The Washington times., 1902-03-31

Washington from monarchial England was
conferred upon the people by the Consti-
tuition; third, by treaty.
THE Republic of Hawaii based its right
to transfer Hawaiian sovereignty upon the
success of the revolution of 1898, and its
success in quelling subsequent insurrec-
ton against its authority. But let US
look into the circumstance surrounding
these events and the methods employed to
obtain success. In 1898, the Queen re-
signed the government, not from fear oil
hostilities with the insurgents, but be-
cause United States Minister Stevens
raised the American flag and landed Amer
lean marines TO ntimidate the natives
The Queen believed that her resignation
of the throne was made to the United
States. not to the insurgents, and did
so under protest, resting her case for
restoration in obtaining justice from
Washington Government.
"The United States rerudiated the acts
of its Minister as unauthorized. Thus MIR
Stevens acted in a personal capacity as
an insurgent Consprator, fraudulentiy
using the power of the United States vest
ed in him for his own personal ends. But
the United States failed to restore the
Queen and the insurgents remained in
power. being recognized the de facto
government of Hawaii 1t may be con-
tended. with ample precedent, that
deception is a fair war measure and that
successful revolution establishes title TO
sovereignty.
"Tbe Republic Of Hawaii repeatedly at
TEMPTED to transfer to the United states
by treaty. its alleged title to sovereignty
in consideration for recognition OF speclai
privileges for white citizens, alleged to
have been earned by the Dole party
through having braved the dangers OF war
against the colored citizens of Hawaii,
waged. il is claimed, to establish civilized
government.
II cannot concede that government by
dictatorship is in any sense in sympathy
with the spirit of modern civilization, or
the principle that any contingency can
arise affecting the private interests of
minority which can supersede the un-
alienable rights of 4 majority.
The private interests OF a minority
must abide the consequences Of the po-
litical evolution of Its environment. Might
makes right, in history, only when mighty
enough to compel an acquiescence of the
majority.
Congress Influenced.
Congress must have been influenced by
some such reasoning in refusing the re-
peated applications of the Republic of
Hawaii for annexation to the United
States. But in 1898 President Mckinley
annexed the Hawaiian archipelago as
war measure.
Therefore. Hawaiian sovereignty
passed to the United States by conquest,
just as much SO as did the sovereignty
of Porto Rico. and on June IA, 1900, Con-
gress, true to time -honored precedent and
the spirit of the Constitution, re-trans-
ferred this sovereignty by organic act to
the people of Hawaii texcept Asiatics),
with special privileges to none giving
them a fuller measure of independence
and liberty than they had ever enjoyed;
thus has the hereditary and constitu-
tional title to Hawaiian sovereignty
reached its rightful destiny. There are
no private interests involved except those
of the Queen of Hawaii, and she has no
claim, in fact, because annexation was
brought about by conquest, but she has
valid claim in equity which only Con-
gress has jurisdiction to consider.
THE transaction is entirely without
other complication, for the compact has
been duly ratified by general election
in the Territory, held under the super
vision of United States officials, at which
nearly a full vote was polled. The Dole
party, through the Republic, established
no claim to special privileges for whites,
conserving private interests. either in
equity or in fact.
1T is important to note this point as
clearing the way to an intelligent con-
side-ation of the present complications
that initiate against the operation of
harmonious self government in the Ter
ritory of Hawaii.
Equality of Suffrage.
81 cannot think it necessary. after the
foregoing presentation of historical facts,
10 argue extensively the question of equal
suffrage for white and native Hawaiians.
Congress has declared itself on this point,
and even if discrimination against native
citizens should be constitutional (under
the recent decision OF the United States
Supreme Court. it is doubtful If a Re
publican Congress could be induced to
pass law granting special privileges to
whites whatever the apparent provoca-
tion.
Such a measure would be complete
of the failure OF the Nc
KiHicy policy and establish precedent for
a colonial policy, which is, or must be.
Democratic doctrine. as / understand it,
1t is claimed that the native Hawaiian
is unfit for the responsibilities of self
government Even If this were true,
which it is not, the Dole party is
'estopped' from claiming special privi-
leges for whites, on the ground OF ex-
pediency, by the rule | have already laid
down, namely, The private interests of
a minority must abide by the conse-
quences of the political evolution OF it's
environment.
But private interests of greater mag
nitude were not affected by admitting to
equal suffrage practically illiterate ma
tive populations in Texas, California, ART
zona, and New Mexico, while the Ha-
waiians show an educational qualification
Of IS per cent-the largest percentage
showing OF education for any people in
the world.
And what American dare assert that
such a people, animated by a lofty senti-
ment OF liberty, capable of self organiza
tion for seven years in a common cause,
in the teeth of an armed force, are not
the very best clay on earth out of which
TO mold intelligent, patriotic, sovereign
self governing citizens.
Can Be Good Citizens.
But let me not appear by the compari-
son TO be thereby disparaging the capaci-
ty of my white Hawaiian fellow citizens
Tor also becoming in time good American
for l submit. Mr.. President. if !
you can catch a high-handcd, domineering |
lristocrat tame him and make him bow |
his proud head TO the sovereign will of !
The people he has hitherto held in con- |
Tempt, you have, sir, created natures !
own nobleman.
The most autocratic aristocrat on /
earth is he who. by perseverance in lofty /
purpose and faithfulness 70 duty, becomes |
he ennobled favorite Of a sovereign. all !
potent people.
HAD the late President Mckinley been !