Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1902-08-12
pRoEITING BY ANNEXATION.


ton, Has Hawaii profited by the COM
mercial and political stability which
to the United States made
. fact?
1t is problem of many phases by
virtue of the not unusual custom OF
holding annexation" responsible for.
many unpleasant factors of commercial
and political life which have no more
connection with II than the
mountains of the moon. 1t is i'm
possible to deny that these Islands
have gained remarkable CONNER
cial strength through the mere
presence of the flag and the procla
nation of American ownership. II this
Territory has not realized on the full
measure of prosperous peace which
was hoped. the cause for it is to be
found either in Hawaii or conditions
in the worlds market over which this
Territory has no influence and even the
American nation exercises no control.
Annexation has brought hundreds OF
thousands of dollars TO these Islands
which could not have been secured un-
der former conditions. Annexation has
built magnificent new business blocks
and comfortable homes. Annexation
has broadened the scope of Hawaii's
commercial and mercantile activity in
every way. II has laid the foundation
for making Honolulu one Of the most
attractive cities Of the world and
Strengthening every industrial and
commercial enterprise throughout the
Territory The rapidity with which we
build upon this foundation rests with
the people of Hawaii.
Depending almost exclusively on the
profitable production OF sugar, many
citizens are inclined to hold annexa-
ton" to account for the present de-
preston in the sugar market True.
annexation revolutionized labor con-
ditions but IL certainly has nothing to
do with the market quotations of our
chief product. Hawaii can better af-
ford to pay the high price of labor
than revert TO former governmental
status with its constant risk OF a
possible revoking OF reciprocal favors
when our business men would be fore
ed to pay a duty out of their three
cents and a fraction.
II this Territory were carrying on
the public work which its resources
justify. If its government were sup
piled with the funds which are the re-
suit of wise legislation. the pinch OF
hard times would be no such positive
reality as that now experienced by the
working classes. Conditions in this
Territory today are nothing If not a
demonstration that the people have
not profited by annexation and that II
rests solely with them whether they
/ will or not. Whatever failures have
been registered, the mistakes or the
! refusal TO make the most of our oppor-
/ tunities can properly be charged up to
the people of Hawaii, whose lack OF
unity has allowed such things to come
to pass. The situation today is exact
ly what 1t was on August IL, 1898
American sovereignty and the Legal
machinery of government is here. II
Is up TO the people of Hawaii to say for
themselves and decide for themselves
what they will do with it. They car
destroy or they can construct. They
can bankrupt the government ant
guarantee continuation of hare
times Or they can put the government
on a solid footing and thereby guaran
tee a return OF prosperity that will
make the Territory what it ought to b,
and what is expected of 1t.
The time is at hand when citizens
OF this Territory will prove to them
selves and all interested In the Island
whether IL is possible for them /,
profit by experience. 1t would seem a
II they had had enough. Annexation
made each individual citizen a fire.
agent. II placed in every mans ham
the worlds greatest weapon-a ballot
II this is to be used to satisfy petit,
spite or prejudices, the Territory will
have another season Of experience.
It Is used as intended, TO carve out
progressive future, then, and not Ill
then, can 1t be said that the people O
these Islands realize what annexatio
T means and are in state of mind tina
will enable them to profit by anneXa
ton.