The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-07-27
JAPAN DECLARES HERSELF
Insists That She Doesn't W ant Hawaii
But Her RIGHTS

d
pan will continue TO oppose the Ha-
waiian annexation treaty is conclusive
Iy Shown by the latest protest of the
japanese government, under date of
July 10, which is now made public for
the first time. While cOuched in po-
lite and diplomatic language the protest
is sufficiently firm in tone 10 show that
Japan will continue to wage diplo-
matte war and possibly go farther, to
prevent the contamination of the an
nexation policy. Japan's reply in part
IS as follows
Legation of Japan, Washington, July
10-Sir: In replying to your note of
date the 25th uIt., in answer to mine of
the 18th ult-, regarding the proposed an
nexation of the Hawaiian islands to
the United States, I have the honor to
inform you that I communicated its
substance to Count Okomua, from whom
l am in receipt of teIegrap hic instruc-
perial government in relation thereto.
Taking note of what you say in reply
to the, representation 1 had the honor
to make on behalf of my government
with reference to necessity of main
tanning the statu quo of Hawaii, the
imperial government has no hesitation
in admitting the predominant influence
of the United States in the Hawaii ISL
ands.
In their opinion, however, the very
fact that such predominance has eX-
listed so long unQuestioned might be
urged as reason against the disturb
ance of the status quo, more especially
DIS pEGCL1G6LlN Ine whole pOpu1aLIOn OF
Hawaii acknowledge the paramount
Importance of the relations of their
country with the United States, while
il is understood that only a small frac-
ton of their number favor annexation.
From this it may be reasonably in
ferred that the predominant and para
mount influence of the United States,
which, as you remark mas been the
one essential feature of the status quo
through three-fouTths of a century, in
which the constitution and govern
ment of Hawaii and the commerce of
the Islands with the world have under
gone notable changes furnishes on the
one hand the amplest guarantee against
anything inimical to either the United
States or Hawaii, while ON the other
hand it obviates the necessity of a
change in existing conditions which
will injuriously affect the interests of
others. The policy of colonial expan-
sion among European countries was es-
pecialIy active on the Pacific during the
decade ending 1892 and as result near
" all of the island groups then auton-
onouS passed under the sway of vari-
Gus western powers By common ac-
cord the powers have recently appeared
willing to stay their hands and inter
national rivalry and conflicting inter
ests are now the best guarantees for
the continued sovereign existence of
the few remaining island groups. Yet
the absorption by the United States of
such an important part of the remain
ing unappropriated region as Hawaii
would doubtless be the signal for the
revival of dormant territorial ambition
in the Pacific and the last vestige of
native autonomy would disappear. And
it is not too much to apprehend that a
partial redistribution of colonial pos
session among the various western
powers might also follow.
1t can easily be seen how this would
affect the interests of japanese sub
jects who are now engaging in increas-
ing numbers in various underta kings
and enterprises in the Pacific with profit
to themselves and advantage to Japan
1t was precisely account of the
prevalence of this spirit that one of
your honorable predecessors was led
to declare to the German government
that your government attached great
Importance to the maintenance of the
rights to which the United States be-
came entitled in the few remaining re-
gions now under independent and au-
tonomous native governments in the
Pacific ocean,
The justice of that declaration cannot
be questioned, and the imperial gov
eminent. entertaining similar views
could not behold with Indifference
changes in the status of those govern
mentS that would extinguish Japanese
rights.
They have no intention of questioning
the actual situation in the Pacific. and
certainly no desire to in any way dis
turb it; but their position in that part
of the world renders it impossible for
them to view with unconcern and in u
spirit of acquiescence the consequences
which would probably follow the ex-
tinction of the Hawaiian sovereignty
The imperial government recognizes |
it as a well established principle of in
ternational law that the completion of
annexation would render the treaties
and conventions at present existing be |
tween Japan and Hawaii voidable |
either at the option of Japan or the !
United States.
Therefore, I have the honor to repeat +
that Japan has absolutely no designs /
of any kind whatever inimicaI to Ha-
Waii and no motive in her dealings with /
that country except to secure by legfti- /
mate means the due observance of Just /
obligations.
(Signed) TORO HOSHI