The record-union., 1897-11-28
HAWAIIAN ANNEXATION.

We confess to surprise that so intelli-
gent a journal as the New York Post
should get SO far to one side of a ques-
ton as to create the belief that it speaks
through prejudice rather than reason.
But that is the apparent condition of the
Post at this time in the matter of
the debate of the annexation question.
1. says in it's issue of November 10Th:
Thefeature ofthe proposed annexation
of Hawaii which ought to excite the
most comment and the greatest repug-
nance, has received scarcely any atten-
tion, and among the advocates of an
nexation none at all. This is the fact
that the American republic, based upon
the doctrine that all Governments derive
their just powers from the consent of
the governed, proposes to change the
government of a distant country with
out asking the consent of the governed
in any way whatever.
What does the Post mean? That
the native Hawaiians should be con-
suited in their individual capacity as to
annexation Of the island republic? That
would be absurd since there is now in
existence in Hawaii a Government
that was duly established byrevolution,
has been sustained for over three years,
is recognized as a Government in the
family of nations, sends and receives
Ministers. negotiates and concludes
treaties, maintains a revenue and judi
cial system and enacts and executes
laws
With that Government we have
treated upon the subject of annexation.
1t is as representative of the people and
all the people of Hawaii as any Govern
ment could be in which there is any di-
vision of sentiment, policy and ambi-
ton among the people, and such di-
visions exist among all peoples. The
Government of the Hawaiian Republic
certainly does not reflect the wishes and
hopes Of the royalists of Hawaii, nor
has 1t ever claimed to do so. But 1t has
secured a foothold, and maintained it
self sufficiently long to secure recogni-
tion from all the Powers Of earth as an
independent and sovereign Government,
a republic governing in fact, and by
right of accomplished revolution, and
exercising all the orderly and extraoydi-
nary powers Of Government of civili-
zation.
But, says the Post" that Govern
nnent was the result of aid rendered in
its setting up by the officers and arms
of the United States. We may not
therefore, take advantage Of our own
wrong. Concerning that, the fact is
disputed. The officers Of the Hawaiian
Republic Indignantly repulse the sug-
eestion that the revolution would not
have been ACCOMPLISHED without aid
from the United States Government
they deny that material aid was giver
them. The Queen was deposed by rev
olutionists and on the ruins of hel
throne they have erected government
tai system which the native Hawaiian:
have not manifested a desire to have
overthrown-
The POST" comedies that the time has
passed when the native Hawaiians car
be permitted to vote upon the ques
ton whether they want a Queen or not
b,lt II contends that they should be per
mitted to vote upon the question
whether Hawaii should be annexed Z
the United States. AS to that nations
deal with nations, not with individuals
II the Government of the republic
wishes to submit the question or an
nexation to the vote of the native Ha
X aiians. there will be raised no voice ol
this side of the water in protest, no
could there be in decency. But that i
a matter for the Government of Hawall
not for us.
That Government is competent as
has demonstrated, TO manage ITS Owl
affairs. 1t lives by right of living. /
exists as proof that II has ac
oujred the right To live. lie
ot all consult it's people at the ballo
box concerning it's policy or the unio
- nroposes with the United States
The Chairman of the London ff
brigade Committee Indignantly denie
that his force is inefficient. He de
elares that the London fire force ]
4avav ahead Of anything the Yam