The herald., 1898-10-07
Some Facts About
Hawaii, New and Old
ssssssseoeesessssssss

about this time, as the old almanacs
used to say, we are getting at the facts
of Annexation Day" and the state of
things generally in Hawaii.
When the native flag came down the
great mass of the lookers-on were IN sad
mood and sobb.ng was heard on every
hand among the natives. There Is no dis
agreement in the accounts of the cere-
monies of taking down the old flag and
hosting the new. Not only was the occa-
sion sad to the natives, but there was little
enthusiasm anywhere, and the official GER
emonies were performed In a hurried and
perfunctory manner by the designated
actors.
The later advices as to the feeling In the
islands are In line with the first news.
There is no very cheerful outlook in any
direction, while the natives in great num-
bers are petitioning for the old order again,
failing to realize that the whole plan Of
annexation Is fully consummated.
In addition to this there is some unrest
over the presence of a large body Of SOL
diers in Honolulu, whose demeanor has
not been altogether quieting to the people.
Nor has there been any improvement in
business or business prospects, and the
new country with opportunities for en-
ployment and business ventures, are
disappointed and most of them in
sore straits. Warnings have been
sent out that there is no chance for en-
ployment, and even the expected boom in
real estate has not been felt. So on the
whole, there are no very fiattering results
SO far, from annexation.
This leads ono back to state of things
not so new, but which it is wholesome TO
consider. Perhaps, indeed, candid con-
sideration could not have been had earlier
There has all the time been a glamour
about this annexation business that has
not made easy full and fair examination
of the question on It's merits. From time
to time 1t has been urged that If we did
not take Hawaii others would. At one
time it would be Japan that was ready to
pounce upon it; and then it would be Eng
land; and, again, 1t would be Germany.
But 1t now appears, as most fair-minded
persons thought at the time, that there
was never any foundation for the alleged
fears of the men who have been promot-
ing the annexation business for years.
Every little while q concerted movement
was made to inflame this country by set
ting forth danger from abroad, but with
out the slightest basis of fact, as has been
proved But the genesis of this
whole business lies farther back than the
political movements of these last years.
and It is here proposed to consider 1t In the
light of what all the people are now in a
way to see and understand, since all par
tisansh.p ought to be ended, and the only
question Is how to treat the Hawaiian peo-
pie. And to know how to treat them. and
meet all the possibilities of the case, 1t be-
comes important to recall the events that
attended the overthrow of the old govern
ment.
Minister Stevens went to Hawaii in 1889.
and at once commenced to write to Secre-
tary of State Blaine about the existing
conditions, and represented that there was
a growing American feeling there. In
1891 he had become so convinced that some-
thing ought to be done in response to this
feeling that he asked for a war vessel to
be sent out. Finally, on March Sth, 1892,
Mr.. Stevens wrote this remarkable letter,
whose significance was imperfectly under
stood by the American people till long af-
terward, if it was ever really read by the
people generally:
surprised and overturned by an or
derly and peaceful revolutionary move
ment, largely of native Hawaiians, and
provisional or republican govern
ment organized and proclaimed, would
the United States minister and
naval authorities here be justified
in responding afflrmatively to the
call of the members of the re-
moved government to restore them
to power or replace them in possession
of the government buildings? Or should
the United States minister and naval
commander confine themselves exclu-
sively to the preservation of American
property, the protection of American
citizens and the prevention of anarchy?
Should a revolutionary attempt of the
character indicated be made there are
strong reasons to presume that 1t
would begin with the seizure of the
police station, with its arms and am
munition, and, this accomplished the
royal palace and government build
ing, containing the cabinet Offices and
archives. would very soon be captured.
What answer was made to this does not
lppecr, but on the 14th day of the following
January, a meeting of persons desiring q
peaceful revolutionary movement" asked
Minister Stevens If troops from the Boston
would be landed to preserve order If re-
distance to peaceful revolution" should
De made. Minister Stevens replied that the