Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-06-18
FlLiBUSTERING THREATS
According to Custom They VIII Yield
when they See Their De-
feat Assured.

The threats of maintaining a flibustel
against Hawaii for ap indefinite time ap-
pear to emanate from very few men. II
Is regarded as probable that majority OF
those opposed to anpexation will not BIZ
willing to enter into,,a fruitless and dis.
creditable fight, but will insist that they
have performed their duty, from this point
of view, when they have made clear the
grounds OF their opposition and have voted
against the resolution. The sugar trust
men Will not be satisfied with this sort OF
opposition; but it will be difficult thing
for them to keep up a prolonged fight
which Is not approved of by the entire OPP
position to annexation. One reason why
the Senate has been able to maintain its
traditional Hberality of rules is that 1t is a
hiibuster shall not be prolonged after it is
known that there is clear and unmovable
majority on the other side.
Effect of a FiIibuster.
To attempt to maintain a flibuster in
antagcnism to pronounced majority
would be to disregard the traditions OF
the Senate and would lead to no end of
trouble in the future. The only filibuster
in the Senate that is recognized as legiti-
nate is one which is sympathized with by
enough men who cannot come out openly
to warrant belief that a real majority do
not want action. No such condition of
affairs exists in this case. 1t is conceded
that there is a majority determnedly in
favor of annexation who cannot be shaken
In their convictions 1 or be induced to
abandon the fight.
The opposition. while claiming to receive
encouragement from senators who are sup
posed to favor annexation, make no pre-
tense that there is enough of this to war
rant the hope that a majority can be in
duced to abandon or to postpone action on
the resolutions.
Claims of Sugar Trust.
The friends of the sugar trust claim
promises from only three senators, Aldrich,
Hale and Allison, and the latter has posi-
lively denied being under obligations Of
any agreement. The friends of annexation
concede that there are two senators who
should be counted for the resolutions, but
who will not assist in forcing a vote. But
this does not effect the majority and, there
fore. gives no warrant for a filibuster.
1t is said that neither Gear, Mills nor
Daniel will join in a filibuster, and 1t is
known that number of other senators IN
the opposition deprecate any attempt of the
sort. White, Pettigrew, Jones of Arkansas,
Turpie and Faulkner are believed to be
about the only ones who are insisting on
making a prolonged fight against the recog-
niZed inevitable, and Mr.. Aldrich is said to
be strongly encouraging them. There is an
inherent weakness in, the opposition, which,
according to all ordinary calculations,
based on experience and the traditions of
the Senate, should render a prctracted fill
buster impossible. TIE belief of the friends
of Hawaii is that a vote on the resolutions
can be had in seven Of eight days, and an
adjournment is counted on for about June
30. But, while believing this, the majority
is determined ana pledged to hold the ses-
sion until vote has been taken. and it is
known that the House will not consent to
an adjournment while the question is still
DendirR 81 y