The San Francisco call., 1899-12-06

has occurred by reason Of the peculiar
status which the Hawaiian Islands at
present occupy under the joint resolution
OF annexation approved July Z, 1888.
While by that resolution the republic Of
Hawaii as an Independent nation was ex-
tinguished, its separate sovereignty de-
stroyed and its property and possessions
vested in the United States, yet COM
plete establishment for its government
under our system was not effected. While
the municipal laws OF the islands not en-
acted for the fulfllment OF treaties and
not inconsistent with the joint resolution
or contrary to the constitution of the
United States or of any OF its treaties
remain in force, yet these laws relate
only TO the social and international af-
fairs of the islands and do not touch any
subjects OF Importance which are OF a
broader national character. For exam
pie, the Hawaiian republic was divested
OF all title TO the public lands in the
islands, and is not only unable TO dispose
of lands 10 settlers desiring to take up
homestead sites. but is without power TO
give complete title in cases where lands
have been entered upon on lease or other
conditions which carry with them the
right 10 the purchaser. lessee, or settler
TO have full title granted TO him upon
compliance with the conditions prescribed
by law or by his particular agreement Of
entry. Questions of doubt and difficulty
have also arisen with reference TO the
collection Of tonnage tax on vessels COM
Ing from Hawaiian ports; with reference
10 the status OF Chinese in the islands,
their entrance and exit therefrom; as TO
patents and copyrights; as 70 the register
OF vessels under the navigation laws: as
TO the necessity of holding elections IN
accordance with the provisions Of the
Hawaiian statutes for the choice OF va
rious officers and as TO several other mat
ters of detail touching the interests both
OF the Islands and Of the Federal Gov
ernment.
BY the resolution Of annexation the
President was directed to appoint five
commissioners TO recommend to Congress
such legislation concerning the islands as
they should deem necessary or proper.
The commissioners were duly appointed
and after a careful investigation and
study OF the system OF laws and govern
ment prevailing there. they prepared q
bill 10 provide a government under the
title OF THE Territory OF Hawaii" The
report Of the commission, with the bill
which they prepared, was transmitted
by me TO Congress on December 6. 1898,
but the bill still awaits final action.
The people Of these islands are entitled
TO the benefits and privileges OF our leg
islation. but In the absence OF any act Of
Congress providing for Federal courts IN
the islands. and for a procedure by which
appeals, writs OF error and other judicial
proceedings necessary for the enforce
ment OF civil rights may be prosecuted,
they are powerless 10 secure their en-
forcement by the Judgment of the courts
OF the United States II is manifoldly
important, therefore. that an act shall
be passed as speedily as possible erect
ing these islands into a judicial district.
providing for the appointment OF a judge
and other proper officers and methods OF
procedure in appellate proceedings, and
that the government of this newly ac-
quired territory under the Federal con-
stitution shall be fully defined and pro-
vided for.