The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-15
THE HAWAIIAN CASE.


in politics and craftsmanship that we
rarely pay any attention TO anything he
SAYS now. We have an underlined sort OF
feeling whenever we see Jones name,
that some wild notion IS to be brought
forward, and we pass the matter by with
no further attention. We were tempted,
however, by its brevity, to read the fol-
lowing statement of his reasons against
the annexation of Hawaii, which he re-
Gently furnished to the New York World.
ue said:
II am opposed to it
First because 1 am unalterably OPP
posed to extending our territorial limits
beyond this continent.
Second, because the Hawaiian Islands
are so remote from our coast line. Their
defence in the event OF war would be
enormously expensive and troublesome to
Us.
Third, because they do not comprise
sufficient area TO make State and their
maintenance as Territory would violate
the intent OF the Constitution.
Fourth, because ii would be almost
impossible for Congress TO devise a gov
eminent for them that would not result
in confusion and failure.
Fifth. because OF the unfit and unde-
sirable character Of the population. No
matter how favorable surroundings for
Improvement might be made, the large
percentage of the population would re-
main unfit for citizenship.
"These reasons seem 10 me 20 be self
evident and convincing"
Bravo for Jonesl That compensates for
a good deal OF free silver. fiat paper
money, and liberty to mobs TO destroy
property.
The New York Evening Post Is doing
n good service in pointing out the parallel
between General Grants efforts TO annex
san Domingo. when he was President,
twenty-seven years ago. and President
McKinleys efforts to annex Hawaii now;
Grants efforts being distinguished from
McKinley's only by the contrast between
Grants positive and aggressive character
and McKinley's temporsing and politi-
clans mould. The arguments presented
by each are almost identical. There is the
same plea Of commercial advantages 70
follow from the possession Of the terri
tory TO be acquired. There is the same
suggestion OF strategic and naval advan-
tages to follow. San Domingo was re-
presented as 1.-THE key TO the caribbean
Sea. as Hawaii is declared to be 1.-THE key
to the control Of the Pacific" But while
San Domingo was to give us command of
the isthmus route Of commerce, In the
case Of Hawaii IT is likely that we shall
have TO spend 500, 900 in for,lfying the
islands, and after that several huhd,ed
millions r.ore 10 get control IF the 18th
mus canal, which will be essential 70 the
security and defence Of the islands in
war.
Mckinley comes forward with the same
'bugaboo" Of foreign interference and ag-
erosion relied on in 1870 in the San Do
mingo case. In his message TO Congress,
in March, 1870. Grant said: II have in
formation which believe reliable. that a
European power stands ready now to CT
fer s., 900 900 for the possession of SANTANA
bay alone, II refused by u.s."
Nevertheless, although twenty-seven
years have elapsed since Grant wrote this
message. no European Government has
acquired SANTANA bay. the Government Of
San Domingo still exists. and We may,
therefore, feel just as confident that
Hawaii will be left alone as we are that
san Domingo has been.
Senator Dubois has just returned to his
home, in Idaho. from an extended visit
abroad, and the following telegram is
sent out from Blackfoot. Idaho;
BLACKFooT. IDAHO. Dec. Eek
Senator Fred. It. Dubois. who has just
| arrived home. after an extended visit 10
| Japan, China, and Hawaii. says he does
| not believe the United States will annex
| the Hawaiian Islands against the bitter
| opposition of the natives.
He states that there are fewer than
| 200 male Americans on the Islands who
are over twenty-one years old, and nearly
1 half of them are opposed 10 annexation.
| while nearly all the remainder or the
| population is against II.
"Nothing but the support OF the Uni
ted states Government" said Mr.. Dubois.
'skeeps the present oligarchy. misnamed
republic. in power. That Government
could not sustain itself day IL the uni
ted States should withdraw its support.
II will require a large armed force CON
stantly 10 maintain any government the
United States may establish there. The
natives will never consent 70 the destruc-
| ton OF their national life."
In its remarks upon the case. the Even
| ing Post quotes the following passage
from a speech made by Senator Sumner.
| Of Massachusetts. in the debate which
| General Grants message as 10 San Do
| mingo called out. lie said:
"valn 20 set forth. as the Presidents
| message does, all manner OF advantages,
| commercially and materially What are
these II Justice and humanity are sacri-
| feed? What are these without that price
| less blessing, peace? l am not insensible
| TO the commercial and material prosperity
| OF my country. But there Is something
| above these II is the honor and good
name of the republic. now darkened by
| an act OF wrong. III this territory, so much
coveted by the President. were infinitely
more valuable than IL Is. hope the SEN
ate would not be tempted to obtain II by
trampling on the weak and humble. Ad-
init oil that the advocates Of the present