The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-06-16
ANNEXATION OF HAWAII.

A question which has forced itself upon
the administration is that which affects the
relation of Hawaii to this country. If
friendly element could maintain an indie
pendent government in those islands, the
United States would be satisfied 1t is gen
orally admitted by those who are best in
formed that such a solution of the problem
is not possible. The Dole government can
not maintain itself without outside support
The sway which the semi-native Queen held
years ago ought not to be permitted, be-
cause it has been as bad as anything under
that name could we'll be. Besides, the late
Queen is not friendly to the United States.
Even if re-established, it is scarcely possible
that Queen Lliuokalani could maintain
herself without the support of outside gov
ernments. During her last years she was
held in power by sugar planters, who loaned
her money.
1t is, therefore, evident that Hawaii
will be controlled directly or indirectly by
one of several foreign governments. 1t is
not possible that satisfactory agreement
could be made for three or four govern
ments to extend a protectorate over the ISL
ands. With Germany and England we tried
that with Samoa. If that trial has been sat
isfactory TO our government it is not indi-
Gated by any reports which have been pub
lished. The United States cannot afford 10
have the islands fall into control of any
other government to be turned to our dis
advantage. Even the suspicion that Japan
has designs upon Hawaii eXcites hostile
comment. These facts and conditions bring
us to the conclusion that if Hawaii cannot
maintain it's independence with a govern
ment friendly to the United States it is the
interest of this government to take charge
of the islands-to annex them. For years
we have borne all the burdens of a COM
mercial annexation in the interests of a
few sugar barons.
Annexation, it should be said, does not
imply statehood or the comforting of SUI
frage upon tho wretched natives and the
representatives of alien races who are there
to labor for low wages. In the annexation of
Alaska the United States did not confer
citizenship upon the native Indians, who
are in some respects superior to natives of
Hawaii Congress need not make the Japa-
neSe ana chinese IdDOFGIS III the lStdIluS
citizens by treaty so long on the main
land it denies them citizenship by law. If
there are natives or half-breeds, or natives
of less degree who are qualified TO partici-
pate in the affairs of the islands. they can
be made citizens. 1t is not probable that
Hawaii will ever become a state, but the
islands will be held for the convenience of
American commerce and national defense,
on which some people will reside and for
whom it will be necessary to provide d
government.
The whole subject is involved in many
conflicting personal interests. The sugar
plantations are worked by capitalists. some
of whom are INSCRIPTIONS. The treaty Of
reciprocity has proved bonanza to such
men in that it has given them market for
their sugar which has been produced by
the cheapest labor. TO them and few
others this treaty seems to have been of
little use except to keep Hawaii from fall
ing into the control OF governments who
would turn it to disadvantage. These
private and now conflicting interests, which
it will be difficult for Congress to under
stand. are the real difficulties in the situa-