The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-05
Hawaiian Annexation.

Briefly stated, / am opposed to the
annexation of Hawaii for the following
reasons:
"First-They are not necessary eth
er as a military or naval defense. or
for the purpose of commerce.
"Second-They are not on the cross
roads of miner of the Pacific, nor
do vessels carrying passengers or
freight from America to Asia stop at
Hawaii for coaling or provisions, or for
any other purpose, except where they
have passengers or freight to or from
the islands.
"Third-The possession of the islands
would be a weakness rather h a a
strength. and would necessitate either a
large increase in our navy in the Pa
cifc or else a division of our present
navy. which division would render cas-
Ter its destruction by the ships of a
hostile nation.
"Fourth-The islands are OF no value
in aiding Admiral Dewey in his pres
ent possession of Manila, or in assist
ing the United States in retaining pos
session thereof in the future.
"Fifth-A shorter and more desira-
BILE route from San Francisco to Manila.
from San Francisco to Hong Kong,
and from San Francisco to Yokohama
exists by way of the Aleutian islands,
I'm which group is situated the Kiska
islands, % miles long, with adequate
harbor. with abundance of fresh water,
a moderate climate and no obstruction
to navigation.
"Sixth-The proposed construction of
the Nicaragua canal by he United
States will be in no wise aided by the
possession of these Islands. nor will the
commerce which may pass through that
canal when constructed be defended by
fleets established at Hawaii. Such de-
Tense will be made by fleets located in
San Francisco harbor, LILO miles near
err TO Nicaragua than Honolulu.
"Seventh-Only 5000 Of a total popu-
lation of l09. 900 are fit for citizenship.
Forty-six thousand thereof are Asiatics,
many of them being engaged in con-
tract labor
at am opposed either TO repeating our
laws against contract labor, or TO make
any exceptions as to their application
to any territory now or hereafter to be
possessed by the United States. One
Of these courses must be taken II the
islands are annexed.
"Eighth-The annexation or Hawai
forever puts IL out Of the power or the
United States to derive any revenue
from duties levied on Hawaiian sugar
which. II levied and collected at the
existing rates, would amount 10 nearly
IS, 600. 900 per annum.
Hawaiian sugar free of duty handicaps
and imperils the business of beet sugar
growing in the United States.
"Tenth-The annexation of tho
islands carries with II the assumption
by the United States OF an indebted
ness now existing Of 81. 900. 900.
"Eleventh-The proposal to amer
Hawaii Is but the first step in an ex'
tensive policy proposed to be augur
ated, which is to constitute the new
foreign policy OF the United states
government, and which Is to ultimately
ripen into n vast colonial possession sys'
tenn. Such a policy is in direct con
travention to the well established prin'
ciples of our government.
1.-THE Inauguration of that policy
means much larger and more expensive
additions TO our navy than would 9th
erwise be required TO have made.
1T means the equipment and main
tenance OF a vast standing armv. Il
means the establishment. support an.
maintenance of numerous colonial gov