9"*".-^ 3 '* 905 UZw/uuo oc/ Sons of the Merican revolution. amwailan,.: society. An address... coneerning the annexation:( ' of Hawaii 840,834 / Mf: F~rl;j;; 'i., "..:. C _ Ct~~~~~~C V I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~M q MUM0 QQ z0 ~~~~~~~~ng aq ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ MMSC KIM WC i~ _; ~ ~ ~ ~. - i.:.. _ _ I _ -;i -; ~~~~. P _i_:~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~E; - ~~~~~~~i=h;~~~~~~~~~~~~~ it3i ---;; i-;- -; — ii - -~ -8;~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~_ _ _ _- -__::::;i:_:;:::; Y:: -- -:i:::::i~~~i.:;'::'Co o __:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ _~~~:::::: -:-: _-:::::: —:: i:: i.::~~~~~of -:::i:::::-:-::::: —:::;:i::-:.:::: 1: #-: -- -;i I;-::::::; i. I:::':::::::: --::::; ~::_ > - i~~~~~~~ r 3 ^stl>7 PRE FA T. The accompanying address concerning the annexation of Hawaii was drawn up and adopted by the Hawaiian branch of the " Sons of the American Revolution " on May 22, 1897, and was thereafter adopted by the Hawaiian branches of the " Sons of Veterans" and the " Grand Army of the Republic." Each of these patriotic organizations has a membership resident in Hawaii of from 40 to 50 members. There have been so many conflicting statements concerning Hawaii that it was deemed proper by the organizations named to set before their compatriots in the home country an authoritative statement, which can be relied upon as correctly setting forth the facts and the views of those who have an equal interest in both countries. The fact that the address was unanimously adopted by each organization separately, indicates the unanimity of spirit among the thinking portion of the Hawaiian population upon the subject. Although addressed more particularly to members of the organizations named, it is hoped that members of other patriotic organizations, and Americans generally, will consider it as addressed equally to them, and that all Americans who believe that the annexation of Hawaii is a proper national policy will exert their influence to accomplish it, in such manner as they may deem best. Among other methods of exercising legitimate influence, the following are suggested: 1. The adoption of resolutions by political, social, commercial, and other bodies; publication thereof in local newspapers and forwarding copies to Senators and Representatives to present to Congress. 2. Writing to individual members of Congress with whom you are acquainted. 3. Circulating this and other literature upon the subject in order that the questions at issue may be understood by the American people. Additional copies of this address, and other literature concerning v Hawaii, can be obtained by writing to P. C. JONES, President Hawn. So. S. A. R., 1730 B Street, Washington, D. 7. IL AN ADDRESS BY THE HAWIAIIAN SOCIETY OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. HAWAIIAN SOCIETY OFFICERS SECRETARY JOHN ERFINGER REGISTRAR PRESIDENT _PRETER DR SA PROF.WM. DR WITT ALEXANDER PETER CUSHMAN JONES VICE-PRESIDENT hi{ TREASURER CHIEF-JUSTICE ALBERT F. JIDD WILLIAM J. FORBES HAWAIIAN SAFE DEPOSIT BUILDING, HONOLULU, H. I., May 22, 1897. To the Members of the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Residing in the United States of America. COMPATRIOTS: We, members of this first chapter of the S. A. R. established in a foreign land, send fraternal greeting to our compatriots in the mother country. Occupying this advanced post of American civilization in the Pacific Ocean, we think it proper for us as patriotic Americans and lovers of liberty, in the present critical state of affairs, while avoiding all partisan considerations, to lay before you a statement of certain facts which intimately concern the honor and the future prosperity of our common country, and the maintenance of American principles and institutions he re. These islands furnish a signal example of the pervading and transforming power of those principles which it is the object of our Society "to maintain and extend." Americans may well be proud of what a little colony of their countrymen has achieved for civilization in these islands, encouraged and aided, as it has been, by the policy of the United States for more than half a century. And now that this American civilization, built up under the fostering care of the mother country, is in imminent peril, it is time that the true state of affairs should be understood by all loyal Americans. 4 HAWAII THE MEETING PLACE OF AMERICAN AND ASIATIC CIVILIZATIONS. These islands are the meeting place of the East and the West, of the American and the Asiatic forms of civilization, and a few years will witness the triumph of one or the other. Few of our countrymen are aware of the rapid changes taking place in the condition of the Pacific Ocean. Australia is becoming a mighty commonwealth; Japan is pushing her way to the front as a naval and commercial power; China is beginning to awake out of her long sleep; while Russia only waits the near completion of the trans-Siberian railroad to compete for the control of this ocean. THE PROPHECY OF WM. H. SEWARD. The prophecy uttered thirty years ago by Win. H. Seward bids fair to be fulfilled, viz: "The Pacific Ocean, its shores, its islands, and the vast regions beyond, will become the chief theatre of events in the world's great hereafter." HAWAII WITHIN THE SPHERE OF THE MONROE DOCTRINE. The position of these islands shows that their relations are naturally with the American Continent. For that reason they properly fall within the sphere of the Monroe Doctrine, and it is certainly for the interest of their people that they should be kept aloof from the politics of the Old World. It has been remarked that San Francisco, Honolulu and Unalaska form an equilateral triangle. The relation of these islands to the Pacific coast of America is very similar to that of the Bermuda Islands to the Atlantic coast. HAWAII'S STRATEGIC POSITION. Admiral Belknap and Captain Mahan have ably explained 'the unique strategic position of Hawaii, forming as it does "the centre of a vast circle whose radius is approximately the distance from Honolulu to San Francisco, which is substantially the same distance as from Honolulu to the Gilbert, Marshall, Samoan and Society Islands, all under European control except Samoa, in which we have a part influence." * * * "Shut out from the Hawaiian Islands as a coaling base," continues Captain Mahan, "an enemy is thrown back for supplies of fuel to distances of 3,500 or 4,000 miles-or between 7,000 and 8,000 miles going and coming,-an impediment to sustained maritime operations well-nigh prohibitive." "It is rarely that so important a factor in the attack or defence of a coast line-of a sea frontier-is concentrated in a single position, and this circumstance renders it doubly imperative upon us to secure it if we righteously can." THE " CROSS-ROADS OF THE PACIFIC." The commercial position of the islands is not less unique and important, standing as they do at the " Cross-roads of the Pacifice," at the intersection of the steamship lines from Australia to San Francisco and to Vancouver, and from San Francisco to Japan and China. The opening of the Nicaragua Canal and the completion of the Siberian railroad will add immensely to the importance of these islands as a coaling station and a distributive point for commerce. Nor can they be passed by in any scheme for laying telegraph cables across the Pacific. Aside from their position on the globe, the Hawaiian Islands have a claim on your consideration, both for what they are and for what Americans have made of them. They comprise an area of nearly 7,000 square 5 miles, or four million acres, the greater part of which, however, is occupied by rugged mountains or tracts of lava. The climate is subtropical, being modified by the trade-winds, the ocean currents from the Bering Sea, and the lofty mountains, on some of which snow falls every winter. It is better suited for white labor than that of a large part of the southern belt of the United States. It may safely be said that the islands have undeveloped resources capable of supporting with ease five times their present population. AMERICANS HAVE MADE HAWAII WHAT IT IS. This is not the place to give even a sketch of the history of this country. It is well known that the Christian civilization of these islands is mainly due to the philanthropic labors of American citizens who saved the native race from the rapid extinction which threatened them, secured for the down-trodden serfs their lands and civil rights unknown before, preserved the independence of their country, and assisted them in organizing and carrying on a constitutional government. It is mainly due to American influences that life and property are as secure here as in any spot on the globe, that justice is administered in accordance with the common law, that there is gratuitous compulsory education in the English language for all, that crimes of violence are rare, and houses generally left unclocked, while tramps and professional beggars are unknown. EX-SECRETARY FOSTER'S VIEWS. As Hon. John W. Foster testifies of Honolulu, "In scarcely any other city of the world can be found a community more fully imbued with the spirit of enterprise, education, and intellectual culture." PROPERTY OWNED AND BUSINESS CONTROLLED BY AMERICANS. Of the capital invested in the islands two-thirds is owned by Americans. It is chiefly owing to American energy and enterprise that a population of about 100,000 souls exported productions valued at more than fifteen millions of dollars, and imported over seven million dollars' worth last year. Of this trade ninety-two per cent. was with the United States, and eighty-two and one-half per cent. of it carried on under the American flag. Nothing like this is true of any other foreign country in the world. More than a third of all the American merchant ships engaged in foreign trade are employed in the commerce of this lilliputian republic. CAUSES OF THE OVERTHROW OF THE MONARCHY. This is not the place, nor is it necessary, to vindicate the revolution of 1893. The underlying causes of it were similar to those of the American revolution. It may truly be said that it was the same element that had procured for the Hawaiian people their lands and their civil rights, that had saved their independence, and had borne with the Hawaiian monarchy long after it had become a demoralizing sham, and that at last was forced in self-defence to put an end to it. The revolution was not the work of filibusters and adventurers, but of the most conservative and law-abiding citizens, of the principal tax-payers, the leaders of industrial enterprises, who had endured the rule of carpetbaggers and palace parasites until "forbearance ceased to be a virtue." THE RECORD OF THE REPUBLIC. The record of the present republican government, which has administered the affairs of this country for four years, and which, according to Hon. John W. Foster, "has been distinguished by great ability, careful 6 attention to the interests of the people, and by thorough integrity," fully justifies the character and motives of those who founded it. But this Government does not regard itself as permanent, for by its constitution it declares its purpose to go out of existence as soon as the United States shall consent to admit these islands into the Union. It has already been shown that there is a vigorous American colony in the islands, and that there is ample wealth and intelligence here to carry on and to pay all the expenses of a territorial government under the broad aegis of the Union. HAWAII HAS ARRIVED AT A TURNING-POINT. It may be said: "Why not continue as you are for an indefinite period " We reply that we have arrived at a turning-point where things will not long remain as they are. The irrepressible contest between the Asiatic and American civilizations is becoming more intense and will not be decided infavor of America except by annexation. An active movement has been on foot here for some time to abolish the system of contract labor, and to seek white workers from the United States, under a system of profit-sharing which is already in operation on some of our plantations, and has been successfully tried in Queensland. Special efforts have also been made by this Government, with a gratifying degree of success, to attract industrious farmers from the United States to develop our coffee lands. But if our overtures for a closer union with the mother country are spurned, if our products are discriminated against in American markets, and we are treated as aliens, it is certain that neither of these undertakings can succeed. The uncertainty that will hang over the fate of this country will deter the most desirable class of settlers from coming here. JAPAN'S PEACEFUL INVASION. On the other hand, Japan is quietly pouring in her people for the purpose of making a peaceful conquest of the Islands, which is a perfectly legitimate ambition. We can restrict or exclude Chinese immigration, for we have no treaty with China. But, unfortunately, our treaty made with Japan in 1871 contains the " favored nation " clause, and under its provisions we cannot prevent her people from coming as free immigrants. Five immigration companies are at work, with their agents in Japan, who resort to every artifice to drum up recruits and to evade our immigration laws. The recent enforcement of a law intended to exclude paupers has led to a serions controversy between the two Governments. The native press of Japan, and many of her people residing here, plainly.avow their intention to possess Hawaii. It would not be good diplomacy to admit officially that any such intention exists, nor is it necessary for Japan to use any force to accomplish her ends. As Compatriot W. R.. Castle has well stated it, " When Hawaii shall be full of Japanese, many of whom will be educated men, and just as intelligent as our present electors, can it be supposed that we can prevent them from voting? Never! and by a single election all will be changed. Can your Government object to this or complain of it? No; for it will simply be an act of the people of the Republic of Hawaii. Nor can you complain of the next step, the withdrawal of all negotiations for annexation, for protection, or for any form of closer political or commercial union. Meanwhile, a Hawaiian Minister will be kept in Washington, and 'cordial relations' will be maintained with the United States, as the President will continue to say in his messages to Congress." Ia. the ep ul ofR ciw wil ould hn be ny loyal the Miao, C its markes would Hee wi Jesepods i s arred on by Japanese plter and m uf ers pt ed with.hs ar theg istorous flag of the Itiso n. A' whe ath ie t ripe, Haw seould proeed to sk for a itua eio to *a to 1 * m *. an who would here ea right to hioerfere i ily t the United Stat. e alter having so long reusbd all oersra of annatin.i The "dogfinthager" policy Will not succeed in the long run. I""- ~' ~ enaS w C TO N NT L MUM If th e ithat e comm ly e n the ted States the anneation of the Islands on the grounds of Noc sirable opulation and unfitess for statehood arex e t i alli be d to p in still reat degree to of Alieaa In fact the a of the farsing statmesma wh t aost the purhmase of Alaska indluded also the iee this n a te ma canal. ( The act of anuneitinf would not per s kofier Americai tizen p on ANY who wer not already citizn of the Hwai Republi T a of te Federal t in regard to n lm eaz nd immigration d i iay e i R and applito he Asiatic eemnts of the population, nd contract for labor would cme to beI made Under the sri of the sta fa, Am an and enterprise wiD work e saTme wonders here that they are done in Sutrn ali fornia. The proces of Amerinizatilo will be pd, lthough the dific it ln the wa hare been ga ly increase by the delay of the past fu yea APRru. ro coMrATRaoTs To EXERCeIS INFLUrNCE in Aron or Ayna TrNZ Belicring that no half-wy measr will mee the icWas d that nowi the fio for the Uited States to screi this outps 6of1 its wetst frontier b ot onRly for its securty sod the deelopment of its commerce but for the sae of aintibing and extendng America piiplts this Central meeing place of raees, we request our cmpto tot ge hs subjet, a cefl and cam consideraot,, an to exert er inuen for the cause of freedom, either as Mdivid or ofiiallyas ha e le Sdieemd asit proper. i3~. r)~For the Soc iet PEI CUSIHMAN o n E, The abo address wats, the Sons of the Ameri4can Ie - &ccaw *lIl IR N * xl OF CALIFORNIA |.* ' i i * *.... Z '. *..... ***'**........ _ ~Ml tt teh atllp a y id ed outWe m t at nH ff It _ ' 1 AS (. HO V. 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