The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1897-07-06
ATTENTION.
Legation of japan.
IVA Sbipprpn Tnr


Legation of Japan.
Washington, June Is, 1897
Sir beg TO again call your atten-
ton TO the subject of our interview to-
day, the rumcr that the governments
of the United States and Hawaii are on
the point of concluding a treaty an
neXing the Hawaiian islands TO this
country as a territorial part thereof.
AS l had the honor TO state to you. this
rumor has been repeated during the
past few days with the circumstan-
tiality of detail which gives it the ap-
pearance of authority. 1t not only
states positively that the annexation
will soon take place. but also gives
with apparent precision, certain pOr-
tions of the alleged arrangement which
directly affects the rights acquired by
the government of Japan and japanese
subjects by treaties with Hawaii and
under the constitution and laws of that
country.
1t is on this account that 1 desire to
repeat what had the honor to state in
our interview today, that my govern
ment cannot view without concern the
prospects of a sudden and complete
change in the status of Hawaii where
by the rights of Japan and of japanese
subjects may be imperilled.
While, therefore, they confidently
rely upon the United States TO main
tain toward them a just and friendly
attitude in this as all other matters.
they feel thar under the circumstances
they cannot be regarded as spectators
merely without interest in the import
ant change which it has been so posi-
lively asserted is about 10 take place
in the relations of the United States
and the Hawaiian islands. For this
reason. if it is really true that a treaty
of annexation is about to be concluded,
feel that l am justified in inquiring
from you. Mr.. Secretary, what Drovi-
sion has been made herein for the
preservation and maintenance Of the
rights acquired and enjoyed by japan
in her intercourse with Hawaii under
the solemn sanctions of law and of
treaty.
Accept, Mr.. Secretary. the renewed
assurances of my highest consideration.
"TORU HOSHL"
ITO Hon. John Sherman. secretary of
state"
THE REPLY.
To this Secretary Sherman replied
as follows:
Department of State, Washington,
June 16, 1897:
''Sir-Replying to your note of the
18th inst, just received. / have to say
that the governments of Hawaii and
the United States. by their duly au-
thorized representatives,, have signed a
treaty annexing the Hawaiian islands
to this country. This has been done
in pursuance TO the policy long since
adopted by the United States and the !
treaty will, ! understand, be submitted |
10 the senate of the United States by !
the president for ratification As to !
your inquiry as to the provision made !
therein. concerning the treaties which /
~ los
and the present Hawaiian government, |
my understanding is that the govern
ment of the United States does not /
take upon itself any obligations of the |
Hawaiian government arising from
treaties or conventions made by 1t
with other governments. 1t is believed /
that there is nothing in the proposed
treaty prejudicial to the rights of ia
pan. and certainly the United States
mas no disposition to disturb The friend
Y relations which have long existed
between the government of Japan and
his country. Accept, Mr.. Minister,
she renewed assurance of my highest
JOHN SHERMAN
TO Mr.. Toru Hoshi, ETC.
THE PROTEST.
Minister Hoshi then submitted ia
pans formal protest as follows:
Legation of Japan. Washington, June
10. 1897:
..Sir-Referring to the correspon-
lence which has passed between US
sgarding the PROPOSED annexation OF
he Hawaiian islands to the United
states. l have the honor 10 inform you
hat, having communicated with my
government upon the subject. l am
low in receipt of instructions from his
imperial majesty's minister for foreign
ltTairs in relation thereto.
Before divulging the nature of
hese instructions / desire to state
hat. although the imperial government
.ould not have failed TO attach due
weight 10 the statement in your COM
to me of the 18th inst.
hat in your opinion there is nothing
n the proposed treaty prejudicial to
he rights of Japan they must also
AVE taken note of the fact that IN
.lluding in the same communication TO
xisting treaties between Japan and
laval. you state that your under
landing that the government of the
United States does not take upon itself
ny obligations Of the Hawaiian gov
rnment arising from treaties or con-
entions with other governments.
Il have now the honor to inform you
hat I am instructed by his imperial
naiesty's government to formally pro-
est against the proposed annexation ,
f the Hawaiian islands TO the United
states. This protest is made for the
reasons:
.F'irst-That the maintenance of the
tatu quo of Hawaii is essential to the
God understanding of the powers
rhich have interests in The Pacific
..Second-The annexation of Hawaii .
-ould tend to endanger the residential,
ommercial and industrial rights Of
apanese subjects il Hawaii, secured
0 them by treaty and by the constitu-
ion and laws of that country
.sThird-Such annexation might lead
0 the Dostponement by Hawaii of the /.
ettlement Of claims and liabilities al
sady existing in favor Of Japan under
reatv stioulaticns.
with reference 10 the mischievous
uggestion or report which has been SO J
circulated in this country :
nd elsewhere that Japan has designs
gainst the integrity or sovereignty of {
laval, I ann further instructed by the
nperial government 10 state most en-
haticall-r and unequivocally that
apan has not now and never had such
esigns. or designs of any kind what :
YER against Hawaii.
Permit me to add. in conclusion, Mr.
ecretary. that in making this protest
nd in asking full and careful consider
ton for it. the imperial government is ,
by what they regard as an
Imperative duty. and not in the remOt-
ST degree by a desire to embarrass the I
nfted States. They prize most highly
lie cordial relations which have always
Sisted between our countries, and they .
trust that their representa-