The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1898-01-17
NEARING THE END.

The most encouraging news that the
anneXationists have received for
long time came by the beated Moana.
The newspapers, private letters. pri-
Vate kilograms, and the observation of
those citizens who have Just returned
from the United States all announce
that the annexation cause has gather
ed immense strength, in spite of the
determined effort of those opposed to
it. Reports vary from siNty-one Sena-
tors, according to Mr.. Thurstons
statement, to siXty-three Senators in
favor according to the very latest tel
egram received.
When people here were somewhat
discouraged, it was pointed out that
great gain had been made, when the
party leaders of the Democratic wing
did not make the annexation matter
party question This left those Demo-
Gratis who favored annexation free 10
vote in its favor, and it is among the
Southern Democrats who were counted
as our bitter opponents, that we have
received an accession of strength.
There is no doubt that the action of
the European powers in the East. has
opened the eyes of many of the Sen
ators to the immense Importance of
the Islands both from military and
commercial reasons. Before the Eu-
ropean hand began to close on China.
1T seemed almost a dream that Euro
pean interests would center around
the Pacific. At least such an eventu-
atty would seem to be far off, and the
denoument might be waited for. But
the object lesson came suddenly and
swiftly. 1t has become plain that the
commercial key of the Pacific must be
grasped now, or that some other hand
may make grab for it. 1t is the re-
alization of this fact that has made
many of those, who were opposed to the
treaty, become strong advocates of IT.
OF course the condition of affairs
had all along been predicted by the
anneNationsts, but il is one thing 10
listen to an argument, however well it
may be put, and totally different
thing to see the. premiss of that argu-
ment come out of the righteousness of
o.. superstition into the hard light of fact.
The course of the European powers in
China is no supposition. 1t is there, ii
hard, indisputable fact, and from that
fact a good deal of theory, of very
valuable kind can be based.
The United States must maintain
her position among the nations of the
earth, above all the United States
must occupy the commanding position
in the Pacific Ocean. The greatness OF
the commercial future in this ocean is
beginning to dawn upon those of the
United States Senate who. from natur-
al causes, had been unable to realize
what the conditions here were.
Not only is the cause of annexation
hopeful, and almost assured. but those
who are opposed to and working in the.
interests of the eN-Queen, are begin
ming 10 lose nearI. EVEN JulluS raj
mer, who has so persstently cham
pioned her cause, has come to look up
on it as ii lost battle.
The annexation cause is good
cause, Il cause which aims at the bet
terment of these Islands, cause
which will give the inhabitants a far
higher degree of liberty than they
have ever enjoyed, cause which VIII
raise the country TO IA position which
it never has, and never could, occupy
save in this way alone. The advant-
ages to the United States are great,
but the advantages to the people of
this country are incalculable.
May the consummation of this event
be not delayed, and may, within few
weeks, the Stars and Stripes be once
more raised on the Islands to remain
floating over the outpost of American
civilization into the dim ages of flu
turity,