The record-union., 1897-08-09
RUSSIA AND HAWAIIAN ANNEXA-
TION.

1t is rather surprising to Americans
who have looked upon Russia so long
as the firm friend of this country. that
the semi-official journal of the Govern
ment. the "Novoye Vremya" of st. Pc
tersburg, should express strong disap-
provaI of the Hawaiian annexation
treaty Russia was the very last coun-
try from which we had reason to ex-
pect dissent even in view of the fact
that her interests on the Asiatic shore
are so closely bound with those of
Japan.
But here we have the paper referred
to, every line of which passes in proof
beneath the eye of the Government GEN.
sor, and all editorial expression in
which is semi official. saying:
The projected annexation of the Ha-
waiiar Islands by the United States
of North America must be considered a
political event Of grave Importance, on
account Of the consequences to which it
may lead and its influence on the fu-
ture of the New World. The
real point is that annexation by the pc
a precedent for the requirement OF
Cuba by exactly the same process
The successor of Mr.. Cleveland evil
IDENTIFY treats the colonial question in
manner different from that of the late
Administration. President Mckinley
will not think twice about admitting
Hawaii. and. the first step having been
taken. there is no reason to think that
very probable that should Spain fail
,uppress the rebellion in a reasona-
time, the Cuban insurgents Will
a provisional native government
or into annexation negotiations
United States. Spain is neith-
d nor France, nor even Ger
the United States has no
fear much from an armed
tn her.
re. President Mckinley talks,
nnexation message, about
nation Of a established
about carrying out a long-cher-
urpose. but why could not the
rgumentation be repeated in the
Cuba? Let the belligerency of
,bans once be recognized by the
d States. and will not, ipso facto,
49,
form a government for themselves
4 decide their own political fate-de-
de in favor of absorption by the Unit
d States?
All this is very grave, very much
more serious than it may appear at
first blush. The European govern
ments which have grounds for resisting
the increase.of Americas political pow
er will henceforth have to be constant
IL on their guard. and to prepare them
selves to come to the aid of Spain,
which is menaced with the loss of her
richest and largest colony in the New
World.
This cannot be considered as other
than significant expression. 1t is not
the mere speculation of the editorial
writer. 1t clearly implies that Russia.
and all European governments must
look upon the proposition to annex
Hawaii as but the beginning of a policy
of acquisition by US. against which they
must stand united. 1t is true that such
fears as are expressed in the quotation
we make are groundless, and that the
conditions cited are not parallel but
If Russia chooses 10 EeSaEu lA6ill dS
they are treated by the semi-official
organ, it win not profit us to argue the
point.
The question asked, viii not success
by the Cuban insurgents carry the
right to decide their own political fate.
even if that is absorption by the Unit
ed States?" is full of meaning which
finds Interpretation in the last par
agraph, declaring that European ma
tions must stand with Spain in the
matter.
1t is true there is in the article no
open and express opposition to our an
nexing Hawaii. Does it mean that
Russia does not care about the fate
of the islands particularly. but that
she fears the aftermath of annexation,
which she assumes viii be further ex-
tension of our boundaries by absorp-
ton of acres now under the domina-
tion of European monarchies? Or is
this expression of fear concerning Gu
ba deep cunning. and is there behind
the whole article, q portion only OF