The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-06
The Ex-Queen Of the Sandwich
Islands
Says She Is Going Home to Ad-
wise Her People
no SUBMIT TO FATE
Become sCitizens Of the
United States.
Expects Pay For the Crown
Lands COnfiscated.

San Francisco, Aug. Sin an inter
view ex-Queen LiIiukalani Of Hawaii
said:
The two years which have spent
IN Washington seem like an age to me.
1t has been such hard work, too, and
the climate has tired me very much.
have no complaint to make about
your Washington officials. They treated
me most kindly. They gave me the
ceremonies, and every one received me
in a friendly spirit. But all my work
has gone for nothing.
Il was just on the point of success.
The annexation scheme, am sure, was
defeated when the war came. The
military spirit of the people swept away
all considerations of right and justice,
and I could do nothing. That is why
am going home to my people to ex-
plain why failed; to show them that
1 had done all that 1 could for their
liberty; to tell them how their indepen-
dence was lost; to advise them to sub
init patiently to fate"
Then your majesty will command
your subjects to oppose the American
ruler"
Il have no longer the right to COM
mand. They are not my subjects now;
they are my people. But 1 am conf
dent that their love and respect for me
are as deep as ever. They will do what
tell them. know that any active
opposition to annexation would be fu-
tile and I should be sorry to lead my
people into difficulties. Unless they
take steps of their own accord, shall
do nothing If they hold a great mass
meeting, as is the native custom, and
call upon me by an overwhelming vote
to oppose annexation, I will of course,
help them all in my power"
Where does your majesty propose to
live when in HaWaii?"
IT shall, of course, travel about the
Islands a good deal and visit my people
and care for their welfare. But when
at home I viii live in my own house at
Washington place, where my dear hus-
band and spent so many happy years.
1t is one of the finest houses in Homo
lulu, you know
Does your majesty expect to regain
the crown lands which were taken from
you by the republic?"
Il do not know she replied. ST can
not tell what will be done with the
property of which I was so unjustIy de-
prIVed- But am sure that a, great
and honorable nation like the United
States will not treat me with injustice
Before this war broke OUT said the
queen, I had every hope that 1 would
come into my own again. If annexation
had been defeated the movement for
the restoration of the monarchy would
have gained strength enough to sweep
the republic away. My people never
voted for the republic, but at least IS
per cent of them would have voted for
my return to the throne.
Everything now depends on the
manner in which the commissioners the !
United States is sending to Hawaii set |
tie the government. If they treat my
people well and give them the full |
measure of liberty which they deserve !
all will be right.
1--WE were the most civilized race in |
the Pacific" went on LiIiuOkalanL 1--WE
belonged to the family of nations. Our
representatives were to be found in ev- |
cry court We had all the machinery
or modern government, our people were
educated and knew how to vote inteIli-
gently. 1t is a very different thing |
from annexing colony of another ma |
ton or capturing a group of savage |
Islands like the Philippines. Hawaii |
has a just claim to the preservation of !
her state rights. If the nation is to be |
absorbed by the United States then it |
should pe admitted to the union and
the Hawaiians should be granted the
same rights and privileges as are ac-
corded to any other portion of the race
Then, again, some special provision
must be made for the introduction of |
Asiatfc labor, or else all the sugar plan
tatiOns will be ruined. It will never do
to stop the coolies coming there alto
gether'
But are not there enough men now
on the Islands to work the plantations ?"
Yes, there are enough coolies now
but If more were not allowed to come !
you can see that the supply would soon |
run out, and there would be a great
rise IN wages. Then it would be i'm
possible to grow sugar profitabIy, and
the Islands would be ruined"