TO cast sentiment to the winds
and buy in markets that offer us ad-
vantages-
This IS the opinion Of the mercantile
community OF the Hawaiian Islands
and there is no reservation in declar-
ing that had # not been for this sen
timent the manufacturers and pro-
ducers OF the United States. especially
those OF the Pacific coast. would ere
this have found their business with the
Islands at z low ebb.
For it has long been known that des-
perate efforts have been made by Eng
Ifsh. German. Australian and Canadian
firms TO sell goods to the Islanders at
far lower rates than we can quote.
Not only are overtures being made
10 the authorities OF the Hawaiiin Isl
ands by Canada and Australia. but
Japan is now in the field. ready and
willing 20 grant all sorts of advantages
in the form OF reciprocity. il exchange
for the sugars produced. Japan viii
only be 100 willing TO grant protec-
torate over the Islands. and this cffer
in itself is a serious menace 10 the
United States
The land OF the rising sun is des-
tined 10 become formidable competi-
tor in these Islands, as well as in other
parts OF the world with all nations
and II would not be a pleasing spec
taele for the people Of this country to
have as their neighbors q race who
while advanta geous as laborers. would
not be desirable as rulers of the ISL
ands. and subject American Interests
10 restriction and control
That the Japanese legation in Wash
ington IS watching the efforts Of the
Senator'S and others 10 abrogate this
reciprocity treaty there is no doubt
and the least speck upon the horizon
that may indicate that the treaty will
be annuIIed viii be taken advantage Of
BY the diplomat. and his Government
notified
The statement has been made that
plantations OF sugar cane and other
industries OF the Hawaiian Republic
are owned in the main by foreigners.
Official data that may be consulted in
the United States State Department at
Washington viii prove 10 The con-
trzry.
Table showing the amount OF capital
Invested in sugar plantations OF the
Hawaiian Republic
Total amount invested. So. 1ls. sol
American citizens Hawaiian
born Americans. and Am
ericzu-Hawaiizn half
castes own OF this sum 81. 25-5I6 .t75
Balance .---.------ s 6.s50125
This amount is owned by British and