The San Francisco call., 1897-10-07
But Some Good Reasons Why
the Islands Should Be
Left Alone.
A DANGEROUS DEPARTURE
FROM OLD POLICY.
Posses ssIon Would Be a Source
of Weakness Rather Than
Strength to America.

paTeu, really 10 give PUBIC expression 10
his views on annexation. He was a sort
of juror, as it were, whose business it
would be to hear the evidence before de-
Gliding. But he was very glad to have met
me-which was very kind of him, OF
course, but very unsatisfactory.
"But you will talk later about anne1a-
ton, Senator?" l asked hopefully.
"Ohl yes. Now, next week there is to
be pubic discussion of this question at
Starr Kings Church, l believe. 1 have
agreed TO present both sides of the matter.
And if one side shall seem to have been
more strongly presented it will be oe-
cause the facts and arguments on that
side are stronger than those on the other
side"
"And the stronger side"
''Is my side"
Then in your own mind you have de-
cided the question P'
"Yes-but therep' The Senator put out
his hands appealingly. Here l am talk
ing, and you newspaper people have a
way, you know, OF filing out an inter
view
But not in any way the suggestions OF
the interview do not warrant 1 sub
mltted.
Not you, personally said the Senator
sallantly.
We had met just two minutes before
But 1 can very well understand and ap-
preciate, now, the discrimination of these
who consider Senator Perkins an excel
lent judge of character.
Tell me-" said the Senator, "are you
in favor Of annexation ?''
Il was when 1 went down to the
islands,
And now?' he questioned in true re-
porter style.
Now, If l had it to say, 1 shouldn't
care 10 assume such a responsibility. l
shouldn't dare to annex the islands"
That's exactly how l feel about it. I"
said Senator Perkins. II am opposed to
the change of governmental policy an
nexation must entail. Our policy hith-
erto has made US what we are. We have
vAst resources undeveloped in the United
ates, and as to the military advantages
how absurd to go 1000 miles off and rear
iortihcations, which we will have to de-
lend. while we leave our whole Pacific
Coast practically unprotected l am in
favor, though, of a sort of protectorate
/ am opposed to permitting any other
nation to get possession of the islands.
Bat here"-the Senator's smooth voice
grew -ofter-"why don't you go and talk
with Judge Mcguire or Congressman
L0ud7"
Il never met man yet, Senator Per
klnS who when he was interviewed didn't
waht to refer the reporter to some other
man"
Well" the Senator's eyes smiled,
that's all right, isn'tit2 The idea is to
get information Now, Senator Morgan
will be back SOON
Il met Senator Morgan On board the
Australia"
Senator Morgan, now" said his
'brother Senator, almost coaxingly, "wiIl
We you dozens of reasons why annexa-
ton Is the best thing in the world for
he United States. Senator Morgan is a
very positive man and a very radio one.
al hough l have the sincerest admira-
ton for the Senator personally"
'All his friends and opponents, too,
speak so of him.
Yes; but at the same time one must
remember that if Senator Morgan and
such men as he had had their wav there
would be no Union now to which to an
"lf you were resident of tho ;sl.,ds
senator would you favor annexationf"
"Yes-yes-irom patriotic standpoint
you understand. l love America. Pm
proud OF An merica, and being an American
would want my adopted country TO he
part of the United States. But these
questions cannot be decided bv ser,i.
mental reasons alone, ami half the man
who are advocating annexation arc doing
so from purely sentim entail desire to in.
crease our territory. We don't need onr
territory increased"
You are quoted as saying that anv
man who voted for annexation would re-
gret it."
Il believe it-I believe it."
And do you intend to be one of those
who regrei?''
Il hope l shall do nothing that might
regret" said the Senator suavelv 'You
see, loo, N representative OF Califor-
MA feel that the annexation of the
Hawaiian Islands is against the interests
OF California. 1t is my duty, you know,
to represent my constituents in this mat
ter"
but how are you going to determine
what the people of California think about
it2"
'Oh, their opinion is slowly form ulating
itself"
And if that opinion should be in favor
OF annexation, you would vote that way?"
Il have never voted against my convic-
tions. never shall vote against my con-
vlctions. said the Senator quietly. Per
sonaily, l am opposed to annexation.
Yet, who am H. he went on with sweet
Senatorial modesty, ito set mp my per-
sonal opinion against such men as Nc