The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-07-08
NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON.
Japan Was Eager to Annex Haw all
lis Surprised mt the United
States.

WASHINGTON. July THE Washing
ton Star publishes noteworthy interview
with Count okuma, japanese minister or
foreign affairs secured by Theodore
Noyes. one of the editors of the Star. who
IS now travelling in Japan.
The count protests vigorously against the
new American tariff which, he says. VIII
greatly retard development OF important
reciprocal trade between Japan and the
United States.
News that the United States had taken
steps toward the annexation OF Hawaii
had not then reached Japan. and Count
Okuma did not believe it possible that the
United States would take such step.
He said:
Japan recognizes that the relations be-
tween the United States and Hawaii are
very intimate. The Americans are IN the
majority among the whites. They own
most Of the property. They have n large
majority in the present cabinet. As ha-
wai lies between the United States and
Japan. somewhat nearer TO the United
States, some people on the islands have
already sought annexation by the United
States. but that republic should be salts
Hawaii. Both the United States aud ia
pan have an interest in maintaining the
status quo"
What is the present status OF the Ha-
waiian cOntroversy?" asked Mr.. Noyes.
For some unknown reason the Hawaii
an government has obstructsd the en-
trance of Japanese into the islands. which
II had previously invited. Three ship
loads have been stopped, and not only the
people Of the ships, but others on the
way 10 Hawaii have suffered damage.
This act is in violation of the treaty. The
Japanese government and the Japanese
people have. No idea Of menacing the inde-
pendence Of Hawaii. Nothing could be
further from their wishes ana purposes.
They viii be quite content If their treaty
rights are observed and respected. Jaran' 3
position is so just and reasonable that |
fully expect 4 satisfactory settlement by
negotiations.
us 1t not possible that # the Japanese
in Hawaii are permitted - Increase until
they form q, majority in numbers and pow
far-removed home government and make
serious trouble IN spite Of the just and
friendly attitude of the government of
JAPAN
II do not entertain any such apnrehen-
sion. An order issued by the consul gem
eral in Hawaii II now effective over the
25@0 immigrants. They are ncaceable and
law abiding people who so there with no
other object than money making Obedi-
ence 20 legal authority is natural char
acteristic Of them. | don't believe that
there would be any trouble il the numb r
Were indefinitely increased"
IF the Japa-ese had a majority of the
population might not they overturn the
existing government and obtain control
scntat ton in the Hawaiian legislative
body2''
Mos; Of them don't 20 there to reside
for any length Of time They return TO
japan after few years money making.
The individual Japanese in Hawaii are
constantly changing. They have no poiit-
teal interest In the country
wthstarding these roassurinS words
OF Count Okuma Mr. Noyes who Is a
careful observer. gives II as his opinion
that IL the United St2tes had no; taken
steps 20 annex Hawaii. Japan would GER
ta.uly have done so