The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1897-06-28
JAPAN'S PROTEST
IS AN ULTIMATUM
Senators Are Moving Slowly in the
Hawaiian Natter.
THE TREATY WILL BE DELAYED
1t Is Said That the Effect of the
Treaty Will Be More Widespread
Than at First 1ntimated.

Washington, June 23.-The Hawaiian an
nexation treaty formed the principal topic
of consideration by the senate committee
on foreign relations at its brief session to-
day.
The treaty and accompanying papers
were read and referred to a Subcommittee
consisting of Senators Davis Foraker and
Morgan with instructions to investigate
the entire question and report to the full
committee.
The papers read included the protest
made by Japan against the annexation.
The subcommittee will consider all the
complications likely to grow out of an
ncxation. including those referring TO the
trade relations Of the islands.
The protest from Japan is considered in
a more serious light than was at first made
apparent and ;he committee took eXcep-
tlonal precautions to prevent the publica-
ton of its proceedings. The protest was ac-
cepted as almost an ultimatum on Japan's
part 10 the effect that the treaty must
not be perfected. II is not protest
against the form of document as had been
supposed IN some quarters. but against
the document Itself. or rather against the
transaction as being opposed TO Japan's
interests.
The specific reason alleged for the protest
f. that the contamination of the agreement
between Hawaii and the United States
would disturb the existing trade relations
of tho north Pacific and nullify treaty
rights.
Tn. protest is in such definite terms and
Is directed so equareiy at the transaction
as 90 cause the committee TO teel that the
entire matter should ice handled with the
utmost circumspection as the only way
in which complications OF serious nature
can be- avoided.
While there is no disposition on the part
of , aioritv of the committee TO weaken
IN lbs support of the treaty, there Is
,..n.raI feeling that the friendly relations
which have always existed between Japan
and the United States call for great de
liberation and especial care in proceeding
i'm th. matter Hence the appointment al
the subcommittee, to consider all the de
tails the decision to keep the proceedings
of the committee from the public and the
probability that the committee may not be
able tn report during the present session
of congress With reference TO TINS latter
point il may be stated as extremely promo
bl, that the matter will be held IN abey-
auCe bv the Subcommittee unth cOhBTtSs
,opveucs IN regular session next December
The opinion was expressed IN the com
mitts, that a document of the character OF
that filed by Japan would II presented by
"a nation more nearly the equal of the
United States. lead 90 very serious din
entities. but there is a general desire To
extend unusual considcrat ion toward the
Asiatic state not only because OF the
uniformly friendly returns existing be
tween that country and this. but also be
r,us,. il Is felt that Japan's success in her
war with China may have had the feet
of arousing "a spirit of combativeness which
is not warranted, i'm the opinion OF the
members of the committee. by her relative
size and Importance as compared with the
United States.
Reply to Japan's Protest.
Washington. June 2G-The reply Of the
secretary of state TO the protest of the
Japanese government against the ann"Xa-
tlon of Hawaii has been forwarded to the
Japanesc legation here. and by them cabled
70 Toxic.
The legation probably will iile sup
p1encntarv statement upon receiving in
str,lctions from the HON" government.
n is expected that this will take some
time AS the note Of th" japanese govern
mont Is wordcd in the most carefully diplo-
matt. manner