This investigation satisfied me
that our interference in the matter was disgraceful and wrong, and I
would gladly, for the sake of our national honor and fair fame, have
repaired that wrong; only this, and nothing more."
These remarks are important, as they refer back to the very beginning of
the troubles in Hawaii which led to the present plan of making the
islands a part of the United States.
In saying that the annexation of the islands would be a "complete
departure from our national mission," Mr. Cleveland meant that it was
the policy of our Government not to go outside of America to acquire
territory, but to let other nations alone just as we ourselves wish to
be let alone.
This policy is very different from that of England, for example, who has
for many years been reaching out to add to her already vast possessions.
In other words, our plan is opposed to what is known as the "policy of
grab."
By speaking of "our interference" in the Hawaiian revolution as
"disgraceful," Mr. Cleveland means that the revolution was not only
largely planned by American residents on the islands, but that American
marines were called from the harbor of Honolulu to the government
building to assist the revolutionists, or, as the revolutionists
themselves declare, to protect American interests on the islands.
Now that the question of annexation is before the country, a prominent
advocate for each side has appeared.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25