Anti-Annexation sentiment from the United States, 1897.

WHY WE DO NOT WANT HAWAII.

  1. Because the Hawaiians do not wish annexation, as the anti-annexation petition of 21,000 names—seven times the voters under the constitution of the “republic”—proves beyond question.
  2. Because annexation means a leprous Asiatic and Kanaka population for a new State, with two Senators in our Congress.
  3. Because the islands are five days and five nights’ steaming from our coast.
  4. Because to fortify them would cost upward of $200,000,000, and to provide a navy to defend them at least $200,000,000 more.
  5. Because we control them now and have a coaling station there which can be fortified at a fraction of the cost of fortifying all of the populated islands.
  6. Because their commerce is small and incapable of great expansion, and their climate assures the continuance of the domination of the brown races forever.
  7. Because they would be a burden and expense in time of peace and a danger in time of war.

These are a few of the reasons against annexation. There is no reason for it, unless the greed of ringers eager to enrich themselves at the public expense is a reason.

“Leprosy and loot”—that is the case in a nutshell.

(World, 12/14/1897, p. 8)

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The World, Volume XXXVIII, Number 13,265, Page 8. December 14, 1897.

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