The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1897-08-23

by parties who have taken advant-
aye of the relations Of the Islands to
the United States. MIR. Spalding,
who has been in Hawaii since 1867,
and is leading sugar producer, re-
marked, before the Senate Com
mittee, as follows:
"What we want is to make some
thing out of the country; make ex-
penses out of the country. 1t is not
commercial, agricultural, manu-
featuring, or mineral producing
country; it has no resources, no
available resources; never has had.
All this prosperity has come from
this reciprocity treaty with the
United States"
The same gentleman also testified
that be would not have remained
in the Islands had it not been for
reciprocity; that prior to that all
plantation owners had failed.
Mr.. Alexander has certified that
rice can DO proftably produced in
Hawai-, and that the orange and
banana flourish. have the authori-
ty Of an ardent aunexationist that
this statement is rather overdrawn;
but Minister Stevens, in his letter OF
November 20, 1892, tells Secretary
Foster that "sugar-raising on these
islands can be continued only by the
cheapest possible labOr-that Of the
japanese, the Chinese, and Indian
coolieS,'-a cheerful outlook for the
American white laborer. Mr.. Stevens
writes to Secretary Foster that or
anges, lemons, pineapples, and grapes
can and will be successfully grown
in the event OF annexation. How
change of government can add to
the productive capacity OF the soil,
may be somewhat difficult to ex-
plain.
The above, think, supports the
conclusion that annexation is not
necessary for he preservation OF our
trade Common business sense die
tates that properly framed treaty
not the jug-handle affair now in
force, which every disinterested per-
son admits should be changed, but
a really reciprocal engagement
will bring all desirable Hawaiian
commerce to the United States.
The Hawaiian Islands will deal
with US because their interests
make such course necessary.
Imperative considerations will
continue this status. The man
has not yet been heard from who
can show that annexation will bring
to the United States any advantage
which will not be enjoyed as the re-
suit OF our often declared policy,
everywhere conceded, inhibiting
foreign interference, and of the
making of sensible and equitable
treaty. The citrus-fruit producers
OF the United States and those en-
gagged in beet-sugar production have
no cause to rejoice at the cheap
labor competition which must follow
annexation. This, however, is a
minor matter.
There are other vital objections
to the validity of the proposed
cession OF the Hawaiian Islands to
this government "of the people and
by the people" Our policy is and
always has been opposed to such in
vestments. Washington spoke Of
the advantages of our detached
and distant situation," and said,
"Tis our true policy to steer clear
of permanent alliances with any
portion of the foreign world" Mr..
Jefferson, who favored the annex
5 alton of Cuba, said in a letter writ
ten to President Madison, ApfA -a4
1907
: at will be objected to our receiv-
r ing Cuba that no limit can then be
. drawn to our future acquisitions.
Cuba can be defended by us without
y a navy; and this develops the principle
a lChiek ought TO limit oar UieiUS Moth
= ina should ev6' be accepted qOhich qOould