Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1898-03-17
LET HAWAII COME.

The report made by Mr.. Cluff upon
his investigations In Hawaii, previously
spoken OF in these columns. is a matter
or the utmost Importance. There has
been quiet but steadily growing de-
sire among the people of this country
especially those of the western part of
It, for the annexation OF the islands
This has been met by "A hostile senti-
ment which. while II has hardly grown
has not fallen off much by reason of
constant cultivation. The arguments
one ither side have presented many good
and some bad features, and as result
the proposition has remained all this
time In allegiance, awaiting some de-
velopment Of decisive character one
way or another, and II seems now as If
the thing wanted had arrived.
Recently Senator Frank ]. Cannon
paid somewhat comprehensive visit to
the orient, and gave II portion of his
attention while absent to the Sand
witch Islands. Necessarily within the
brief time at his disposal, having COM
pleted his journey proper, he was un-
able to reach conclusions altogether
satisfactory to himself or presenting
such phases as would Justify him in
placing them before the public. His
Impressions were understood to be
somewhat against the annexation
scheme because OF the apparently nom
assimilating characteristics of the ma
tives and a consequent belief that they
would OF themselves not incline large
ly to American institutions. This,
however. as previously suggested, had
not been fully shown, and to set the
matter entirely at rest the Senator de-
clded upon the thoroughly practical
plan formerly published, which was to
send some one who knew the language
and peculiarities of the natives as well
Is having a personal acquaintance with
many of them, and to that end he
secured the services of Benjamin Cluif
Jr., principal of the II. Y. Academy,
all OF which together with the nature
OF his report are now familiar subjects
With most of the readers of the
News"
It would be The height OF perverse-
ness for any Of those who have ar
rayed themselves against annexation
to continue In that attitude after q
careful consideration of MIR. Cuffs
findings. Unquestionably his inquir-
les were carried on principally among
that class which more readily than
the others could comprehend the nature
and full meaning OF his mission; and
~. IT.. H.. 4
an awakening one to many Of such OPP
ponents-that half of that class favor
a union with this country and a still
larger proportion are against the con-
tinuance OF the present rule--ought to-
he a quietus to the policy of exclusion.
The argument upon which these have
largely relied, that the movement was
chiefly In the interest of sugar pro-
ducers,never did have much force. since
the difference as to their status could
not be changed very much because OF
the islands becoming territorial
dependency of the United States; while
the other and greater objection that
there was an adverse sentiment
on the part of the over
NHtllniilt ilhJoIlNS Ut tue ma
tive population, who were not at all
consulted In the formation of the pro-
visional government and its successor,
has been fairly set aside by the work
accomplished by Mr.. Cluff. II is now
the policy of good craftsmanship and
in the line of our national interest and
prestige to open wide the door of the
Republic and bid Hawaii enter and be
cordially welcomed.