Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-17
Of the Island republic to the extent Of

Hawaiian legislative assembly.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
In his message regarding the treaty,
tho President called attention TO the
fact that legitimate and existing gov
ernment Of Hawaii offered 10 annex the
islands to the United States in 1851, but
on account Of what was deemed the
best policy the annexation was not ac-
cepted by this country. He stated that
the United States had virtually exer-
cised protectorate over the islands
since the first American mission. and
guaranteed the autonomy of the govern
ments OF the group. The islands had
been largely settled by our own people.
and our people wero now interested in
them. American interests predominated,
and we had grown TO consider the is
lands under our protection. The pre-
sent treaty was IN the light Of a con-
summation of what had practically been
in existence for years.
Referring TO the treaty negotiated un-
der the Harrison Administration. Presi-
dent Mckinley said that the failure to
accept the proffer Of annexation in 1893,
while not a subject of congratulation.
was not wholly without It's value as 1t
has demonstrated that the existing gov
crnmeut could maintain itself. and no
question could be raised Of the authority
OF the present government TO negotiate
the present treaty. or OF its right TO
yield the sovereignty Of tho Islands.
TREATY Will BE PUSHED.
Senator Davis. chairman Of the Senate
Committee on Foreign Relations, is
very ardent anneXatlonist, and the
treaty in his hands viii be pushed with
vigor. While he will not attempt TO
have it considered. if IL interferes with
the tariff bill. which has the right-of-
way over everything now, he will have
early action in committee, so that the
treaty will be taken up whenever op-
portunity offers.
While there is a very large sentiment
in favor Of ratification. IT will be neces-
sary to convince a number of senators
whose votes are necessary that the treaty
is a proper measure as these senators are
among the doubtful men in the Senate.
who have taken no stand either for or
against the measure. Friends of the
treaty say that the attitude of Japan and
the comments of the English press viii
have tendency TO create an American
sentiment in favor of ratification. Sena-
tor Chiffon. of Texas, says he is opposed
to the annexation Of Hawaii. If it is 70
become a State. He presents a PROPOSE
tion that, in case of annexation. Hawaii
should be divided into counties and made
a part Of oregon or Washington so that
no political party can at some future
time. in some eXigency, admit the islands
as "A State, and secure two United states
senators. Senator Wilson said ne would
be glad to have Hawaii added TO Wash
ington.
Senators Bacon and Clay, and some
others who are not inclined to oppose
ratification say that they think there
should be no hasty action. While not
declaring themselves in favor of the
treaty they say they wish to give it care
ful consideration.
DANIEL FOR ANNEXATION.
Quite a number of Democratic senators
are believed to favor ratification. Among
those who are said 10 be actually in favor
Of the treaty. or lean that way, are Sena-
tors Morgan. Turpie, Daniel. Rawlins,
Cockrell. Roach, and McLaurin. The
Populists are pretty generally supposed
to be in favor Of ratification, although
no expression has been heard from Sena-
tor Allen.
Senators White Of California, and CAT
fery. OF Louisiana, are considered among
the most vigorous opponents of ratihca-
tion. and it is believed that Senators Gray
and Mills OF the Foreign Relations Com
mittee. will also oppose ratification.
Ii is regarded as utterly impossible to
make anything like an accurate estimate
of the strength OF either the annexation
lists or the opponents at present. The
fact that there is such a strong feel
ing among some senators that any action
should be postponed until the next ses-
sion prevents the making of any esti-
mate Of the vote in the Senate.
BRITISH PRESS COMMENT
LONDON, June 17.-Alost of the morn
ing papers contain editorials on the pro-
posed annexation of Hawaii.
The Times says: THE United States
Government has made a new departure
from it's historical policy. The action
Of Japan is hardly likely TO retard the
Senate's speedy action Of acceptance of
the treaty, for the Senate at the present
time will not pay much Difference TO
the feeling of the country. Such an
acquisition Of foreign dependencies will
bring Of necessity a new and serious
foreign policy which cannot in all cases
be determined by an unlimited applica-
tion Of Monroeism. VIII America pursue
the colonzng course upon which she
has now entered? President Mckinley
tries hard TO represent the case as
wholly exceptional. but the forces tend
ing in an opposite direction are very
strong"
The Standard says: 1.-THE event will
be a severe check to the Japanese notion
that the Pacific islands are their ulti-
mate heritage. and it will be a gracious
act on the part of the United States 10
allow Japan's treaty rights to continue.
ANYWAY. 1t Is likely that Japan's pro-
test can be made effective. Even the
United States would have thought twice
before fighting had the japanese seized
Hawaii. The natives would be better off
than before Without doebt the Amer-
cans will soon build fleet 10 protect
their Colony"
The Daily Telegraph says: "No politi-
cal complications are likely 10 ensue,
but II is for the Americans TO square
annexation with the Monroe doctrine.
England's interest in the event is only
sentimental"
The Morning Post says: president
Mckinley should be satisfied TO shelve
the matter. now that he has brought IL
before the public. Japan is not likely TO
consent without a struggle; England viii
require q 'quid pro quo, and the AFFAIR
will scarcely escape the notice or the
Australians"
The Daily News admits that the United
States has a superior claim, and expects
that the japanese protest will be merely
diplomatic.
SPANISH FORCE DESTROYED.