Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1897-07-28
A NOTE FROM JAPAN.
Letter from the Minister to Score
tary OF State Sherman Given
to the Public.

W SIiO FoOllCs
Washington. d. c., July 26.-That
Japan will oppose the Hawaiian anneXa-
ton treaty is conclusively shown by the
latest protest of the Japanese government
under date of July 10, which has been
made public. Japan's reply il part is as
follows:
Legation of Japan, Washington, d. c.,
July 23.-oSir: Replying to Your note of
date the 10Th ult., in answer to mine of the
18TH ult. regarding the proposed annexation
OF the Hawaiian islands to the United
states, nave the honor to inform you that
/ communicated its substance to Count
Okouma, from whom l am in receipt of
Geographic instructions embodying the
views or the imperial government in rela-
Taking note of what you say in reply to
the representation | had the honor to make
on oehaif OF my government with reference
TO the necessity of maintaining the statu
quo or Hawaii, the imperial government
has no hesitation in admitting the FREEDOM
mani influence of the United States in the
hawaiian lSlaDdS. In their opinion, how
ever, the very fact that such predominance
mas existed SO long unquestioned might be
urged as reason against the disturbance
OF the status quo, more especially as prac-
tlcally the whole population of Hawaii
acknowledge the paramount Importance of
the relations of their country with the
United States, while it is understood that
only small fraction of their number favor
annexation.
rom InlS 1t may be reasonably inferred
that the predominant and paramount in
fuence of the United States" which, as
you remark, has been the one essential
feature of the status quo through three
quarters of a century, in which the consti-
tuition and government of Hawaii and the
commerce of the islands with the world
nave undergone notable changes" furnishes
on the one hand the amplest guarantee
against anything inimical to either the
United States or to Hawaii, while on the
other hand it Obviates the necessity of a
change III existing conditions which will in
juriously affect the interests of others
Inc policy of colonial expansion among
on the Pacific during the decade ending
1877, ana as result nearly all of the isl
ana groups then autonomous passed under
the sway of various Western powers. BY
common accord the powers have recently
appeared willing to stay their hands. and
international rivalry ana conflicting inter-
estS are now the best guarantees for the
continued sovereign existence Of the few
remaining island groups. But the absorb
ton by the United States of such an inn
portant part of the remaining unapprOpri-
ated region Hawaii would doubtless be
the signal for the revival of dormant terri
torlal ambition in the Pacific and the last
vestige of native autonomy would disap-
pear. And it is not too much to apprehen9
that partial redistribution of colonial pos
might also follow.
1t easily be seen how this would
affect the interests of japanese subjects
who are now engaging in increasing num-
bers in various undertakings and enter
priSes in the Pacific. with profit to them
selves and advantage TO Japan. 1t was eS-
pecially on account Of the prevalence of
this spirit Of colonial absorption that
OF your honorable predecessors was led to
declare to the German government that
your government attached great Importance
to the maintenance of rights to which
the United States has become entitled in
the few remaining regions now under in
dependent and autonomous native govern
ments in the Pacific ocean,
The justice of that declaration cannot be
questioned and the imperial government,
hold with indifference changes in the
status Of those governments that would ex-
tinguish Japanese rights They have no
intention of questioning the actual exist
ing situation in the Pacific and certainly
no desire to in any wise disturb ii. but
their position in that part Of the world
renders it impossible for them to view with
uncOncern and III a spirit of acquiescenc-
the consequences which would probably
follow the extinction Of Hawaiian sover-
eighty.
The imperial government recognizes it
as Il Well-established principle of irterns
tiOnal law that the completlC1 of anneXa-
ton would render the treaties and conyen-
tOns at present existing between Japan
and Hawaii voidable. either at the option
cannot anticipate without apprehension the
consequences, whether direct or Indirect
which would follow the practical conSum-
nation of the theory that annexation, ipsO
facto, means the immediate termination of
those treaties and conventions and the CON
Se0uent cessation for the future of the
privileges granted Hereunder.