Evening star., 1938-02-22

and the suggestion has been made that
plebiscite to ascertain the will Of the
people should precede legislation pro-
viding statehood for the Territory
The failure to affirmatively act upon
the pending measure for statehood
will not prevent further considerat ton
of the subject, and particularly after
the sentiment of the people has been
fully determined
Equality in Treatment Recommended
The committee further recon-
mended that the people of Hawaii be
assured of the continued interest of
Congress in their progress under the
American flag. and that they be as
sured, as fellow citizens, of the same
treatment as that accorded to the
people of the several States; further,
that the status of Hawaii, as an in
tegral part of the Union and an in
corporated Territory of the United
States, be recognized in all national
legislation. The committee further
recommended that the industry and
products of the Territory receive the
same treatment accorded those of any
other part of the Nation, and that its
people be reassured that the estab-
lished practice of the United States,
as repeatedly affirmed in the platforms
of both national parties, and carried
out in practice by the Federal Gov
eminent, of granting the largest de-
gree of local self-government to its
Territories will be continued until
such time as the question Of statehood
be re-examined. The committee fur
ther recommended to the Legislature
OF Hawaii consideration of various
matters to which reference was made
in the hearings and in the report.
May say few words concerning
the early history of the Hawaiian
Islands. They were settled centuries
ago by Polynesians. the records OF
whose voyages among the Pacific
Islands in frail canoes are preserved
by tradition and legend The descend
ants of these adventurous seamen
maintain many Of their early customs,
melloWing the life of a community
otherwise observing the customs of
modern day industrial and commercial
life. The existence of the islands was
definitely made known to the outside
world by the English explorer, Capt.
James Cook, who visited the islands
when the American Revolution was In
progress, and when he was searching
for a northwest passage from Europe
to Asia. Capt. Cook made several
visits to the islands.
At that time the great chief, Kane
hameha, was rising to power, and by
the year 1910 had brought the prin-
cipal islands under his sole rule, and
established the Kingdom of Hawaii
This monarchy continued until 1893,
when, as result of political differ
ences and the pressure of economic
changes, it was overthroWn and a re-
public formed. This republic con-
tinued until annexation and the Amer
ican flag was raised over the islands.
Admission Often Sought.
The Territory of Hawaii is one of
the two remaining Territories under
the American flag. and from the day
Of its annexation it has upon various
occasions sought admission into the
Union as a sovereign State. May I
be permitted to say that I have always
felt deep interest in Hawaii. My
father was a missionary there before
my birth, and when I was a member
of the House of Representatives I
offered the first resolution for the
annexation of Hawaii 1t has been
contended by the residents of the
Territory that when annexation oc-
CURED it was understood that they
were to enjoy all the rights possessed
by American citizens within the va
riouS States Of the Union. Hawaii,
like Texas, came under the American
flag by annexation, but unlike Texas,
which came directly into the Union
as a State, it was incorporated as
Territory, and while it became an
integral part of the United States by
the voluntary action of the people, its
residents believed that the Territory
would soon be admitted into the Union
as a State.
Many Americans not residing in
Hawaii have entertained the view ex-
pressed by Champ Clark, who declared:
%" that perpetual chrysalis
existence as a Territory is repugnant
to the genius of our institutions and
out of harmony with our entire history.
Home rule has been our policy from the
Twenty-nine Of the 48 States of the
Union, after remaining as Territories
for various periods, were admitted into
the Union. No standards for admis-
sion were adopted, and Congress de-
termined whether any Territory ap-
plying should be admitted. The
population Of the admitted Territories
varied from 1000 to 1885, 900.
$2oo,0o0,oo0 Trade.
The total area Of the Territory Of
Hawaii is approximately $500 square
miles. being double the combined area
Of the States of Delaware and Rhode
Island, and its population is now
approximately 100000, exceeding the
population of q number of States.
At the time of annexation, the popu-
lation was but 100000. This growth,
while rapid, is exceeded by the in
crease in commerce, trade, industry
and those activities characteristic Of
progressive States and communities
For example. the total annual
trade to and from the islands at
the time of annexation was but $40,-
900, 900, whereas, now it Is more than
5000, 100000.
The residents Of Hawaii are subject
to the same Federal taxes and imports
as are the residents of the mainland;
and the amount of Federal income
taxes paid by them has regularly
exceeded that paid by q number Of
States ranging from IL to 10. The
taxes collected by the Bureau of
Internal Revenue, since annexation,
total more than $155, 900, 900, and each
of II States has paid less income
taxes during that period than has
Hawaii. The customs receipts COL
lected in Hawaii since 1901 total more