The Brunswick times. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 188?-1900, 1897-06-27

WHAT WALTER WELLMAN HAS TO
SAY ABOUT THE SITUATION.

Spain has for some time been trying.
to induce Japan to make a bold stand
against Hawaii.
The Madrid government appeared to
be at the end of its string in the search
for support, when the disturbance be-
tween Japan and the little island repub-
lie OF Hawaii came to the surface. In
formation of trustworthy character
has reached the state department that
the Spanish minister in Japan has en-
couraged the Japanese in making a
bold stand against Hawaii, holding out
as an inducement that the United States
was not feared, as the chances were
that Spain would give the United States
enough trouble ON the Atlantic to keep
Uncle Sans finger out of the Hawaiian
pie.
1t is not believed in Washington that
Japan has any serious intention to an
mex Hawaii. Considering that it is we'll
known to be the traditional policy of
this government to permit no transfer
of Hawaii to any other power, it is in
conceivable that the japanese ambition
could run so far as to come into COLI
sion with the United States, but there
is no certainty Oh this score.
AS long AS Japan had to deC3 with
Hawaii alone and Hawaii as an indie
pendent government was responsible to
other nations for its conduct and its
treaty compacts, situation might east
ly be built up in which Japan would
be nominally justified in making war
upon the Pacific republic. Threats of
this nature have already been made by
the Japanese minister at Honolulu.
II Japan were to make war upon Ha-
waii, of course the result could be easily
foretold. Hawaii would be at the mer-
cy of the Japs. AS the victor Japan
might demand cession of the islands or
a part of them, and England or Russia
might then take hand and give diplo-
matte support to the justice of her con-
tention.
The Hawaiian minister here has sup
piled the state department with some
important information concerning the
policy Of Japan. The Japanese are ex-
ceedingly aggressive, almost impera-
tive. They have virtually held over
Hawaii the menace of war if their de-
mands be not complied with. That the
present situation is one of danger to the
future of Hawaii and of possible danger
to the peaceful relations existing be-
tween the United States and Japan has
been recognized at the state depart
ment.
Before these affairs reached their pres
emit critical state President Mckinley
had decided upon the annexation Of Ha-
waii as part of his administrative
policy, but had thought to defer action
till next winter. Spain's Vaccinations
with Japan may not have had any i'm
portant influence upon the course which
the Asiatic nation has pursued toward
Hawaii, but under the circumstances it
was thought to be the part of prudence
for the United States togive notice to the
world as soon as possible that Hawaii
is soon to become a part of the United
States, and that therefore any aggres-
sive policy toward the little republic is
really an aggression, i'll the end, upon
the United States.
Another reason for Fastening the
PRONUNCIATION of the treaty was the con-
dition of the tariff bill The Hawaiian
treaty with the United States was in
serious danger of virtual abrogation by
the pending tariff bill, or at least the
vital part of it, that relating to free en-
try of Hawaiian sugar. The Republican
senators were unable to agree upon a
programme concerning this part of the
tariff bill, and it was felt that if the
administration proposed to go ahead
with annexation next winter the whole
problem might be solved by making
that fact public at this time.
These two considerations have led the
president to his present determination.
1t is not expected anything will be done
with the treaty at this session of con-
gress, but the principal points will have
been gained. These are notice to the
world that in short time Hawaii will
become part of the United States and
removal of the Hawaiian sugar duty
obstacle to quick action upon the tariff.
Now that the traditional policy of
the United States never to seek terri
tory beyond the sea is about to be bro
ken down by the force of circumstances
it will not b. long step to similar ac-
ton in reference to Cuba. Hawaii is
S,O00 miles from the United States, Gu
ba 80 miles.
Already men near to the administra-
tion talk of Hawaii as but the forerun-
ner of Cuba, and Cuba as pilot to 9th
er territorial acquisition in Central
America.
In this connection it is interesting to
note that recent visitor to Washing
ton from Nicaragua says that most of
the property owners and men of affairs
in that country are praying for annexa-
tion to the United States. Their govern
ment is worse despotism than that of
the czar of Russia ever was. Human
liberty and the rights of property are
not respected by President Zelaya. Rev
olutions are Of frequent occurrence.
The best men in the country say there
is no hope or future for them except
annexation to the United States.
A near friend to President Mckinley
makes the prediction that during the