Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1897-07-01
sHERMAN.s SHIFT.


same S&ZA44E&MN
Ian P1st-
Secretarv Sherman's friends VIII have
harder work defending his complete
change of opinion embodied IN the sig
nature of the Hawaiian treaty OF an
nexation than has. been caused by any
change he has made IN the whole course
OF his shifty career.
When the question OF annexation
came up in connection with the seiec-
ton Of Sherman for the secTetargShip
Of state the Republic quoted his Ut
terance In his volume OF recollections.
IN which he declared that IL his life was
prolonged he would do all he could 70
add TO the strength and prosperity OF
The United States. ~but nothing to ex-
tend its limits and add new dangers by
the acquisition of foreign territory"
II Is urged in justification OF changes
OF mind on the part Of statesmen that
new situations and political necessities
ST circumstances arise 10 force them 20
change Of course and the adoption of
rev lines of policy. In politics, as in
war. The clash of forces continually
changes the situation and eompels the
correction Of plans TO meet them But
this plea cannot be urged in behalf OF
Mr. Sherman's present change There
j. no change Of situation in the case OF
Hawaii which cannot be met on the
lines of our traditional policy and the
principle laid down il the deliberate
conclusion TO which Mr.. Sherman ar
rived II the calm reflection OF his old
$ge-
Arguments advanced in favor Of the
annexation of the islands are remarka-
bic chiefly for their finishes It is
urged that il Is necessary 10 annex Ha-
wall 10 prevent the seizure or oppres-
sion OF the little country by another ma
lion. What absurdity: We were not
compelled TO annex Venezuela in order
TO prevent England from seizing the
territory or depressing that country
We assure the independence of every
republic on this continent without 3
thought of annexation We sustain the
Monroe doctrine. and we can maintain
the independence of Hawaii and protect
her rights without the establishment
OF formal protectOrate or the annexa-
tion OF the territory. We can assure
them self-government in peace without
assuming any of the responsibilities OF
government or departing hairbreadth
from the safe and sound policy OF avoid
ing territorial extension or foreign en-
4anglements We have only 10 announce
the policy TO have II respected by the
nations of the civilized. world
By implication Mr.. Sherman clearly
ard strongly conveys the opinion that
TIE extension of our limits is bad policy
and tends 10 weaken the nation. and
! that new dangers would be involved IN
! TIE acquisition of foreign territory
/ What compensation would we get for
/ thus embarking in a new and dangerous
| political enterprise in opposition to ali
1 our past tried policy? We would get
/ . fresh debt. a new and distant terri
tory 10 defend and the responsibility
| Tor the government Of q mongrel peo-
ple with most undesirable elements.
J We get no material benefit not assured
to US BY treaty.
The fact IS that several thousand
Americans have seized Hawaii and do
Tot know what TO do with Il or how
10 lie; 60. Some millions of American
money are invested in Hawaiian prop
rrty and bonds and the men in posses
sion OF Hawaii want to shift their polit'
zeal troubles and the guardianship OF
their property TO the shoulders OF the
4 United States We are asked to aban'
don the proved wisdom OF the fathers
10 lift them out of hole. and we seem
4 TO be on the verge of yielding to the
| Tollv-S1 Louis Republic