The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1897-09-30
japanese immigration Question to BE
Settled Without Arbitration.
Money, not TIE PRINCIPLE
4ikadO willing 10 Discuss the gaestioh--
All l. Quiet ia the
Islands.

.;ew York. Sept. "a Herald special
from Washington says:
An official announcement OF the depart
ure Of the japanese cruiser Naniwa for
Yokohama. with the statement that the
immigration question between Japan
and Hawaii is likely to be shortly set
tied without arbitration. has thrown a
peaceful aspect around American ques-
lions in the Pacific. This cheering news
has beeE communicated to the state de-
partment by Minister sewall at Homo
lulu. whose mail report has just reached
the department.
The most important statement by Nr.
sewal is that the Hawaiian-Japanese
authorities have estimated that $4,000
in gold will settle the claims OF the latter
against the Dole government for the re-
lection Of immigrants who came to the
Islands last spring. Heretofore Japan
has sheltered herself behind the state
ment that Hawaii must admit first the
principle OF monetary liability" and
when this admission has been made she
would be willing to discuss the amount
that should be paid TO salve the wound
her dignity has suffered.
The fact that the mikado is now willing
70 discuss the amount that she claims
is due her instead OF the principle means
in the opinion OF the state department.
officials that II necessary the Dole govern
ment can rid themselves OF trouble
some question before congress convenes
so that Hawaii may present herself for
admission to the union free fIcn foreign
questions, which might be a stumbling
block in her way to coalition with the
United States. OF course 1t is optional
with Hawaii to pay this amount and as
President Dole has never admitted they
were liable TO pay monetary indemnity
as result OF the exclusion OF the Ja-
panese immigrants and they may feel,
if they pay $4,000 in gold to Japan, such
action may make them liable to further
payments should other immigrants in the
future be rejected.
This would be an especially serious
matter in case union with the United
States were not accomplished. 1t was
suggested by a state department official
that Hawaii might, however, follow the
course pursued by the United States in
case outrages upon foreign citizens in
this country. 1t is usual for the govern
ment to pay an indemnity to the families
OF the victims, with the understanding
however. That such actiol has no refer
ence to the question of liability. State
department officials would be glad to
see the question finally disposed of be-
fore the senate takes the annexation
treaty under consideration.
The departure of the Naniwa was an
by Minister sewall and Rear
Admiral Miller. The admiral has salts
fed himself that the cruiser has really |
gone to Japan, and in this case the Phil |
ldelphia will come home on the arrival |
If the gunboat Wheeling with her orders
10 return when the Naniwa has left"
The Baltimore will be placed in COM
mission October l, and be ready to re- |
,eive her officers and men the moment |
n Philadelphia arrives.
Another feature of Minister Sewalls re-
port which was pleasing to the officials |
was the statement that all was quiet in
the islands. He refers to the japanese
portion of the community, stating that
they were evidently peaceably disposed;
at least there is no present evidence of
an intention on their part to precipitate
Il uprising. Minlser Sewail also an
nounced that the annexation treaty had
been ratified by the Hawaiian senate
without a dissenting voice.
The gunboat Yorktown has arrived In
Yokohama on her way TO Honolulu, |
where she is due in less than two weeks. |
The gunboat Wheeling has carried about
10 men to the Hawaiian Islands in addi-