Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-22
The Needs and Deserts of Hawaii.

On the invitation of the legislature of
Hawaii party of members of Congress
will start in few days for the islands to
study conditions there. This is good move.
1t is an excellent plan in any case for the
national law makers to become familiar
with the distant possessions in order to
legislate intelligenty and progressively in
matters affecting them. 1t is especially de-
srabe that Congress should through per-
sonal inquiry, acquire knowledge OF
Hawaiian conditions. which urgently de-
mand attention.
Hawaii has now been part of the Ameri-
can territorial system for nearly nine years
and has in that time received but scant
consideration from Congress. Despite ap-
peals from the people and the officials Of
the territory and representations by the
federal authorities Congress has postponed
action on pressing matters from session to
session. That the islands have been main
tanned in good order and with high credit
during this period is due to the admirable
administrative work carried on at Homo
lulu and to the patience of the people.
Hawaii is a vitality important military and
commercial outpost. a halfway house in
the Pacific, which is already of immense
Importance to the United States. and in
time of war would be of the utmost value.
Yet thus far practically nothing Las been
done to give it an equipment suitable to its
position and its relation to the general
scheme of national offense and defense. Its
harbors need attention and it is absolutely
lacking in Notifications. Should war occur
between the United States and any other
tirst-class power with a large naval arma-
ment in the Pacific Hawaii would be ex-
posed to capture by the first conner and
would in any case be of doubtful utility for
the shelter and supplying of our own war
vessels.
The completion of the Panama canal is
now to be regarded certain of accom-
plishment within perhaps a decade. When
that work is finished Hawaifs Importance
will be immensely increased. 1t is aSsuredly
the part of foresight and wisdom for the
United States to take cognizance now of the
time, not far distant when the tide of trade
will flow through the isthmian waterway.
with Hawai-. as an incidental objective, and
prepare now to construct there the neces-
sary works that will make provision for
the accommodation and defense of a great
shipping. Its own interests, too, have been
neglected, and Pearl harbor, given to this
government many years ago by the King Of
Hawaii, lies awaiting expenditures which
will make Il one of the most valuable naval
stations in the world.
The insular affairs themselves are in
serious need of attention. These people
were our friends when we needed them, and
rsked everything by throwing open their
harbors to our ships of war while still an
independent government. They deserve the
reforms in revenue matters, in labor legis-
lation and in other items for which they
have been praying these half dozen years.
1t is to be hoped that the senators and rep
resentatives who are about to start for
Honolulu will return with determination
to press to Legislative conclusion these
and other matters affecting Hawaiis well
fare and it's value to the United States.