The Hawaiian gazette., 1906-12-26

iiSubo diN lllC
There is an impression sometimes
created by sensational reports that the
Hawaiian people are not reconciled &c
American supremacy in Hawaii, and
that their opposition is shown by their
political and legislative tactics.
TO understand partially the situation
one must remember that shortly before
annexation there occurred the downfall
OF the monarchy. the establishment of
a provisional government, followed by
the Republic of Hawaii, the avowed
purpose of which was Union with the
United States" During this period of
change and friction passions ran high,
and when 1t finally eliminated in an
nexation, it was but natural that some
were disappointed, others embittered.
Some conception OF the situation may
be obtained by imagining for moment
a complete change in the conditions
that now exist in America. Presume.
If you can, that the leaders of our
great Republic, supported by constant
ly increasing numbers, maintained that
the destiny of the United States was
the surrender of our autonomy in a
greater union of all the republics In
the Western Hemisphere. Suppose such
a result accomplished. Would there
not be found many, While admitting
that such situation presented n
grander and nobler future, whose
hearts would be filed with sorrow to
see the flag under which their fore
fathers had lived give way to another
symbol; to see their autonomy lost
forever?
THE HOME RULE IDEA.
With these thoughts in mind can we
blame the Hawaiians II, temporarily,
they yielded to the influence of self
seeking and ambitious leaders, who
played on their feelings and urged the
of a political party composed
purely of Hawaiians, through which.
with the preponderance of Hawaiian
voters, they could secure control and
bring about conditions similar to those
which had existed in the past?
There were, of course, many among
the Hawaiians with a wider range of
vision and greater wisdom, who argued
hat a political party which appealed
to race prejudice would not be a credit
to the Hawaiian people; that even
LHOuSh III COHlIOl u TIE
functions Of the Government, they
would need to rely, as they had in the
past, on those whom they had found
by experience to be equally interested
with them in the welfare of these is
ands.
At meeting of prominent Hawaiian
eaders just prior to annexation, those
who held out the fiattering future of
Hawaii for the Hawaiians" exclusive
y We're asked: ITO whom do We turn
or help when in difficulty? To whom
10 we Hawaiians look for assistance?
Zach and every one Of US know men
whose skins are not like ours, but who
rave lived among us many years-per-
laps born hereto whom. in time Of
rouble, we have not turned In vain,
md who we know are equally interest
ID with us, not only in these Islands,
nut in our own race, and We should
lot exclude. them from our councils or
rom our political parties"
Notwithstanding this division Of opin-
on, native or-"Home Rule" party
vas formed, and 1t swept the Territory
n the first election after annexation,
occurring a majority in both Houses.
But, lacking unselnsh, intelligent and J
eliable leadership, 1t accomplished
title.
FAVORABLE REACTION.
A reaction followed. The Hawaiian
eople were too sagacious and too well
ducated not to recognize the impossi-
ility Of a return to the old regime.
hey recognized that the race hatred
ngendered and fostered by their ire
ponsible political leaders would event.
ally bring them nothing but contempt,
nd, as their numbers were diminish
lg, their only hope for retaining per-
the privileges that had been
ranted them was by their proper and
ignified use. They perhaps have not
ct valued as fully as We might wish
lie privilege of universal suffrage, but
ley are exceedingly anxious to dem
their capacity for self-govern-
ent, and they take great pride in the
lct that they have always been the t
ost intelligent and progressive por- '
on of the Polynesian race. S
There is no evidence. therefore, OF any I
cord of deep-seated hostility or oppo- /
ton on their part to American con- t
oil. The history of these Islands [
early shows that the subject of an {
sxa ton was not new to them; It had n
zen agitated and discussed from early
'ys. 4
That they have accepted the situation !
Id are in full accord with It can not =
better illustrated than by the fact I,
at, while the last Legislature was .
imposed largely OF Hawaiians. yet an y
t introduced by one OF them. and ;,
ssed without opposition. provided :,
at the American flag should float .
Dm every school and court house y
thin the Territory. weather permit 81
lg. on every day that these public Sc
ildlngs are in use. Thus a just and a.
in Interpretation OF their political and n
;islative tactics can not be considered u
In opposition to American institu- IL
ms
MAINLAND IGNORANCE. ~
Iawails progress is hampered both a.
IN within and from without. Time w
d energy must be employed in coun- '"
acting the results that constantly ="
pear in Hawaii from a lack of knowl-
&c in regard to conditions on the
inland. and also in counteracting re- We
Is that constantly appear on the al
inland from lack of knowledge con- ma
ming the actual conditions In Ha- ed
II. An ever-present problem is to mi
de In which direction can Hawaii's no
H. L.