Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-05-11
HAWAIIAN ANNEXATION.
A Letter From Thomas Jefferson That
is Timely for Democrats.

A Letter From Thomas Jefferson That
Is Timely for Democratic.
To the Editor of The Evening Star:
When the joint resolution for the annexa-
ton of Hawaii comes up in the House,
there will be upon the desk of every rep
resentative Mr.. Davis report of March 1G,
1898, from the committee on foreign rela-
tlCns OF the Senate. A careful reading of
that document is Incumbent upon each
MEMBER who considers himself responsible
to his constituency
1t is presumed that he will vote intelli-
gently and periodically be he democrat or
republican.
The changing front of the world forbids
an adherence to effete traditions. The fol-
lowing from Thomas jefferson may posi-
lily serve to open the eyes of some hoo
doCed democrat:
MONTICELLO. October "A, 1923.
Dear Sir: The question presented by the
letters you have sent me is the most mo-
mentous which has ever been offered to my
contemplation since that of independence
made US nation. This sets our compass
ard points the course we are to steer
through the ocean of time opening on us;
and never could we embark on it under
circumstances more suspicious. Our first
and fundamental maxim should be never to
entangle ourselves in the broils of Europe;
our second should be never to suffer Europe
TO interfere with cisatlantic affairs. Ameri-
ca North and South, has 4 set of interests
distinct from those of Europe, and pecu-
liarly her own. While the last is seeking
to become the domicile of despotism our
endeavor should be to surely make our
hemisphere that of freedom. One nation-
st of all, could disturb us in this pursuit
She now offers to lead and accompany us
in it. BY acceding to her proposition we
detach her from a band of despots bring
her mighty weight into the scale for free
government and emancipate continent
at one stroke, which might otherwise linger
loES in doubt and difficulty.
Great Britain is the nation which can do
us the most harm of any one, or all on
earth; and. with her on our side, we need
not fear the whole world. With her, then,
we should most sedulously cherish cor
Gial friendship; and nothing could more
securely knit our affections than to be
fighting side by side for the same cause
Not that l would purchase even her amity
at the price of taking part in our wars.
But the war in which the present PROPOSE
ton might engage us, should that be its
&C nsequence, is not her war but ours Its
OBJECT is to introduce and establish the
american system of keeping out of our
land all foreign powers; of never permitting
those of Europe to NEEDLE with the affairs
of or nation.
The control which, with Florida point
this island (Cuba) would give US over the
Gulf of Mexico and the countries and the
isthmus bordering on it, as well as those
whose waters would flow into it, would I'LL
up the measure of our political well being"
Tine unanimous vote of the House, oblit-
Grating all partisan feeling, would be a Just
rebulle ID a Senate that has failed to arise
to the height of a great occasion. MesSrs.
Bailey Underwood and Lewis might We'll
pause and reflect.
]. d. PENNYBACKER.
May 10, 1898.