Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 April 1893 — CONGRESSMEN SPURRED UP. [ARTICLE]

CONGRESSMEN SPURRED UP.

Talk of Japanese Control of Hawaiian Islands May llasteq Action. Hawaiian affairs have come to the front again. The announcement that Japan wants to annex the Sandwich.* Islands is attracting the attention oL Congressmen. Expressions favorable to annexation to the United States are now heard from those who have heretofore opposed the proposition. It is conceded upon every hand that to back down from the position we now occupy on the islands—to lower our flag from the palace—will not only be an acknowledgment that we were in error but that this government is fickle if not cowardly and paltering. It is suspected that the talk of Japanese control is an English move, a*d it is spurring up our legislators, many of whom, aie growing anxious for the report which is to come from Special Agent Blount. It is believed that Mr. Blount will make some kind of preliminary report upon which the Senate can take action before it adjourns, and that the President will not dismiss the Senate until he hears from Mr. Blount. A protectorate is likely. Should any step be taken by Japan, England, or other foreign power to annex the Sandwich islands this government would protest. It is bound to secure at least a neutral administration of the affairs of the islands. More interest is being taken in Hawaii just now than has been, shown since the inauguration of President Cleveland. It is believed that we will shortly make a move in some direction and that our status will be changed.