The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-02-08
CAPT. MAHAN ON HAWAII.
a LETTER IRON HIM READ IN
THE sENATE,S SECRET SESSION.

No sasSws would re Compelled TO Take the
Isinnds 20 succesaruiiy Defend the Pacific
Ceast In the Event or Wharf.-The Friends or
Annexation May Resort 10 the MorEan NIL.
WASHINGTON. Feb. Ex-senator Teller OF Col
orado had the floor in the secret session Of the
Senate the greater part OF this afternoon in tho
debate on the Hawaiian annexation treaty. but
the most interesting part Of the discussion de-
veloped late in the day. when Senator Kyle
of South Dakota read n letter writ
ten him by Capt. Mahan Of tho navy,
In which tho value of the Hawaiian Islands as q
strategic point, and their vast Importance to tho
United States on that account, was pointed out.
This letter caused n lively discussion. and an
effort was made on the part OF some Senators,
notably Mr.. White Of California, to at
tack Il. Capt. Mahan said that tho TEL
ands werc easily made dofensible, and he as.
serted that while 1t might happen that an enemy
could take them. that chance was very remote.
II, on the other hand, the United States over got
into q war with q foreign power that was In DOS
session OF those islands. the United States would
be compelled to take the islands before it could
hope TO successfully whip tho navy Of the
power which should attack this Government
on the Pacific coast. This would be absolutely
essential, because. as he pointed out, those
islands could be made a base of supplies that
would make excursions against the American
coast possible that would, without them, be Inn
possible.
Tho most important point made in the letter
was the fact that without the islands 1t would
DO utterly impossible for any nation to SUCCESS
fully attack us on tho Pacific coast. With our
high.power guns they could not successfully
bombaEd our coast cities, and 1t would be
bet q matter of a few days before they
became dead hulks on the ocean. owing
TO tho impossibility of securing coal. Under
those conditions Capt. Mahan held that they
would become the easpprey of our own ships OPP
Grating from our coast cities and the islands. II an
attempt was made to use transports in carrying
coal, Capt. .Mahan said that could be easily
frustrated BY the use of fast cruisers. which
post be looked upon the islands as Of incalculable
benefit to the United States. The letter made a
marked impression on the Senate.
expression in the debate indicating that posi-
thirds vote. Mr.. Teller in the latter part of his
remarks suggested that, 4, might be necessary
annexation of the islands. By such means
only E majority vote Is necessary, whereas in
S Soes Is reasi has sun Me- Tof T 81 a f bea so n sMS.ih VICE
touched upon this phase Of the case and
the leaders when he indicated that this
method might be taken up. There seems to
be q general impression among Senators that it |
or three votes still needed. It is understood
bhhb tlio VII lbCihllOIlb, hU IIS |
meeting on Wednesday morning, will consider
this matter. and the chances are said to DO
favorable to this method being resorted to to
bring about annexation.
Mr.. Pettigrewo of South Dakota will speak to- |
morrow against annexation.
In the, Senate's open session Mr.. Morgan
Dem.. Ala) gave notice of an amendment to
the joint. resolution offered last week by
n%exation Of the Hawaiian Islands. The
amendment declares that the republic Of
Hawaii, established. and based upon its
present Constitution. is a rightful Government,
the United States of America and by other great
powers without any question by any nation as
to its riRhtful and sovereign independence;
that such Constitution is the true and
Government of the republic; that, in conform.
ity with it. and SO long as it continues in force.
the powers OF the Government reside in. and are
to be exercised BY the incumbents of the depart.
the constitution; that, the lawful cleo
path OF alleEiSnce prescribed there
that the Government Of the republic Of Hawaii
having in due form signifed it's consent that the
Hawaiian Islands. with all the territory appur.
tenant thereto. shall be annexed to and be-
States Of America, and shall be subject to the
national power and sovereign jurisdiction there
Of: and that lit is hereby enacted and declared
that said cession is accepted, ratified, and con-
nexed as part Of the territory Of the United
ereign dominion thereof"
Mr.. Davis Rep,, MIMI. Chairman of the
the original. resolution and proposed amend
ment be referred to that committee. After a
snort debate the motion was agreed to. |