The herald., 1898-02-22
THE SENATOR'S VIEWS
WHITE NOT A CANDIDATE FOR
REELECTION
MAINE DISASTER PROBLEM
Believes It Was an Accident-San
Pedro's Prospects Bright-A
Tribute to Barlow's Work

Senator Stephen M. White has arrived ir
Los Angeles and is very busy In TIE trans
action Of private business which requires
his personal supervision. He will remain
here but few days. The senator appears
in the best of health.
When asked for his opinion regarding the
San Pedro .harbor question. Mr.. White re-
piled:
"As far as San Pedro harbor is con-
| cerned. I see no reason for any scare
There was apparently ground for distrust
some time ago, when 1t was rumored that
| the house committee on appropriations
would eliminate the appropriation recon-
mended for the first years work, but upon
inquiry, and as the result of a careful can
vass made before my departure, l con-
cluded that the house committee was IA
vorable to the cause. and have no rea-
son to distrust my conclusion.
1.-The senate has always sympathized
with the efforts of our people to secure a
harbor at the point selected by the govern
ment experts. i am therefore confident
that IL any mshap shall occur in the house,
which do not anticipate, 1t will certainly
be rectifed in the senate.
"It Is due Representative Barlow to
state that he has been exceedingly active
regarding San Pedro. He has contributed
in a most substantial degree to the bright
prospects of this great improvement
There are prophets of evil In this as
we'll as other communities with reference
to San Pedro, but their views upon the
subject up to this time have never been
verified. Whereas the declarations of
those who have really made the tight have
been uniformly vindicated.
1.-The contest has been a remarkable one,
and am satisfied that it is fast approach
ing final and correct solution
The senator was highly gratif1ed but
not surprised, to learn from advices re-
ceived last evening that the San Pedro
appropriation of $500. 900 had been favorably
reported upon by the committee of the
house.
ANNEXATION DOOMED
He expressed his views in reference to
the annexation of Hawaii as follows:
'In my judgment the Hawaiian treaty
will be defeated. 1t has been publicly as
serted and not denied that those favoring
it have not yet asked to fix date for the
vote. have had good deal to do with
the contest against the proposition. and
in my absence Senator Faulkner will keep
track of the situation l have canvassed
the senate quite thoroughly, and unless
there is a change of opinion the attempt to
IOrce annexation pUTOusH. dl iedSt III lHS
form Of a treaty, will miscarry.
"As to a joint resolution having the same
object, l cannot but reach the same con-
clusion. A public discussion cannot assist
annexation, and there Is no precedent for
the admission of territory or dependency
by joint resolution. Texas was admitted
as a state in this manner. and although
there was grave doubt as to the validity
of this procedure, 1t was justified under
A. Of
of the Constitution. which gives congress
authority to admit new states mot ter
ritories or dependencies). 1t Is very un-
certain when q vote will be taken on the
Hawaiian treaty.
THE MAINE DISASTER
"As to the Maine incident. see no cause
for present excitement, and warlike DEM
onstrations are decidedly out of place. The
solid American citizen, who Is, happily, of
the majority. waits until he has the facts,
and then acts promptly and decisively.
1.-The navy department, which Is fully
equipped for the work. is making an inves-
tigation. If it shall turn out that some
wild-eyed fanatic destroyed the ship, no
war will certainly or probably result.
1.-The question of Spain's liability in that
event will depend largely upon variety
of circumstances, not necessary now to
enumerate. But II it shall appear Gin ac-
has been an accident merely, 1t will be our
duty to carefully consider whether the
trouble has been occasioned by faulty con-
struction of inefficient management.
I have every confidence in the ability of
the officers already appointed to make a
thorough investigation, and while cannot
avoid impressions, I do not propose to In
dulge in threats or belligerent remarks un-
til there is some basis warranting such at
titude."
The senator politely declined to discuss
the question as to Spains responsibility
for the individual acts Of any one, should
such prove to be the case in the destruction
of the Maine, as 1t would be rather in
tricate problem in the absence of evidence
as to all material propositions.
NOT A CANDIDATE
Senator White has previously announced
his determination not to become candi-
date for reelection, and repeats again:
II have no reason to change the views
have already frequently expressed, that
will not be a candidate for reelection,
owing entirely to business reasons.
"As far as politics is concerned,
do not think there is any fair-minded Re-
publican who does not believe that his
party will be defeated in the November
elections"