The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1897-08-23

United States been to extend terri
torial domain beyond seas opporiu.
mites have not been wanting TO
effect such a purpose, whether on
the coast OF Africa, in the West
Indies, or ii, the South Pacifc
He also wrote TO the Same min
ister:-
ga conviction that y fixed policy,
dating back to the origin o. our con
stitutional was consider
ed to make it inexpedient to attempt
territorial ACKNOWLEDGMENT which
would require maintenance by
naval force in excess of any yet pro-
vided for our national uses, has led
this Government to decline terri
torial acquisitions. EUen as simple
coaling- stations, such territorial ucqtti-
sitions avould inuolue responsibility be-
yond their utility. The United States
has never deemed it needful to their
national life to maintain impregna-
BILE fortresses along the worlds
highways of commerce"
Secretary Sherman, whose pariicl-
pancy in the present scheme has not
failed to excite surprise, concludes
his "Recollections" with the follow
ing remarks:-
"The events of the future are hs-
You'd the vision of mankind; but [
hope that our people will be content
with internal growth, and avoid the
complications of foreign acquisi-
tions. Our family OF States "a d.
ready large enough to create cmhar-
rassment in the Senate; snd re-
public should not hold dependent
provinces or possessions Every
new acquisition will create embar-
easements. Canada and Mexico as
independent republics will be more
valuable to the United States than
if carved into additional States. The
Union already embraces discordant
elements enough without adding
others. II my life is prolonged L
will do all | can to add to the
strength and prosperity OF the
United States, but nothing to ex-
tend it's limits or to add new dangers
by acquisition of foreign territory"
President Mckinley, in his In-
augural Address, warned us against
the temptation of territorial aggres-
sion.
Heretofore we have followed the
rules thus laid down. Our extension
of territory has been on the main
land, and with the exception OF
Alaska, the added property has been
contiguous. We entered into a
tripartite agreement with England
and Germany whereby we aid in
maint aiming a miserable counterfeit
of regal greatness in authority at
Samoa. This compact between the
leading republic OF the world and
two empires to force barbarian
ruler upon protesting race was
and is absurd enough, (Mr, Cleve-
land, to his credit, attempted TO re-
lieve us of this folly; but the legis.
lative spirit Of conquest" rendered
his efforts iutile.)
If we annex Hawaii, the next move
will involve Samoa,--distaut four
thousand miles. ] am aware that
Secretary Marcy encouraged the
annexation idea; but his ambitious
views did not convince the Amer
lean people and we're regarded as
visionary. Nor did he have before
him the domestic problems which at
this hour challenge the supreme
consideration OF the ablest American
patriot.
Is the character Of the inhabitants
of Hawaii such as to induce us to
sigh for their society and PERSONAL
ty? The following table shows the
various nationalities represented on
the Islands; the figures are from the
last census:-
Nationally. Males, Females. Total