The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-07-09
JAPAN's Debated PROTEST.

Washington Post: Transmitting the
diplomatic jargon of the japanese notes
into plain, every day language, we reach
the Inference that Japan finds much to
disapprove in our proposition to annex
Hawaii. Reducing Mr.. Sherman's reply
to the same result-a process of much
less difliculty-we..find warrant for the
conclusion that the United States Noesn't
care two straws whether Japan Inns the
arrangement or not.
In taking this position the Mckinley
administraticn will find itself sustained
by popular sentiment throughout the
country. We are not aware of any I'M
friendly feeling toward Japan on the
part of any class of our population On
the contrary Japan is greatly admir-
on account of the rapdity with which
she has risen from d condition OF semi
barbarism and the facility and genius
with which she has mastered the processes
of higher civilization. We recognize in
her people n marvellous faculty of pro-
gress and elevation. We find them
btave, patriotic and potent. In the mat
ter OF native intelligence and of capacity
for development, we should hesitate to
plac them second to any race whatever.
We have watched Japan's expansion
and Advancement with friendly SYM pa
thy, and shall rejoice in the most opulent
fulfilment of the national promise she
gives to day. But we hardly think that
the American people will seriously con-
slider Japan's proposition to.meddle or
obstruct any plans which they may have
formed with view to their own aggran-
dizement. On that issue it would be
only too easy to transform our good will
and admiration into Il feeling closely Dor
dering on impotence.
The fact of the matter is that the gov
eminent Of the United States Is dealing
with the government of Hawaii, and with
them alone. We have nothing. to do with
other nations In this matter. We have
no knowledge of or resp onsibility for the
alleged treaties under which Japan
claims certain rights in Hawaii II these
rights" were conferred by the present
government of Hawaii, it is hardly likely
that the same government would now
seek to repudiate them. If they were
conferred by the government which was
oyerthrown and eXtinguished in the win
ter of S92.93, it must be confessed that
japan has rather oversight herself as re-
CARDS the formality of entering protest
In any event, however, Mr.. Shermans.s
fully justified in saying that the United
States is not concerned in treaties be-
tween Hawaii and other nations, and his
failure to 90 further and declare that
such treaties will not be recognized by us
In considering overtures for annexation
presented by Hawaii must be ascribed
solely to the.good natured desire to keep
within the strict limits of the question
before him.
1t may he taken for granted that if the
Senate confirms the treaty, Hawaii will
be annexed. Public sentiment was over
whelmingly in favor of that arrangement
four years ago, and, we imagine, has I'M
u L.
while. Hawaii is free country and may
make whatever disposition she will of her
destinies. The United States is another
free country, and is not jn the habit of
asking outside advice as to her affairs.
Japan is n new country, to all practical
intents and purposes-a growing,country,
with future full of brilliant possibili.
ties. The path of her greatness and pros
perity, however, does not lie in The iirec-
ton of her meddling with sthe United
States, or with any people seeking re-
tuoe under our institutions.