The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1898-01-03
HAWAII IS COMING IN.
Annexation Sentiment Is Crow
ing In Congress.
SENATOR MORGAN's ARGUMENT.
He Claims That the Changed Condition OF
Affairs In Asia Makes Annexation Inn
perative-Possibility of o European AL
lance Against the United states.

congress plan TO bring Hawaii under the
control of the United States. 1t Is true
that the turn of events in the last two
weeks has served to help the cause of an
nexation. Chief among these events Is
the aggressive policy of the powers in
China. Senator Morgan, who as former
chairman of the foreign relations commit
tee of the senate, as we'll as on account OF
his distinguished ability, is looked upon
as the Democratic leader Of the senate on
| questions affecting our foreign relations,
| has declared most positively that II the
European nations are going to put their
hooks in on the coast of China the annex
alton of Hawaii 10y this country is impera-
| lively necessary.
Mr.. Morgan points out what appears to
many other observers to be true, that the
| struggle among the European nations in
the orient is quite as much for commercial
advantage as for military or strategic pur-
poses. All the nations of Europe seek out
let's for their products, for the articles fash
toned by their millions of laboring men
and their great manufacturing centers.
They must have an overflow market
field In which their superfluous young men
and women and their idle capital may find
opportunity for employment or they will
be confronted with the gravest social prob
lens at home. All these European nations
are in the business of conquest, acquisition
and colonization rs means of self preserva-
ton. They hunger for the trade, for the
opportunities which will be brought TO
their citizens in the development of great
nation like China.
Combination Against America.
Senator Morgan agrees with the admin
istration that with the acquisition Of ter
rltory in the far east we have nothing to
do, but he declares most positively we
must protect ourselves against this Euro
pean aggression on tho west coasts Of
the Pacific by taking in Hawaii. Even
the opponents of Hawaiian annexation
are inclined to admit that the changed
condition of affairs in Asia has served to
heighten the probability that we shall
take in the Hawaiian group. Mr.. Morgan
believes the European nations are acting
in concert Their aim is to erect q wall
against American competition. They want
to shut this country out Of the eastern
market.
He believes, Furthermore, that after they
have settled the fate of China among
themselves, II Hawaii still remains out in
of islands to one of themselves or perhaps
to Japan, in order that 1t may be kept out
of tho clutches of the United States. If
this should prove to be true, and such
move were ever made, it might prove
most serious matter for the United States,
for it has long been our policy not to per-
nit any foreign nation to acquire SOW
ereignty over Hawaii. Should the powers
a. tot be Init fafn
might be forced to fight and against a
most formidable allied enemy.
The claim is made that IL the CONT
mental powers are actually trying to form
an alliance against the United States, and
that one product Of this alliance is build
ing of a new Chinese wall against Ameri-
ca TO shut out trade with Asia, we need
Hawaii more than ever. If war should
ever come on the pacifc--and who can
say that it never will?-the possession Of
Hawaii in the opinion Of such naval ex-
ports as Captain Mahan and Admiral
Walker, would be worth dozen battle
ships to this country. 1t would afford q
place for coaling and Quitting 8, 900 miles
nearer our shores than tho enemy could
enjoy.
Distinctive American Policy.
Senator Morgan's argument, which is
attracting a great deal of attention here,
is that while we have nothing to do with
the land hunger of the European nations
in Asia or Africa, we should have dis
tinot American policy of our own. In the
race for trade and market we should seek
to develop our own continent and its out
lying islands. This hemisphere is the
proper sphere Of our operations. The SEN
ator points out, in this connection, that
conquest or forcible acquisition Of any sort
never was and is not part Of our policy
We acquire only through natural means,
and usually by the consent of the people
of the territory to DO taken in. On this
ground Senator Morgan claims we have a
perfect right to acquire Hawaii, because
we have settled that country, nourished 1t,
taken it under our wing, given it its form
OF government, its public spirit and most
of its capital and material development.
The opponents of annexation have not
yet given up the fight, though they admit
the chances are against them, now that
the Pacific ocean has been brought so
prominently to the front as theater of the
play of nations in the present and future.
| The enemies Of annexation will keep up
| vigorous opposition, first in the senate,
| where the question Is expected to come
up very soon, and afterward in the house
should the matter be carried to that body.
They rather expect to be beaten, but this
probability docs not take away the ardor
of their opposition or detract from the
strength Of the many arguments which
they bring to bear.
| The Cuban Situation.
Foreign questions continue to attract a
vast deal OF attention at this capital. Cuba
is again in the air. 1t Is queer about this
Cuban agitation. 1t flares up and then
seems to disappear, only to come back
again more lurid and picturesque than
ever before The latest turn of the Cuban
question is the relief asked by the prcsi.
dent for the suffering people Of the island,
and the general belief on the part of well
Informed men both In the administration
and the diplomatic world that the terrible
restitution now prevailing amongk Abe non
combatants and the action Of the presi-
dent foreshadow active intervention bv
this country In the near future. Indeed
speculation here is not as to whether or
not the president will intervene, but as To
the date Of his action. He has already
served notice on Spain that our interyen
ton may be expected sooner or later unless
| the ooDditiop of affairo a.. r..xt-