The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1898-03-03
CERTAIN THAT ANNEXATION Is
GOING TO CARRY.
Rousing Public Reception at Cham
Der of Commerce-The President is
Warmly Greeted by Merchants.

President Dole is very diplomatic in
! his utterances about the future OF the
| Hawaiian Islands, but he believes that
annexation will carry in both houses
of Congress.
The first public reception rendered
President Dole in San Francisco was
held in the Chamber of Commerce on
Monday, February 21st.
The big hall was thronged with mer-
chants when the guest of honor enter
ed, under escort of George \. New
hall and f. II. Dimond, who had been
especially delegated by their associ-
ates for the pleasant duty. The only
attempt at decorations was in the
blending of the colors of the United
States and Hawaii. forming a back
ground for the presiding officer of the
Chamber, Vice President Charles Nell
son. President Dole sat at Mr.. Mel
sons right hand and Mayor Phelan at
| the left.
President Dole was warmly greeted
when presented to the assemblage by
the chairman. His words were main
ly those of appreciation for the kind
nesses of which he had been the recfp-
lent during his pilgrimage to Wash
ington. He said:
again in California among the kindly
people who are my neighburs and my
friends. In travelling about the Unit
ed States | met so many people who
were cordial TO me that it made me
feel at home, and | felt also the Ame-
rlcan citizen | fondly hope to become.
have learned what it is to he killed
by Kindness, and | felt that | might
succumb if carried too far. | desire
now to testify to the welcome | have
met from officials and citizens of the
United States. 1t has been a matter
of great qualification to me and shows
the deep interest of Americans in the
future of the Islands.
Il feel that in coming to this Coast
L am in the midst of people who un-
derstand thoroughly the possibilities
OF the future commerce of the Pacific
Coast. We are. of course. the people
who are going to share in the profits
and prosperity that must result This
great development is fully understood
here, and it would be well if il could
be understood by everybody Owing
10 my official position, I am not pri-
vlleged to talk freely on every subject
that has to do with annexation.
Il visited Washington aware of the
Importance of annexation to nv coun-
try. | went in order TO study and to
confer with government officials. and
have gained much knowledge on the
subject. We have done all we can do
IN the matter. and it now rests with
the United States Government. I am
glad to be with you again and thank
you for the cordiality of your well
come"
After a telegram from President
Hugh Craig. extending conpratulo-
tions to President Dole. had been read.
Mavor Phelan spoke He said in part:
There is n division of opinion on
all matters, and annexation could he
no exception TO that rule. There was
opposition to territorial acquisition to
the continent on which we live. We
are in n progressive age. however. and
as times change we change with them.
We are not tied to tradition, but we
strike out boldly for ourselves. There
was opposition to the admission of
California to the Union; many people
not being IN favor of it,
The commercial interests of San
francisco favors annexation. as we
would do more business and make
more money. In this respect it is
proper for the Chamber of Commerce
to express its desires that annexation
be brought about, especially when the
Islands are rendered as a free gift TO
become part of American territory for
ever"
Irving NJ. Scott was the last speak
err. He dwelt on the stragetic position
of Hawaii in case of war. At the con-
clusion of his address those in attend
ance were introduced to President
Dole.