New-York tribune., 1901-09-01
BISHOP POTTER ON HAWAII.

Bishop Potter in the current number of "The
Century records his impressions of Hawaii and
makes some interesting obsel vations concerning
the past, present and future relation of the ISL
ands with the United States. We believe that
since Bishop Potter went to the East and came
back with the opinion that all his countrymen
were not scoundrels wantonly seeking the en-
slavement of angelic barbarians his views are
not treated with the same respect as those OF
Sixto Lopez or Edward Atkinson by the esoteric
anti-imperialsts. Nevertheless, with the great
body of intelligent Americans his words carry
weight as those of thoughtful impartial, indie
pendent and honest observer. SO. while the
particular partisans in American politics of the
former royal house. of Hawaii, who still from
time to time denonnce annexation as the work
of adventures" wicked enough to have mis-
sonaries for fathers may not because of him
suppress their occasional displays of Ill temper,
general public opinion is likely to indorse the
Bishops idea that annexation was duty the
United States owed to itself and to the islands.
Bishop Potter says he is not an imperialist.
but that in view of the situation in Hawaii he
does not see how the United States could have
done anything but grant the request of the
forces in Hawaii making for progress that they
receive the protection of the nation which
brought civilization to the islands. He COM
pletey punctures the arguments of those who
talk about the ideal native of pre-missionary
days. He was with much natural charm per-
son of the very lowest type morally, given to
unnamabe vice and human sacrifice. Under
the Kamehamehas a strong and good native
government under American tutelage was main
tanned, but later the governing instinct of the
race seemed TO be exhausted, and the native
monarchy was the tool of the offscouring of
civilization, and such domination it was neces-
sary to overthrow The Bishop does not hest
tate at all to face those who sneer at considera-
tions of policy as unworthy He says:
One need not be dazzled or blinded by the
glamour of imperial expansion in order to rec
ognze that no republic such as ours can draw
line round its domestic territory and ignore Its
duties and it's opportunities with reference 20
the rest of the world. We must trade with other
countries than our own: and II we have any
thing good that they have not, we must needs
wish, and. even though there should De pecunl-
ary proTit in it, may rightly wish 10 impart II
10 them. But we cannot do this unless we can
get at them. and we cannot get at them without
the physical resources and convenences which
shall enable to do So Now. the Hawaiian
Islands stand pre-eninently for one of these
conveniences. No traffic with the great East
can be maintained except at almost ruinous
cost without some foothold between It's coasts
and ours for Pacific coaling station. and no
greater opportunity for the enlargement OF GER
tain departments OF agriculture and trade than
the Hawaiian Islands afford could easily be dis
covered. If we do our duty toward them we
shall find our interest in doing It. and to that
duty and to those toward whom we are to dis
charge 10 there Is no great world power that ia
so near Geographical commercial and
moral considerations here seem all TO point one
way
Proceeding to discuss present conditions
Bishop Potter notes fact Of exceeding impor-
tance in the discussion OF the future political
status Of the islands. Nearly twO-thirds OF the
people are other than Hawaiian-a significant
commentary on the tears OF those who weep
for the ancient dynasty as the representative
OF the people of the islands. II Is at present
not easy Ia forecast what race will be ulti-
mately in the majority. That should give pause
10 the reckless sentimentalsts who want 10
rush Hawaii into the Union n State, No man
can tell what this natural eddy In the stream
of moving humanity may be hereafter. Even
now the progressive and reactionary elements
dispute for the control. At any time influences
adverse to order and 10 the best interests OF the
United States in this stepping stone TO the Orr
ent might become dominant The American
people have n delicate and difficult task in the
islands, and II would be the height OF folly for
the Federal Government to surrender at any
time that complete control which would enable
il 10 meet any emergency.