The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1902-09-24

pleasure to introduce a resolution call
ing upon our Senators and members
of Congress to use their best efforts to
secure a treaty of reciprocity with these
islands. had the pleasure later, when
a member of the Senate of the United
States, to see that treaty consummated.
and in company with the Hon. Hanni-
bal Hamlin of Maine and the Hon. A
A. Sargent of California, 1 had the
honor to advocate the treaty of reci-
procity, by which the interests of these
Islands were so greatly aided. But for
that reciprocity treaty, in my opinion.
today this Territory would be a part of
the British Empire, instead of being a
portion of the United States.
81 advocated that treaty not from
personal or mercenary motives, but on
political grounds. Not from partisan
feeling. but looking to the broad, larger
political horizon, looking to the welfare
of these beautiful islands and to their
ultimate annexation to the United
States, and looking to prevent their an
nexation to either Japan or Great Brit
ain. We are all glad that the islands
are part of the United States, and we
look forward with pleasure to that time
when you may have a part with US in
those beneficial results which flow from
our national policies. I have been very
much interested in our trip here and
every phase of our investigation has
made a great impression on me.
Il think L now understand what is
the principal want of the country. 1t
is labor. (Great applause) What we
may be able to do we cannot tell. But
we will do what we can. We propose
to take sides with no faction. We come
here with our paper blank ready to re-
ceive Impressions, and we are trying to
get it from all sources here. We have
made no promises. We will look into
the conditions here and as they are
presented on all sides, and then will
tions to the Congress as we believe will
advance the best interests of all the
people
Again I would express our appreci-
alton of your hospitality since we came
here, and to acknowledge your kind
ness in giving us such a reception. Such
beauties as we find in these wonderful
islands seem to say to us Friends,
stay here forever but we can stay
only short time Soon we must say
goodbye, though it will be done with
reluctance.
"But the President of the United
States: You all know that when a
President of the United States reaches
that high cffice, irrespective of his par
ty, we all honor him Senator Mitchell
then reviewed the careers of the Re-
publican and Democratic Presidents for
forty years past, coming to the assas-
sination of Mckinley, and continuing:
When he went down before the assas-
sin there was a fear that the govern
meut was in peril, but the emergency
developed that the country is truly
great, for it does not depend upon one
man however large, for there are al
ways those who. will take up his labors
And if ever there was difference be-
tween men it may be traced between
the two men, Mckinley and Roosevelt
One kept his ear to the ground that
he might hear the tramp of public opin-
ion and go on with it, the other strong,
impetuous and strenuous. plunges ahead
to make public sentiment. President
Roosevelt selects for himself the path,
and ne is now our great leader. He
points the way and bids US follow.
Whoever may be the President of the
United States, we always hold up his
hands and assist in the administration.
Therefore I think that you here in
these beautiful islands will move ahead
and support and sustain in all proper
ways our great President of the United
States. Theodore Roosevelt
There was no further speechn1aking,
and after Senator Mitchell had conclud-
ed Judge Estee, waiting for the sub
sidence of the applause, announced that
he would not keep the guests longer, as
there would be a session of the Commits
sion during the afternoon. and the hour
was then far past.
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