The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1898-03-08
". G. Irwin Believes Cuba COHll
Almost Supply the World.
FIGURING ON THE FUTURE
If Americans Secure ControI-Ho-
nolulu Rapid Transit and Tele-
phone-Irwin on Annexation.

w. G. Irwin and family are home in
Hawaii after an absence of three
fourths of year. All are in excellent
health. They are at the Waikiki home.
The Oceanic S. S. Mariposa brought
back to the Islands these prominent
people. From early yesterday morning
till late in the afternoon Mr.. Irwin.
who always is busy man, devoted his
time to affairs at the big establishment
of W. G. Irwin & Co. Ltd, and to per-
haps total of 80 callers. Mr.. Twins
interests here are large and many,
and while he has received reports on
business constantly, he used consider
able time yesterday with his lieutenant.
Walter NJ. Giffard, receiving direct per-
sonal information, determining matters
that have been held in allegiance
against his return and issuing orders
touching his heavy and numerous in
terests.
In short interview granted a re-
porter for this paper, Mr.. Irwin touch
ed upon a number of topics of interest
to the community and the whole coun-
try. A few months ago there was wired
from Chicago an interview with Mr..
Irwin on the subject of annexation. 1t
was to the effect that he had taken the
position that considering all the cir
cumstances of the political and com
mercial situation, both here and in the
United States, the annexation of the
Islands by the great Republic would be
the best thing for Hawaii Mr.. Irwin
confirms this expression. He says he
had no intention of permitting himself
to be interviewed, but that the newspa-
per men came to his rooms at the hotel
even after he had declined to receive
them They asked him about Claus
Spreckels and Mr.. Irwin remarked he
understood Mr.. Spreckels to be opposed
to annexation from an American stand
point
While in the States Mr.. Irwin made
his headquarters at Philadelphia.
where his brother-in-law is interested
in the great banking house of Morgan
& Co., and Drexel. From this city Mr..
Irwin made trips quite frequently to
New York and Washington. He was
in the National Capitol part of the time
President Dole was there as a guest of
the United States. Mr.. Irwin says he
is one Of those who at first rather ques-
toned the policy of Mr.. Dole making
the trip, but he is now convinced that
it did no harm at all, and really had a
good effect. Mr.. Dole was cordially and
enthusiastically received everywhere,
and left the impression that he was
strong. safe, honest and earnest man Of
high ability. Mr.. Irwin speaks particu-
larry of the reception given at the Ha-
waiian Legation, under the direction of
and Mrs. F. M. Hatch. in
honor of Mr.. Dole. This was remarked
by all as being one of the most sue
cessful and brilliant social affairs
Washington had seen in long time
Mr.. Irwin said he had only glanced
about the city. but was surprised and
pleased with the activity in the line Of
Upon a request for IN
formation as to what he had done con-
corning the telephone company. IL hav-
ing been reported that he was making
heavy purchases for the local service.
Mr.. Irwin said it had been his thought
while in San Francisco. to look about
for a new plant and a new superinten- I
dent, and that he done so far as to en-
gage an up to date manager. Getting
word from Honolulu that a new ar
had been made here in an
amicable manner, he had dropped the |
matter entirely
Another report about Mr.. Irwin. that /
has had currency here, was in effect
that he proposed to enter the city sur
face rapid transit business and had
made an agreement with the Hawaiian
Tramways Company. Ltd. At present |
Mr. Irwin, as the heaviest holder of
stock of the Hawaiian Electric Com
pany. Ltd, is interested solely in the I
sale of power as a merchandise. The
plant here is capable Of furnishing
power for city electric line with the |
addition of very little more machinery.
An engine or two and couple Of heavy |