The times., 1898-06-12

cent period Of exciting war legislation, the
galleries We're well filed. The audience
comprised both men and women and the
blue uniform Of Uncle Sans soldiers was
Well represented.
1t was made manifest early in the dis
cussion that the sentiment of the occu-
pants Of the galleries was in accord with
that prevailing on the floor; that the
idea OF an expansion of this great repub-
lie. Of an extension of its glorious rights
and privileges TO people who have not
hitherto known liberty save as an alb
stract proposition, was heartily and cor
daily approved.
The friends of annexation entered into
the fight united. enthusiastic and ag-
gressive. The other side. though repre-
sented BY men Of undoubted ability, lack
ed consistency and cohesiveness.
For instance. the two principal cham
pions Of the old theory that the limits
OF the United States must not be ex-
tended. found themselves involuntarily
and unwilling in conflict in antagonizing
the annexation OF Hawaii.
Mr.. Dinsmore. Of the Foreign Affairs
Committee. appealed 10 the Constitution to
said the Constitution recognized only one
method of extending our territorial
power; that was by the admission OF
new States TO the Union. He boldly de-
clared that il was not the purpose of the
anneNationists to make Hawaii a State
He said that no member of the House
would have the temerity to stand on the
floor and even suggest that II was re-
mOtely in contemplation TO make a state
of the Hawaiian Islands.
Mr.. Clark OF Missouri who spoke after
Mr.. DiEsmore, made the burden of his
argument the charge that il was de-
signed TO erect Hawaii into a State. In
graphic and fiorid language he depicted
the evils that would attend the admission
Of such a cOngiOmerate population into
the Union as a sovereign constituency
empowered 10 send representatives and
senators 10 Congress.
The laurels Of the day were with the
auueXatiouists, not because the other
side lacked ability or rhetorical power,
but simply because one side was in fun
accord with the overwhelming sentiment
Of the country, and the other one COM
batting against popular opinion.
The speech Of Mr.. Clark was able and
entertaining. The Missouri congressman
Is one Of The mos. powerful speakers in
Congress. He can make any subject in
teresting.
he had full swing yesterday. He was
given entire possession Of the first aisle
on the Democratic side. and in his pom
der0Us method Of speaking, he needed all
the latitude accorded him. His illustra-
lions comparisons and SMILES were
greatly enjoyed and literally applauded
even when they We're directed against
the prevalent opinion
The result Of the vote next Wednesday
IS "A IOTegOne conclusion. In view Of the
pressing need Of the Hawaiian Islands for
our operations in the Philippines. opposi-
tion 10 annexation is steadily dwindlinE
The Democrats Of the House are be-
ginning to realize that there is nothing
IL the allegation that party allegiance re
quires them to woe against the pending
resolution.
The debate was opened by Chairman
Hit of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
who presented the Importance, the neces-
sity 0f immediate annexation with unan-
swerable force and logic.
Mr. Hirr stated that the measure now
before the House was practically the
same as the treaty that was submitted 10
the Senate last year.
There was no tendency TO suppress or
subdue The Hawaiian government. The
existing government of Hawaii was not
only willing but desirous to be annexed
by US.
The only question on our part, said Mr..
Hitt, was whether the islands were worth
owning.
II is very small part Of the earth's
surface. Yet small as those islands are
there are nineteen nations continually
represented there by watchful eyes. The
reason for this Is simply because Of their
situation.
There is no batdeship constructed or
that could be constructed that could con-
Coast and get back again without using
Honolulu as a base Of supplies.
Mr.. Hit said that this was not his
opinion alone, but the opinion Of all naval
experts.
II the islands should be allowed by US
10 pass into the hands Of another nation
they could be made the base Of naval
operations which could harass our coast
and that the harbors there could be made
impregnable to all naval attacks.
For a war of defense they are most
important TO u.
Mr.. Hit called attention to the fact
that Unlted States war vessels and
transports en- route TO the Philippines had
stopped at Honolulu and had been wei
coined with open arms. He then quoted
from the laws Of neutrality and declared
that for this Government to abandon
Hawaii 10 refuse annexation, would be
10 condemn that little government to de-
structi0n.
He said that if annexation be refused
al the end Of the war with Spain every
claim for damages made by the Spanish
government against Hawaii for its open
support OF and aid to this Government
would have TO be recognized and paid
that under those conditions. even if the
President Of the United States himself
were a member Of the board of arbitra-
ton, he would be compelled TO vote to
sustain the Spanish claims.
Mr.. Hitt's description Of the American
ism Of the citizens Of Hawaii, their love
for the United States and the Stars and
Stripes were loudly applauded.
AIr Hit explained in detail the scheme
OF Japan 70 overrun the Hawaiian Islands
with japanese with the view of getting
possession Of those islands. Japan had
stipulated that her subjects should have
all the rights Of the natives. including
that Of suffrage He showed how the
plan was frustrated by the Hawaiian GOV
ernment taking refuge behind the treaty
OF annexation with the United States
Mr. HIT stated emphatically that so far
as sugar was concerned the only person
10 be affected by annexation Is the sugar
reiner. His interests would be hurt
Many questions were put 10 Mr.. Hit by
Democrats as to what would be the fu-
ture political status of Hawaiia under
annexation. Mr.. Hit said that was a
matter Of the future. 1t would rest with
Congress. He could not read the future.
Mr. Dinsmore lDem.D was the next
speaker. and Immediately launched into
a vigorous argument in opposition m the
resolutions.
he declared that partisanship did not
influence him In his position OF opposi-
ton.
His first argument was that there was
no constitutional authority for the action