The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-23
INTERVIEW WITH DOLE
HAWA.I.S PRESIDENT TALKS ABOUT
HIS MISSION TO THIS COUNTRY.
He Tells What VIII BE Done in the
Islands in Event of Annexation, or
If the Treaty Is Rejected.

CHICAGO, JAN ga representative of
the Record yesterday interviewed President
Dole of Hawaii while his train was cross
ing the Wyoming Utah boundary. Asked
what powers had been delegated him for his
present mission, Mr.. Dole said:
No special powers have been granted me.
My visit to the United States was deemed
advisable by the Council of State and
strongly urged by many of our influential
citizens outside of the government. | DOUBT
If any powers could be delegated to me I'M
less by our Senate, which does not meet I'M
til Feb. l6. If the treaty with Hawaii is rati-
fed by the United States Senate without
amendment no further legislative action is
necessary. If amended. it would have to be
ratified by our Senate and myself as Presi-
dent"
President Dole's attention was called to
the Bacon amendment to reegate the mat
ter to vote of the Hawaiian citizens and
he was asked whether or not annexation
would be Endorsed at the Hawaiian polls.
That is question 1 would not care to
answer, but L think friends of annexation
on the islands are certain il would be adopt
ed by a large majority of the citizens,
answered the President.
What legislation is in view by your peo-
pie in the event of annexation" was asked.
No specific legislation is in view. The
treaty provides for the appointment by the
President of the United States of a COM
. mission authorized to formulate and recon-
mend to Congress the legislation and forms
of government for Hawaii.
THE matter of franchise is now specific
ally provided for by our laws. For those who
elect senators there is property and educa-
q, 81.
resentatives an educational qualification. All
electors must take an oath of allegiance to
the persent government ana renounce allegi-
ance 10 monarchy. Letters OF denization are
issued to foreigners who lived on the island
for certain time prior TO the organization
OF the present government ana under certain
restrictions they have the right to vote
There is a strong sentiment on the island
against allowing Chinese and Japanese to
become citizens There are cases where
these races have acquired the ballot, but
they are very few, and the sentiment is adj
verse to their becoming citizens The ma
tives are al citizens, and would have the
right of franchise.
franchise about 1900 votes We're cast in the
election of 1894 and about 5000 at the more
recent election"
H ANNEXATION FAIL. WHAT THEN:
What effect would the failure to pass the
annexation treaty have upon your govern
ment2" was asked.
No particular effect" was his answer
"An that has been done by our people in
the form and establishment of cur govern
ment has been in view of maintaining q
permanent republic. In the event that the
government of the United States fails tc
annex the country our government is in
good financial condition and would be main,
tanned. Failure. however. of the annexa.
ton project would seriously prejudice ane
delay the growth ard prosperity of ths
islands. Annexation would stimulate great
IS and make permanent our present COM
fnercial relations with the United States
We would have absolute instead of approx
innate free trade with the people oe Tho
United States. which would stimulate anS
strengthen both peoples commercially
Should annexation fail. our sugar interests
believe, would suffer- while, on the osSei
hand as the limit of sugar production -
tile islands has almost been reached no N