The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1898-05-25
Especial Despatch to The Call.l

New YORK, May 5-A Washing.
ton epecial to the Herald says: In
mediate action by Congress on the
resolution for the annexation OF the
Hawaiian Islands is most earnestly
desired by the administration,
Chairman Hit of the House Com
mittee on Foreign Affairs called a
special meeting OF the committee
to-day to consider the annexation
resolution introduced 10 the House
by Representative Newlands. The
m after was discussed in all its de-
tails, and it was found that the reso.
luton would have an overwhelming
majority in the committee-twelve
Of the members being in favor of it
and only three against it,
Final action was not taken at
to-day's meeting, however, for the
reason that it was thought that
Commodore Dewey's report of the
situation at Manila might render
some change in the form of the reso-
luton desirable. Chairman Hit
gave notice that another meeting OF
the committee would be held on
Tuesday next. Final action on the
resolution will then be taken, and it
will be reported to the House. The
present program is to have it
taken up in the House and passed
not later than Thursday.
Strong arguments in favor of i'm
mediate action were advanced in the
committee this morning. 1t was con-
tended that the possession of the
islands was absolutely essential for
war purposes at this time, aud that
whether Congress acted or not, we
might be compelled to use Homo
lulu rs a base OF supplies. The
necessity OF Immediately reinforcing
Commodore Dewey and OF sending
him enough troops to enable him to
hold the Philippine Islands and
maintain order among the Spaniards
aud the natives was referred to.
1t was pointed out that his report
would probably indicate the neces-
sity OF Immediately dispatchng an
expedition to Manila with troops
aud supplies. From San Francisco
to Manila by the most direct route
is about 1000 miles. As any ships
that may be sent out would be ex-
p-cted to travel at the highest posi-
BILE rate OF speed they cannot econo.
mize in the use Of coal. As all the
ships which will go will be heavily
loaded with ammunition and sup
plies OF all kinds for Commodore
Dewey's feet and for the land
forces, it will not be possible for
them to carry more than their
normal supply of coal. II they are
to replenish their bunksrs an route
it must be done at Honolulu. There
is no other port in the broad ex-
panse Of the Pacific where coal can
be obtained.
One Of the first vessels that will
be sent will be the cruiser Charles
ton. With her maximum supply of
coal on board she wou d not be able
to reach Manila even at ten knot
speed. She will be expected to
travel much faster than this,
and must necessarily replenish her
bunkers at Honolulu. Whatever
doubt may have existed as to the
status OF coal in time OF war, the
action OF all the powers since the
present war broke out has clearly
established the principle that coal
10 eontraband OF war, and that no
neutral nation can allow the vessels
of a belligerent power to take on
coal except for the purpose Of pro-
ceeding to a home port or to another
neutral port.
Such vessels Of the United States
as may coal at Honolulu will be des-
tined for hostile expedition against
Spain, and should the Hawaiian
Government permit them to coal at
Honolulu and proceed from there to
Manila the effect, under interna-
tional law. as astahlishad by the