WHY WE DO NOT WANT HAWAII.
- 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.
- Because annexation means a leprous Asiatic and Kanaka population for a new State, with two Senators in our Congress.
- Because the islands are five days and five nights’ steaming from our coast.
- 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.
- 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.
- Because their commerce is small and incapable of great expansion, and their climate assures the continuance of the domination of the brown races forever.
- 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)
The World, Volume XXXVIII, Number 13,265, Page 8. December 14, 1897.
