Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-07-06


measure imposing heavy duty upon Jap
anese sake, an unmistakable and objec-
tionable discrimination. Japan is compete
ed to take a serious view of the matter
and to conduct strong negotiations on the
subject. TWenty-eight years ago the first
batch of japanese immigrants went to
Hawaii About eleven years ago ;mmigra-
ton was resumed under a treaty with
Hawaii signed at the request of the Ha-
waiian government, which was then anN-
ious to replace Chinese by Japanese as
aborers on the islands. Since that time
large numbers of Japanese have gone to
Hawaii, until now there are about - coo
of them there, peaceabie, law-abidinS peo-
pie, still well-liked by the owners of land
and planters who employ them. But for
some reason several members of the pres
ent Hawaiian cabinet represent that the
large and increasing number of japanese
is detrimental to the country, and indeed
threatens its independence. They seem to
have no such fear of an increase In the
number Of Chinese, whom they previously
disliked
No Menace to Hawaiian Independence
The japanese government and the Jap
anese people havs no idea of menacing the
Independence of Hawaii. Nothing could be,
farther from their wishes and purposes
They will be quite content If their treaty
rights are observed and respected Japan's
position is SO just and reasonable that I
fully expect a satisfactory settlement by
negotiations, and do not apprehend any
serious trouble
No; there is no deadlock, no issue
Joined. as reported in the papers. The ne
gotiations are progressing
III the two governments are unable to
agree, is the issue one which would prop
erly be referred to arbitration"
L do not think the matter so serious rs
to render arbitration necessary. If the two
countries cannot come to an agreement
resort to arbitration may be the alterna-
tive. But as the japanese government does
not ask anything but what is reasonable.
l hope that the matter may be settled be-
tween the two governments exclusively"
l called attention to the printed state
ment that drilled soldiers had been sent to
Hawaii in the guise of laborers.
He said: There is no foundation what
ever for the report in the sense intended.
Japan has a general system of conscrip-
ton, requiring three years of service, be
ginning at the age of twenty from all who
pass the examination. There are over 20
600 men every year who are relieved from
this service and return home to their farms
and other occupations. Some of these men
may have gone to Hawaii to labor in the
fields there but they are agrculturists
not soldiers"
rs it not possible that if the japanese
In Hawaii are permitted to increase until
they form d majority In numbers and
power they may get beyond the control of
the far-removed home government, and
make serious trouble in spite of the just
and friendly attitude Of the government of
Japan?'
Il 90 not entertain any such apprehen-
sion. An order issued by the consul gen.
eral in Hawaii Is now effective throughout
the 5000 immigrants. They are peaceable
and law-abiding people. who go there with
no other object than money making.
Obedience to legal authority is a natural
characteristic of them. 1 do not believe
that there would be any trouble If the
number were Indefinitely increased
No Danger of IL Peaceful Revolution.
IF the japanese had majority of the
population might they not overturn the ex
listing government and gain control merely
by demanding and securing representation
in the Hawaiian legislative body?"
Most Of the japanese do not go there to
reside for any length of time. They return
to Japan after few years of money max
ing. The individual japanese in Hawaii
are constantly changing. They have no
political interest in the country. There
would be no danger of the Japanese OBJ
tanning control of the islands if they We're
fully admitted as voters in the representa-
tive government With long residence
qualification and ability to speak and write
English very few of these contract laborers
and temporary sojourners would qualify.
Nearly all of the first and earlier patches
Of Japanese immigrants to Hawaii have al
ready returned to Japan, and those who
are there are in the main immigrants of
the last few years, who will in turn come
back to Japan, and who are now not con-
centrated at Honolulu but scattered over
the plantations, working hard, and entirely
harmless and unobjectionable, to the great
satisfaction of those who are employing
them"
what is the japanese governments opin-
States and Hawaii?"
Intimate Relations of Hawaii and
United States.
Japan recognizes that the relations be-
tween the United States and Hawaii are
very intimate. The Americans are in a
majority among the whites on the islands.
They own most of the property. They have
a large majority in the present cabinet.
AS Hawaii lies between the United States
and Japan, somewhat nearer to the United
States, some people on the islands have al
ready sought annexation by the United
States. But that republic should be salts
fled with UNFOLDING the independence Of
Hawaii. Both the United States and Japan
have an interest in maintaining the status
quo. This arrangement is most beneficial
for all concerned. I cannot understand
that the United States should desire to
mex Hawaii. Politically it would be mis-
take, and strategically the great strength
Of the United States lies in her solidarity"
Suppose that the United States should
annex Hawaii is Japan's interest in the is
lands such as to entitle her to protest
against annexation or to view the act as
unjust or unfriendly to her?''
ut is difficult to express an opinion on
that subject now. do not believe for en-
instant that annexation will come to pass
believe that the japanese. as nation,
would greatly deplore such consumma-
ton, II 1t should be effected"
ubot lines Ia JananeSa develODmpnt