Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-06-15
ANNEXATION TREATY To BE SENT
TO THE SENATE SOON.
PROBABLY WILL BE RATIFIED.
TREATY HAS BEEN WRITTEN AND is
READY FOR SIGNING.
President Mckinley strongly in Fa-
VOr of 1t and Has Undoubtedly
Assured Himself That the
Senate VIII Not Turn
1t Down.

annexation of Hawaii to the United states
will be sent 10 the senate soon after the
return Of the president, unless present
plans are altered. The treaty has been
written and all the details were iully
agreed upon before the president ana sec
retary Sherman left for the South. There
IS no doubt it is said. Of the president
acquiescence in the5 terms of the treaty
for the reason that he was made fuiiy
aware Of them before he left.
The treaty is on the general lines Of the
treaty negotiated during the administration
of President Harrison and withdrawn by
President Cleveland. II provides for the
annexation without the exaction Of condi-
tions on the part of the Hawatians as 10
the form Of government to be vouchsafed
to Hawaii, leaving that question TO be en-
tirely disposed Of by the government OF
the United States. The United States will
agree however, 70 assume the debt Of the
present Hawaiian government, but will
come into possession of all the Hawaiian
crown lands and other possessions.
The officials at the state department
stsadfastly refuse to make any statement
as to the negotiation Of treaty providing
for annexation, and at the Hawaiian lega-
ton the same silence is observed. How
ever, IL Is known that the treaty, though
not yet signed. is drawn up ready for sig
nature and as the president is fully aware
of its scope there Is no reason to doubt
that he will authorize its signature. In
this case II is expected that the document
will be sent 10 the senate for It's action
very soon-within a week. IL is said, in
some well Informed quarters. II this be
the case It may be taken for granted that
the president has taken steps to assure
himself Of favorable reception for the
treaty in the senate and to guard against
such a mishap as befell the arbitration
treaty last session.
Several senator's have received definite in
formation concerning the existence of the
treaty and are well acquainted with its
terms, though they refuse TO discuss the
matter. The knowledge of the existence Of
the treaty has been communicated 10 MEM
bers of the committee on foreign relations
and to the finance committee.
In tho Republican caucus the subject of
the treaty had been hinted at, but in rather
a vague manner. Senators asserted that
there were in progress negotiations look
ing to annexation, but they would not aver
that they knew a treaty had been drawn
nor would they give any assurances that
II would be soon sent TO he senate. In
private conversation with other senators,
however, they gave information that was
definite enough to satisfy those with whom
to be sent in but that it was now drawn
and only awaiting the signatures of the
two governments to complete it. 1t Is
known that the approval of the committee
on foreign relations is assured. as eight
members of the committee have approved
Its terms. This will enable the committee
speedily to report the treaty to the senate
SO that It may be taken up Immediately
after the tariff bill is disposed of.
he eanafa has baen SSpd 10
tain extent by senators favoring annexa-
tion, and. while there are some senators
who are non-committal. the supporters Of
the proposition say they believe they can
count upon the two-third vote necessary TO
insure ratification.
The especial friends of the president
about the senate say that the treaty has
been made in accordance with HIS views
and that II would have been sent In some
time ago but for his exactions as to de-
tails.
said. has had much to do with favorable
consideration of the treaty Of annexation.
The present government of Hawaii and the
people who support IL are very much con-
cerned about the japanese situation. Pri-
Vatc information received by HEwaiians in
this city Is to the effect that the japanese
at any time may take some action looking
to acquisition Of the island. The advices
officially received are of much the same
tenor. The sentiment in the senate seems
to be that Japan in no way should control
the Islands or get tootnold there ms
argument has been used TO prevent even
notice OF abrogation, Of the present treaty
in the tariff bill. 1t Is said that such notice
might be followed by japanese occupation,
and the islands could not be regained by
the United States without struggle. In
this connection ii Is learned that the con-
versations among the most prominent Jap
anese residents of Hawaii which have been
reported to the representatives Of the ISL
ands in Washington have been of threat
ening character and that the American
residents have more concern than has been
shown in the published accounts.