The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1898-03-26
Continued from 1st page.)

Navy which we possess, a Navy for
whose building and maintenance we
have voted appropriations with such
pride and qualification. fancy, sir,
that since the Navy has developed
into such formidable proportions
there has sometimes been displayed
by certain classes spirit OF
IMPATIENoE AND AaGREssIvENEss
toward other countries which was
hardly BETTING a peaceful and
mighty people. 1 imagine that it
has bred in certain quarters spirit
of belligerency almost bordering up
on insolence.
Sir, as plethorio treasury leads
to great schemes OF public plumber,
so does a well-equipped army or
navy sometimes lead to rash conduct
upon the part OF those who possess
it-conduct which often results in
injury to the people. Applause.
The Army and Navy were created
to defend, if necessary, the rights
and territories which we possess,
not to conquer other territory or
even to patrol and defend territory
to be acquired by peaceful anne1a-
ton. The Navy, sir, unless l great
ly misconceive the purpose for which
it was called into existence, is de-
signed to avert hostilities rather
than to provoke them. Proud Of
our seamen, conscious that in case
of need they can be implicitly relied
upon to do their whole duty, let us
nevertheless see to it that their
prowess is not misdirected, and that
their lives are not imperiled in wan
ton and unjustifiable war.
Mr. Chairman, it may seem to
some gentlemen that l have been
premature in the remarks which by
the courtesy OF the members OF the
Committee on Appropriations 1 have
been allowed to submit to the COM
mittee this afternoon. 1t may be
possible that l have laid myself
open to the criticism Of having
take II too prompt hold upon the
forelock of time; but, sir, my pur-
pose has been to sound an alarm
and
TO PLANT A STANDARD
to attract the attention OF this COM
mittce and, il it will do me the
honor to hear the words of one so
humble as myself, the attention of
the country to the dangerous char
acter OF the proposition now pend
ing in the Senate. / may have failed
in this. II so, sir, / shall at least
carry from this Chamber the con.
seriousness that l have tried, in my
feeble way, to discharge what l re-
gard as great and patriotic duty.
The treaty now pending in the
Senate l have every reason to believe
will fail. When it has failed it's
friends and advocates there will
supplant it with bill for the an
nexation of the Sandwich Islands.
l doubt not that such a bill will
pass the Senate and will be sent to
us for our concurrence. Sir, when
that time comes, If the Senate of the
United States has failed to rise to
it's high traditions, il it has failed to
see the dangerous character of the
measure and has given it its assent,
let it be the high prerogative of the
American House of Representatives.,
fresh from the people, to put upon
it the seal of their condemnation.
[Applause.
trust, sir, when that time comes,
that we shall not rush with indecent
haste to determination, that we
shall not be animated by the spirit
of jingoism, that we shall be able to
read between the lines and content
ourselves with superficial survey
Of the situation. l trust to God that
the matter will not be made party
question. In its very essence it is