New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-12

CONCLUSIVE ARGUMENTS FOR ANNEXA-
TION MADE BY Mr.. HIT.
tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TEIBuSE.l

I OF the Committee on Foreign Affairs opened the
debate on the Hawaiian annexation resolution
in the House OF Representatives to-day there
was an unusually large attendance OF members
OF that body and the galleries were well filled
with spectators, whose interest in the subject
outweighed the physical discomfort caused by
the superheated and impure atmosphere Both
sides OF the house. well as OF the question:
were strongly represented. On the list OF mem
bers who had requested opportunity to speak
In favor OF annexation which Chairman Hit
had in his possession were the names OF dozen
/ Democrats and Populists. about one-half the
number belonging to those parties who have ex-
pressed a determination to vote for the Joint
resolution on Wednesday.
OBJECT LESSON FOR THE MEMBERS.
A big globe and lar. map showing the geo.
graphical situation and relations OF Hawaii had
been brought into the hall and placed In the
open area facing the Speakers desk. and these
were surrounded all the afternoon by members
OF the House. studying the geography Of the
! Pacific Mr.. Shafroth OF Colorado with tape
IN hand. made repeated measurements Of dis
tances on the globe. and appeared to be trying TO
convince other members that Hawaii is Of no
consequence to the United States. Mr. Shafroth
Is opposed TO annexation. Mr Tawney. OF MIN
nesota, who IS ardent anncxationist and who
/ spent some time in Hawaii last year also took
hand and dwct strongly on the Importance
and necessity OF the acquisition of the islands
| by the United States and pointed out its ad-
vantages Speaker Reed Joined the group once
and seemed to be an Interested listener TO the
! geographical arguments and demonstrations. but
| he did not remain long
CHAIRMAN HITS POWERFUL SPEECH.
The shifting group about the globe and map
never grew very large for most Of the mem
bcrs preferred 10 listen to Chairman HIT whose
able and luminous arguments In support OF the
joint resolution commanded the closest atten-
ton and interest of the members f-om start 10
finish. His speech will rank among the most
luminous convincing and powerful ever deliv
cred on the subject. and his array OF arguments
In favor of annexation was imrregnable. he
was interrupted many times by other members.
GONE Of whom appeared 10 he seekers for peril
nent information. which he able and ready
to give
Mr. Hit reviewed the provisions Of the New
lands resolution being practically identical
with those OF the treaty before the Senate and
the which was negotiated five years aeo.
Thus. he said. the question old one.
Annexation met with The approval ~ the
Hawaiian Republic. ard there was nothing OF
constraint suggested by the resolution. The
only question To be considered was whether II
would be wise FOR this Government 20 take what
offered Referring To The strategic i'm
portauce OF the islands he said they constituted
small territory. but nevertheless nineteen
great Powers constantly kept their representa-
tives there To watch their interests. because of
their peculiar location.
MI Hit quoted many naval authorities In as
ser,ions that possession of the isarls was of
great ifnportance. and he pointed out that no
fleet could come from Asatic waters 20 operate
against the PacAc Coast without touching at
Hawaii for supplies ard recalling The control
Of the islands would be practically An efrectuai
barrier to attack upon Western interests
HAWAII AND THE PHILIPPINES.
As Illustrating the value OF the islands. the
recent victory Of ADMIRAL Dewey and the ncccs-
sty ~ sending rcinforccmenis 10 him were re-
viewed This work OF reinforcement could not
be accomplished unless the American ships
touched at Honolulu to recoal Otherwise the
ships. and notably the monitors. would exhaus:
their supplies AMI be helpless In the sea before
they could reach he Philippines.
Referring TO the present attitude ~ Hawaii In
its open friendship and aid 20 the United States
involving the violation Or neutrality laws before
the whole world. Mr.. HIT contendcd that spain
would have just and enforceable claim against
the Hawaiian Republic for all damages done 20
her by American forces aided hy Hawaii in
violation or neutrality. This country "hould not
hesitate TO relieve Hawaii 81 the prospective
burden and 10 show appreciation Of the friend
ship manifested by those in control ~ the Gov
ernnent given In defiance OF the entire world
and Of all neutrality laws Mr. Hit read from n
dispatch OF recent date from Minister Sewall.
In which he said: The strongest influence has
been brought TO bear upon the Government to
urge II 10 declare neutrality,
Mr. Hit paid tribute TO the character of the
Americans who have established a republic In
place Of a monarchy In Hawaii. and now dare
70 act Independently of the world In time OF
war. After reviewing other revolutionary move
ments he said
These are the same men who took worthless
Queen and threw her from her throne When she
attempted to disregard property rights ana ig-
more the Constitution wrung from her prede-
cessOr.
Mr.. Hit spoke for not quite an hour much of
the time being occupied with interruptions by
members who asked questions.
WEAK CASE WE'LL PRESENTED
Mr.. Dinsmore. OF ArHanaas. Who opened the
debate in behalf Of the minority. spoke with
great huency and energy. and probably made
as good "A showing FOR that side OF the case as
VIII any OF the speakers who may follow him
or course he troubled on account OF what
h, alleged 10 be the nnconstitutlonnity Of the
proposed legislation. and he devoted consider
able attention to that aspect Of the case. Mr. |
pinsmora had also provided himself with big |
map and with meteorological and other data
from the Weather Bureau, with the aid or
which he attempted To demonstrate that the |
Aieutian Islands. which already belong 10 the |
United States, are Of greater geographical ana
strategic Importance and value. not only as |
basc OF military and naval operations against !
anv foreign Power I'm the Pacific but also az a |
ba sc Of defence for the Pacihc Coast Some or
Mr. Dipsmores geographical discoveries were |
ms new and startling his assertions were |
original and surprising. The force OF his argu-
ment Was considerably weakened by his adrnis- |
sior toward the end Of his speech. that the |
annexation Of Hawaii by the United states
,,rnieht some time become necessary but that