Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-01-23
WITH Mr.. DOLE
VIEWS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE
HAWAIIAN REPUBLIC.
WHY HE FAV0RS ANNEXATION.
BELIEVES 1T WOULD PROMOTE THE
PRosPEkITY OF HAWAII.
II Annexation Fails, Mr.. Dole Believes
Hawai- VIII Continue as a Re-
publfc-Japan's Attitude
No Danger of Spread
of Leprosy.

OF Leprosy.
Omaha, Neb., Jan. e2.-President Dole, of
Hawaii. and his party reached here to-
Fight over the Union Pacific from san
Francisco, and left almost Immediately
for Chicago, where he will arrive to-mor-
row morning. President Dole's party COM
prises Mrs. Dole, a stately. intelligent
woman of graceful manner and presence
Major C. p. Iaukea, private secretary TO
the president, and DR.. f. R. Day, a tor-
mer Chicagoan. President Dole's physician.
The party is travelling in the Southern IA
cifc private car Guadalupe, placed at the
presidents disposal by Mr.. Huntingdon
The president of Hawaii is a man of
great stature and commanding presence.
but with go affable a smile and cordial a
manner as to convey the impression that
he is easy going rather than forceful. He
had decided before leaving Hawaii to &C
cord no interviews to representatives OF
the press before reaching the capital. but
good naturally withdrew his resolution in
part. to-day. keeping his views, however,
within the limitations that he considered
the prophecies Of the present situation de-
mand.
President DoIe's Interview.
81 have s%tudiously refrained from ac-
cording interviews to the press on an
nexation or upon matters bearing upon it
since reaching the United States" said
MIR. Dole. 1.-THE question is now before the
senate Of the United States and I deem it
fmpolitic to express my views at this time.
i am exceedingly pleased with my recep-
ton in this country. 1t was decided only
a few days before 1 sailed that 1 was to
come. and no formal notice was sent to
any Of the representatives OF the United
States of my intentions. Nevertheless, our
rarty has been cordially received and ac-
corded the most hospitable treatment. Off
c!ally We were called upon by the army
representatives at San Francisco and ten
dered a review and we made a decidedly
interesting visit to the Preside and tine
new Notifications now under construc-
ton"
His Function in the Matter.
Asked what powers had been delegated
him for his present mission. Mr.. Dole said:
mo special powers nave been granted
me. My visit to the United States was
deemed advisable by the council of state
and strongly urged by many of our infiu-
entail citizens outside of the government.
/ doubt IL any lowers could be delegated
to me unless by our senate. which does not
meet until February 16. If the treaty with
Hawaii is ratified by the United States SEN
ate without amendment, no further leg
islative action is necessary. II amended. 1t
would have to be ratified by our senate
and myself as president"
President Dole's attention was called to
the Bacon amendment to relegate the mat
ter to a vote of the Hawaiian citizens, and
he was asked whether or not annexation
would be Endorsed at the Hawaiian polls.
That is a question / would not care to
answer. but 1 think friends of annexation
in the islands are certain 1t would be adopt
ed by a large majority of the citizens"
answered the president.
"What legislation is in view by your
people in the event of annexation" was
asked.
mo specific legislation is in view. The
treaty provides for the appointment by the
president of the United States Of a COM
mission authorized to formulate and rec
ommend to congress the legislation and
forms OF government for Hawaii"
Franchise Rights In Hawaii.
THE matter of franchise is now specific
ally provided for by. our laws. For those
who elect senators there is a property and
educational qualification; for those who
elect. representatives an educational quail
ncatlon- All electors must take an oath of
allegiance to the present government and
renounce allegiance to monarchy. Letters
OI utIlLdIlOn are ISSUED 10 IOTClSnGTS WHO
lived in the island for a certain time prior
to the organization of the present govern
ment, and under certain restrictions they
have the right to vote. There is a strong
sentiment on the island against allowing
Chinese and Japanese to become citizens.
There are cases where these races have ac-
Quired the 1allot, but they are very few,
and the sentiment is adverse to their be-
coming citizens. The natives are all citi-
gems. and would have the right of fran
cbise.
Under the regulations now governing the
franchise about 1900 votes were cast in the
election of 1894 and about 1900 at the more
recent election"
If Annexation FAIL, What Then.
what effect would the failure to pass the
annexation treaty have upon your govern
ment?" was asked.
mo particular effect" was his answer.
"All that has been done by our people in
the form and establishment of our govern
ment has been in view of maintaining a
permanent republic. In the event that the
government of the United States fails to
annex the country, our government is in
good financial condition and would be
maintained. Failure. however. of the an
nexation project would seriously prejudice
and delay the growth and prosperity of
the island. Annexation would stimulate
greatly and make permanent our present
commercial relations with the United
States. We should have absolute instead of
the United States, which would stimulate
and strengthen both peoples commercially.
Should annexation fail. our sugar interests.
] believe, would suffer, while, on the other
hand. as the limit of sugar production on
tie islands has almost been reached no
hjury would come through annexation to
the development of the beet sugar industry
OF the United States.
Annexation would open to Americans a
number of industries on the island, the
most promising of which is coffee growing.
There is in this industry abundant oppor-
tunity for the employment of American
capital and labor
Labor Conditions Compared.
Asked If the competition Of cheap Aslatic
labor would not effectually bar American
labor from the island, Mr.. Dole said:
Il understand white men are working in
California and other states for less than we
pay Asiatc labor in Hawaii. Mr.. Fitzger-
aid. labor commissioner of California, SAYS
Hawaii affords a great opening for Amer
lean labor. The climate is sub-tropicaI con-
ditions of life easy and nothing TO prevent
white labor from finding at all times profit
able employment. Conditions in this mat
ter Will. l believe, be adjusted by the con-
tinuation of the plan of Notwithstanding
which has met with much success In Ha.
waii in plantation work"
How will the subjects of Great Rritain
on the island receive annexation"
They are divided on the question; some
favor annexation, Others are bitterly on
posed to IL. A number of them believe in
ment. although opposed to annexation. II
annexation is secured all of these elements
Will probably accept the new conditions
gracefully"
HI Attitude of Japan.
Has the Japanese government any in
clination to secure control OF the islands
in case they should not be annexed"
That l do not know. We are not in
touch with japanese diplomacy. and l cam
mt r Ill., T. N