The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1898-01-17
WHO CAN TELLp
Dead for this Session and Per-
haps for All Time.


ed States Senator George @. Perkins
spoke these words yesterday in an
interview.
The Senator shrank from stultify-
ing himself, for it was only a matter
OF fortnight or so ago that he
stated plainly and publicly that in
his opinion nothing could prevent
the annexation OF the Hawaiian
group by the United States at the
present session of Congress; that it
was a party measure and an admin
istration duty, and must be done.
He frankly admitted that deaf ear
was to be turned to the prayers and
petitions Of the unfortunate people
to whom the little islands really be.
long, and that practical seizure was
to be Uncle Sans new and hereto
fore despised achievement.
1t goes without saying that the
Senator, who is man of honest
convictions and man of his word,
really believed what he gave utter
ance to at that time. But he has
been to Washington and has met bis
fellow statesmen since he gave voice
to those sentiments. He has found
that what he had previously believed
to be an overwhelming and irresisti-
BILE demand for the theft of help
less peoples home was instead the
unpopular and tottering hobby OF a
doubtful few.
Yes, annexation is. dead, and,
honest man that he is, Senator Per-
kins confesses it, even though he
realizes that by doing so he is GER
tain to bring down upon his head
walls Of spluttering wrath from
certain inebriated branch OF the
press and job lot OF demagogues
and lingo tricksters.
The Senator was seen yesterday
by Call representative at the Office
OF the Pacific Coast Steamship Com
pany. In the course Of the CONVEX
sation the Senator remarked that he
would prefer to express his views
privately rather than for publication
The reporter, after thanking the
Senator for the compliment express
ed in the desire for onfidential talk,
observed that The Call requested a
statement for publication.
"If you quote me-" remarked the
Senator, II must be guarded in ex-
pressing an opinion, so as not to
seem inconsistent with my recently
published interviews. may have
my own opinions about annexation.
AS an individual / am not in favor
Of annexing the islands, but | do not
think it is right for me to wrap my
self in the robes OF my self.knowl.
edge and take position contrary to
what | believe to be the sentiments
Of the people whom / represent in
the Senate"
"What are the chances, Senator,
of the treaty being ratified by the
Senate?" was asked
That's point on which | do not
want to be quoted as expressing an
opinion. feel bound to vote for
annexation, as it is an administration
measure and the majority of people
in California, | am convinced, desire
me to so vote as their representative.
| think, however, it is extremely
doubtful il the treaty is ratified"
"On what grounds do you base
your doubt"
"Well, some of the leading Sen.
ators like Mr.. Hoar aud Mr.. Morrill, |
are inclined to oppose annexation
on the ground that it is dangerous
departure from the long established
foreign policy Of the United States.
The Democrats talk of making OPP.
position a party measure, and in
that event only Senators Morgan
and German would be- active advo-
Gates OF annexation among the SEN
ators OF that political faith. 1t is
true that Senator Morgan counts on
the support OF his colleagues from
Alabama and Senator Money of
M;ss;aa;nn; The Ponnliafa- Gan