The San Francisco call., 1897-10-03

1t is impossible for me at this time to
enter elaborately into the Hawaiian situa-
ton. l expressed my opinions briefly in
an article in the August Forum, and d ur-
ing the coming session / anticipate par
ticipating quite fully in the discussion
which Will atteud the consideration of the
pending treaty. | have no objection,
however, to stating in a general way some
of the grounds upon which | stand.
Perhaps | ought to say that l have been
always very definite as TO my impre ssions
ir this regard. and my conclusions are
thoroughly understood. ICppose annexa.
ton because the carrying out of such a
policy will not result in benefit to the
peo pie of the United States. l concede
that Ii mited mum ber of individuals will
profit by the ratification of the proposed
treaty. The gentlemen who will make
substantial gains are among the most
estimable citizens of the United States,
and l would rejoice at their prosperity,
but do not feel justified in yielding my
convictions of public duty that persons
for whom l have respect may become
wealthy.
1t is urged that the posses ion OF the
Haw allan Islands is necessary for pur-
poses of national defense. 1 nave always
regarded this claim as absurd. In order
10 protect our coasts we need that which
We do not now possess-adequate forti-
fications and numerous war vessels thor
oughly equipped. When the large guns
now in process of construction are located
according to the present plan a. San Fran
cisco and San Diego, those cities Will be
tolerably guarded but the rest of our
ocean front will be at the mercy of the
enemy. How can it aid The Pacific Coast
to fortify islands 1000 miles from our
shores? We cannot make it easier TO pro-
tect ours elves by acquiring other territory
which needs protection.
Ii we take the islands we should defend
them. Such, at all events is the theory
of those who advocate annexation. Every
now and then some one announces that
England or Japan intends to intervene.
Two or three days ago one of our admi-
rails declared that Japan would undoubt-
edly attempt to prevent annexation.
These and kindred announcements are
daily publ.sh for the benefit OF those
who are easily deceived. There will be no
opposition 10 annexation from Japan or
England or any other country. The most
people OF The Sandwich Islands. Homo
lulu is about $500 miles from Japan. We
have for years notified the world that we
intend to preserve Hawaiian autonomy,
and our wishes in that regard have always
been respected and are specially conceded
by England and BY japan. The only con.
troversy 10 which Japan is party is with
reference to compensation to which she
claims she is entitled on account of trans
actions not necessary here to enumerate.
This controversy will, no doubt. be set
tied in ! amics bic manner. | might add
that Eng land does not want Honolulu for
for itication purpose as her magnificent
establi, hment at E>quima.t is nearer
home and is closer 10 the path of Asiatic
commerce and fully answers all her needs.
1t IS moi generally known that the usual
sailing route frcm San Francisco TO Asia
does not bring com cree anyw lrere in The
neighbor ood of Honolulu. Do we need
the islands for commercial reasons?
Plainly not. Our proximity as such that
the trade must continue to be as it has
been with the United States, unless, in
deed, discriminating impositions are
levied, which no one mere desires. While
many well-informed persons believe that
the prevailing treaty gives Hawaii too