The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1897-02-16
WANT TO ANNEX
Hawaiian Leaders Issue
Annexation Circular.
State Why Measure is Best for
Hawail-Support is Asked
From Hawaiians.

An annexation circular letter has
been issued by four prominent Ha-
waiians of Honolulu to the native peo-
pie of the Islands The men whose
names are affixed TO the letter are:
William c. Achi, Charles L. Hopkins,
John Lota Kaulukou and Joseph NJ.
Poepoe. A literal translation would be
quite lengthy. The following is the
substance of the points made:
The condition of Hawaiians today is
briefly outlined, and shows that they
are, for the most part, employed by
wealthy foreigners. Present indica-
/ lions are that the land will soon be
absorbed, and that a new era of pros
perity will dawn upon this nation.
Perhaps some of you do not understand
what we mean by this new era. Think
of past events and you will see what
is meant.
In 1871 treaty was entered into
between the Government of Japan and
the Monarchical Government of Hawaii
According to the Constitution of Ha-
waii and a decision of Chief Justice
Judd on the question of Japanese i'm
migration into Hawaii, it is very plain
that the Government and people of
this country have no power to check
such immigration. With respect to the
situation a prominent Japanese said to
10Y GrlElTa oh Nr.f
Japanese will continue to come into
this country as long as wages are above
the basis paid in their own land
| Wages in Japan are from 81 to So per
month, and even at that many people
are out of employment
IF those are the wages we are go
ing to have in Hawaii, think of the
poverty and hunger there will be
among Hawaiians This story is not
fiction: it represents facts, and is a
warning as to the future. Hawaiians.
what will you do about it? VIII you
stand, look on and not act, and only
wait for the arrival of this new era
upon our shores? If that is the case.
our fate will be like those who would
not listen to the prophesies of Noah in
his day.
I'VE say that We can live peaceably
and prosperousIy with Americans.
British, French, Germans, Portuguese
and other European nations; but It
viii be very difficult for us to get
along if this country is overrun with
japanese, because those people can
live comfortably on 10 cents a day
while it takes all of SO cents day for
Hawaiian. Therefore, the question
of Japanese immigration into Hawaii
is very serious one, and should be
considered by us without delay.
These utterances are not from an
i'll spirit. We are not running down
the japanese, with whom we live in
peace. but the discussion is brought
for our own benefit
Without doubt the only solution of
/ this question is the annexation of Ha-
wall to the United States. We do not
make this statement as unpatriotic
men; nor as men who have parted with
any civil rights; but from an insight
into the future and a knowledge of
what must come The statement is
made solely for the benefit of the Ha-
waiians. We have the future prosper
| ity of Hawaii at heart.
THE Reciprocity Treaty, which
brings wealth and prosperity to our
country is now in shaky condition.
The reason is the increase of beet and
cane sugar production in California
and the Southern States. Formerly all
Southern Congressman favored the
Reciprocity Treaty with this country;
but now it is clear that they are
strongly against it.
If the Reciprocity Treaty is ever
abrogated, it will mean the ruination
Of the sugar and rice industries in this
country. It will also ruin the business
of the inter-island steamship com
panies; merchants viii have to close
their doors. and the value of all prop
erty win be greatly decreased. The
result that everybody will find them
selves out OF work must follow, and
there will be poverty and starvation
among the people.
who among you would like to see
This state of things? Is it the editors
OF certain newspapers, who are work
ing against annexation? If so, we can
only say that they are advising and
leading the Hawaiians to destruction.
They themselves must see and realize
this.
Finally, we advise all Hawaiians tc
consider well and pun together for the
only salvation of Hawaii, which is an
nexation to the United States"