The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-10-07
TROUBLE PATCHED UP.
Hawaiian-J japanese Dispute Is Settled
Without Arbitration.

New York, Oct. IA Herald special
from Washington says: An Official an
nouncement of the departure of the
Japanese cruiser Naniwa from Honolulu
for Yokohama. with the statement that
the immigration question between
Japan and Hawaii is likely to be
shortly settled without arbitration, has
thrown peaceful aspect around Ameri-
can questions in the Pacific. This
cheering news has been communicated
to the state department by Minister
Sewall at Honolulu, whose mail report
has just reached the department.
The most important statement by
Mr.. Sewall is that the observation-disclosures
ese authorities have estimated that
$1,000 in gold will settle the claims
of the latter against the Dole govern
ment, for the rejection of immigrants
who came to the island last spring.
Heretofore Japan has sheltered herself
behind the statement 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 will
ing to discuss the amount that he
claims is due. her instead of the princi-
pie means in the opinion of the state
department officials that, if necessary,
the Dole government authorities can
rid themselves of troublesome ques-
tion before congress convenes so that
Hawaii may present herself for admis-
sion to the union free from foreign
questions which might be a stun bling
block in her way to coalition with the
United States. OF course, it is op.
tional with Hawaii to pay this amount,
and, as President Dole has never ad-
mitted Hawaii's liability to pay a
monetary indemnity as result of the
exclusion of the Japanese immigrants,
they may feel that if they pay 500, 900
in gold to Japan such action may make
them liable to further payments should
in the future other immigrants be re-
jected. This would be an especially
serious matter in case union with the
United States were not accomplished.
1t was suggested by a state depart
ment official, however, that HAWAII
might follow the course pursued by the
United States in cases of outrage upon
foreign citizens in this country. 1t is
usual for the government to pay an in
demnity to the families of the victims,
with the understanding, however, that
such action has no reference to the
question of liability.
State department officials would be
glad to see the question finally disposed
of before the senate takes the annexa-
ton treaty under consideration.
The departure Of the Naniwa was
announced by Minister Sewal and Rear
Admiral Miller. The admiral has sat-
isfed himself that the cruiser has really
gone to Japan, and in this case the
Philadelphia will come home on the ar
rival of the gunboat Wheeling, with
her orders to return ''when the Naniwa
has left.
Another feature of Minister Sewall's
report, which was pleasing to the Off
cials, was the statement that all was
quiet in the islands. He refers to the
Japanese portion of the community,
stating that they were evidently peace
fully disposed, or, at least, there is not
present evidence of an intention on
their part to precipitate an uprising.