The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1897-07-14
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ACTS
Memorial FavOring Annexation Sent
I,

Memorial FavOring Annexation Sent
20 Washington.
The Chronicle says that the Chamber of
Commerce has long been a stanch advo-
cate of the annexation policy, and yester-
days conference was for the purpose of
indorsing a memorial destined to show
the national lawmakers the sentiment of
one of the leading commercial organiza-
tons of the Pacific Coast. Capt j. F.
Chapman introduced the memorial, the
question was Immediately called for, and
it was adopted without a dissenting
voice. The memorial is as follows:
ITO the Honorable Senate and House of
Representatives, Washington, d. c.:
your memOrialiStS, citizens of the Pa
cific Coast of the United States, respect
fully but urgently petition your august
body for the prompt annexation of the
Hawaiian Republic. While it is true that
Pacific Coast interests demand 1t, we re-
spectfulIy plead for Hawaiian anneXa-
ton on the broader grounds of national
policy, prestige and commercial necessity.
We protest against the possibility OF this
great stronghold in mid-Pacific being per-
mitted to be occupied by any foreign pow
err as a constant menace to this country.
Every consideration of patriotism, ma
tional safety and commercial interests
demands prompt territorial annexation.
If we object to Hawaiian annexation we
should consistently cede Alaska to Great
Britain. But we are cOnIO6nI lndI every
intelligent American unbiased by preju-
dice or personal interest, will support the
policy of the administration in the an
nexation of this friendly Island Republic
which has these many years sought to
be incorporated with the American Ma
ton.
LAS a political and commercial neces-
sity, we also pray that the United states
Government will aid and facilitate the
connection by cable of the Pacific Coast
with this splendid new territory. Conn.
-rIrN,,, rio TIS n
our countrymen in Congress assembled
we subscribe ourselves your fellow-citi-
ZenS, -
THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF
SAN FRANCISCO"
In answer to arguments against an
nexation of the Islands, Secretary Merry
prepared an address to the citizens OF the
State embodying some of the facts that
tend to show the advisability of acqulr-
ing the territory that is offered. Portions
of it are as follows:
OBJECTIONS are based on racial grounds
and on the general policy of declining the
acquisition of more territory, especlany
that separated from our country by wa
ter It is argued, with reason, that, mas
much as we now have difficulty in gov
eruing what country we control, 1t Is
poor policy to acquire more. Were the
racial objection tenable, New Mexico and
California would not now be United
States territory.
could we keep the Hawaiian Repub-
lie under our commercial control perma-
nently it might possibly be best to do so.
But events are proving that we must no
longer depend upon the forbearance of
foreign powers. Either the Islands must
become American or pass into the hands
Of our commercial and political compeut-
ors.
..From the day that annexation is pro
claimed San Francisco and California
Will feel the impulse of the increased
commerce which even now goes ABROAD
from Hawaii If we intend to push our
commerce and manufactures in compe-
tition with the world we need the Ha-
waiian Islands. Every consideration OF
patriotism and commercial interest
should induce us to support our Govern
ment in the policy it has adopted.