The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1898-12-24

country now try to force the hands OF
that great nation?" This language used
| and published by the Bulletin, an annex
alton journal, on the day before and the
day neutrality was abandoned by the
Government, is reprinted an appendix
to this historical sketch.
The Star, another journal representing
the annexation political party, could say
no more on the subject than these words.
OF nonsense talked about neutrality. 1t
is absolutely Impossible for the Govern
ment to take cognizance until official in
formation arrives.
The Advertiser advocated the mainten-
ance of neutrality on the ground of in
ternational obligations, and for the fur
ther reason that Hawaii had already put
herself completely at the disposal of the
United States, by ratifying the treaty of
annexation. The editor of the Advertiser
privately urged the Government to pass
the law which Mr.. Hatch and Mr. Thurs
ton had recommended giving President
Mckinley the power TO use the Islands
The language used was do everything
that the Government at Washington
wishes or asks you to do
The views of the Advertiser re-
gardng neutrality We're entirely dis
sented from by President Dole, in
private, and not assented to by any
nal did not ask for, and never had any
confidential relations with the Govern
ment 1t expressed it's own views without
any reference to Government opinion.
The notice of actual war was received
al this place on May 7th. On May 10th.
three days later, and by the very next
dressed to Mr.. Hatch the following let
ter:
Honolulu, May 10th, 1895.
Dear Mr.. Hatch:
By this mail a telegram will be sent
YOU in regard to a proffer of our support
to the American Government in the ex-
listing hostilities with Spain.
| have yet received no reply to my
q EXPRESSING
have suggestions from the American Gov
ernment as to our attitude IN the pending
hostilitieS.
Under the circumstances we feel at
loss as to the course we should pursue.
While we have no thought of proclaim
ing Il state of neutrality, recognize
the possibility that an outspoken adher
ence to the fortunes of the L. 5. might
for the time being be an embarrassment
to that country in some way or other,
as for instance, causing an increase OF
its war responsibilities
We feel that it is desirable for this Gov
ernment to follow a definite and consist
ent course under the circumstances, and
that there should be no unnecessary de-
lay in the matter
We have therefore decided to forward
the telegram mentioned instructng you
to confer with the President of the l. 8.
and ascertain If possible what action he
would like to have US take, and If he eX-
presses a definite desire, looking to a
treaty of alliance, you are authorized TO
negotiate such treaty.
Government can afford TO the [. 5. under
the circumstances may be slight, yet 1t
is of character that may be important.
The obvious items would be: asylum for
American armed. ships and prizes in our
ports. privilege of refitting and proVis-
ioning armed ships and prizes, privilege
OF maintaining a coal supply on shore and
the privilege OF recruiting soldiers and
sailors in our territory.
Beside the guarantees of protection on
the part of the L. S. in such treaty,
have no suggestion to make as at present
advised. Very sincerely,
(Sig) SANFORD p. DOLE.
President Dole did not even wait for
any reply TO his letter addressed to Mr.
Hatch on April 18th asking him to obtain
suggestions from President Mckinley as
TO the attitude that Hawaii should take
While the two representative journals OF
the annexation political parties had eth
er remained Indifferent, or as 1t was in
the case Of the Bulletin, had declared
against any alliance with the United
States, unless it was backed UP by the
presence of a strong squadron" and the
Advertiser had differed with the Govern
ment in its view of the matter, the Gov
ernmert acted with such CELEBRITY that
only three days after the news of the
declaration of war was received 1t for
warded by the first outgoing steamer, an
offer of alliance.
On the 18th of May, 1898, Mr.. F. NJ.
Hatch. Minister in Washington. sent the
following dispatch to the Foreign Office
of Hawaii: