Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-09-25
SATURDAY. SEPT. %, 1897.
HAWAIIAN ANNEXATION.

II IS probably. we take IT, still far cry
10 the Hawaiian annexation treaty's be-
coming an accomplished fact. That The
Hawaiian Government should have been
Iuick TO ratify the treaty is no cause for
wonder. That government is an evo-
milton of the revolutionary proceeding,
Iobbery and carpet-bagism that over
threw the constituted authorities in
Hawaii. and which Mr.. Cleveland so
scathingly exposed in one of his mes
sages. Not only was the present gov
srnment cooked and primed for ratihea
ion. but ever since the treaty was signed
u this country by the high contracting
parties" there have been promoters and
boomers from the United States at Homo
mlu working TO break down any public
sentiment that might have existed in
Hawaii against the treaty.
But annexation has never been a cock
mre" thing at this end of the line, and
begins to look as If the treaty had
gotten away from those here who revived
he annexation question-as if the trail
1ad gotten too fresh. Unless some very
'ar-seeing and shrewd men have been
,ery much deceived, annexation at this
lime was not seriously contemplated.
The revival of the question and the sign
ing OF the treaty were believed TO con-
ititute an exigency of the dangers of
The tariff situation. In signing it Mr..
Sherman reversed his whole position, and
stultiied his record on the Hawaiian
problem. The pressing to the fore again
,f annexation was almost in the nature
If surprise to the general public, and
t was openly charged, and upon more
han slight suspicion, that this action
VAS intended merely as a tariff lubricator
designed TO allay the friction that had
arisen over the sugar schedules.
Whether the revival was really neces-
,ary for the purpose indicated, 1t is need
less 10 discuss now. This we know
however: AS soon as the tariff was safe,
annexation ceased 10 be anything like
burning question. Ii was heard of only
certain interested quarters. and
through few papers, which finding that
he public were Indifferent to all other
tempted to stir up the lingo sentiment
by telling us that Japan was getting
very saucy towards us touching the is
ands. This was about the only way
hat any interest in the subject could be
Sept alive.
The treaty went through the routine
mill of being referred by the Senate to
he Committee ON Foreign Relations and
being reported back, and there it's pro-
yress stopped, as far as this country was
concerned Nor. as far as a good many
persons can see. is there reason TO be-
ieve that It Will make much more head
way. for some time to come at least. AS
He have always maintained, no foreign
Power should be permitted TO annex
Hawaii. The moment there is grave
Hanger that the islands may come under
foreign sway, that moment it will be-
come our duty 10 raise our flag over
hem. II we are TO vindcate the Mon
zoe doctrine in part, we must yindicate
L in whole. The annexation Of Hawaii by
foreign Power would be clearly in de-
aance OF the Monroe doctrine, as origi-
nally laid down. and affirmed and reaf-
armed in several eases. And in course
Of time it may prove Sneet and TO our
interest TO carry out aInIeXation, regard
less Of any danger OF control OF the is
lands by foreign nation. But. in the
absence OF any menace OF annexation by
others. annexation by us at present
would be very doubtful policy. IL is a
question that should command the
Eravest consideration. coupled with great
caution. The Hawaiian debt OF not ex-
seeding 100000 1t is proposed to assume
represents but small part OF the cost
involved In concentrating the treaty II
we annex. we must be prepared 10 pro-
iect and hold against all corners. The
'"rssstion policv carries with II the