The times., 1898-03-02
Lest We Forget"

the commercial necessity to provide an
outlet for the productions of a rapidly
growing population, renders it vital
that this country should not allow it
self to forget the great danger that
would be involved in allowing the Ha-
waiian islands TO pass under the control
of a foreign and rival power.
With our national attention recently
distracted by the massacre of our sea
men in Havana harbor, the full effect
OF delay in seizing the opportunity to
annex Hawaii is being lost sight of by
too many Americans. both in Congress
and out of it. But the situation OF
apathy and postponement which has
been created during the past few weeks
has not escaped the attention of others.
Even before the Maine horror, the pro-
American press of Honolulu began to
fear for results. The Star of that city
said some weeks ago: If not anneXa-
ton. what then? Ultimate absorption
by Japan is inevitable
Among the papers of other nations
there is little if any expression of hos
tiIity TO American annexation, with the
single exception of the alleged press of
Japan. In that empire opposition TO
1 the project is always considered in
any discussion Of the possibilities of
+ a Japanese alliance with Great Britain,
/ and many diplomatists of high rank,
here and elsewhere, are inclined to
think that Lord Salisbury might be
willing to trade an active movement in
support Of the Mikado in the direction
+ of the Iatter's Hawaiian ambition, in
exchange for the military and naval
/ support of Japan in the East.
That a secret understanding between
the two countries is responsible for
much OF the opposition already encoun-
tered by the friends of annexation in
Washington is sufficiently notorious;
but if that diplomatic and lobby cam
paign were to fail, then it might be that
more vigorous measures would be re-
sorted TO. Their application or other
wise would largely depend upon the in
teInational situations Of the hour. The
attitudes Of Russia would decide the
matter, and it is to our interest TO see
that our relations with the Car are
placed upon the basis of thorough
understanding without loss Of time. We
always have been able to count upon
the friendship Of his government when
--.- fp,.f+;-t, A.. .o.z,.ace,o,,c have baey
threatened but it is now highly de-
sirabIe that our authorities should know
exactly where they stand in that re-
gard. There has been, and is yet, 50
much appearance Of trucking to British
influence and to British political and
financial interests by the present and
preceding Administrations that the old
friendship for and confidence in the
American Republic may have been
weakened in St Petersburg.
Thus. the natural thing for our Coy
eminent TO do. in withdrawing its lega-
tion and consuls from Spain, would be
TO conlide American interests to the
Russian Minister. On the contrary, it
is reported that the British representa-
tive viii be selected for the purpose.
While not in any sense an affront, such
action possibly may be regarded as
uncomplimentary to the only sincere
European friend We ever had. and ii
strikes this journal that it VIII be a
very unfortunate mistake 1" make.
I'm Tho meantime we urge all Ameri-
can patriots in Congress. without dis
tmction Of party. to press the anneXa-
ton II Hawaii TO a successful issue.
Especially we beg all Democrats, both
ia the Senate and the House, to use
their influence and votes in a brave
effort 10 save the most important west
ern outpost of American commerce and
civilization from falling into the hands
81 an Anelo-Asiatic coalition.