Question
To the Senate:
I transmit herewith, with a view to its ratification, a treaty of annexation concluded on the
14th day of February, 1893, between John W. Foster, Secretary of State, who was duly
empowered to act in that behalf on the part of the United States, and Lorin A. Thurston, W. R.
Castle, W. C. Wilder, C. L. Carlet, and Joseph Marsden, the commissioners on the part of
the Government of the Hawaiian Islands. The provisional treaty, it will be observed, does not
attempt to deal in detail with the questions that grow out of the annexation of the Hawaiian
Islands to the United States. The commissioners representing the Hawaiian Government have
consented to leave to the future and to the just and benevolent purposes of the United States
the adjustment of all such questions.
I do not deem it necessary to discuss at any length the conditions which have resulted in
this decisive action. It has been the policy of the Administration not only to respect but to
encourage the continuance of an independent government in the Hawaiian Islands so long
as it afforded suitable guaranties for the protection of life and property and maintained a
stability and strength that gave adequate security against the domination of any other power.
The moral support of this Government has continually manifested itself in the most friendly
diplomatic relations and in many acts of courtesy to the Hawaiian rulers.
The overthrow of the monarchy was not in any way promoted by this Government, but had its
origin in what seems to have been a reactionary and revolutionary policy on the part of Queen
Liliuokalani, which put in serious peril not only the large and preponderating interests of the
United States in the islands, but all foreign interests, and, indeed, the decent administration
of civil affairs and the peace of the islands. It is quite evident that the monarchy had become
effete and the Queen’s Government so weak and inadequate as to be the prey of designing
and unscrupulous persons. The restoration of Queen Liliuokalani to her throne is undesirable,
if not impossible, and unless actively supported by the United States would be accompanied
by serious disaster and the disorganization of all business interests. The influence and interest
of the United States in the islands must be increased and not diminished.
Only two courses are now open—one the establishment of a protectorate by the United
States, and the other annexation full and complete. I think the latter course, which has been
adopted in the treaty, will be highly promotive of the best interests of the Hawaiian people,
and is the only one that will adequately secure the interests of the United States. These
interests are not wholly selfish. It is essential that none of the other great powers shall secure
these islands. Such a possession would not consist with our safety and with the peace of the
world. This view of the situation is so apparent and conclusive that no protest has been heard
from any government against proceedings looking to annexation. Every foreign representative
at Honolulu promptly acknowledged the provisional Government, and I think there is a general
concurrence in the opinion that the deposed Queen ought not to be restored.
Prompt action upon this treaty is very desirable. If it meets the approval of the Senate,
peace and good order will be secured in the islands under existing laws until such time as
Congress can provide by legislation a permanent form of government for the islands. This
Source B • Civic Discussion
Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
legislation should be, and I do not doubt will be, not only just to the natives and all other
residents and citizens of the islands, but should be characterized by great liberality and a high
regard to the rights of all people and of all foreigners domiciled there. The correspondence
which accompanies the treaty will put the Senate in possession of all the facts known to the
Executive.
make it shorter
I transmit herewith, with a view to its ratification, a treaty of annexation concluded on the
14th day of February, 1893, between John W. Foster, Secretary of State, who was duly
empowered to act in that behalf on the part of the United States, and Lorin A. Thurston, W. R.
Castle, W. C. Wilder, C. L. Carlet, and Joseph Marsden, the commissioners on the part of
the Government of the Hawaiian Islands. The provisional treaty, it will be observed, does not
attempt to deal in detail with the questions that grow out of the annexation of the Hawaiian
Islands to the United States. The commissioners representing the Hawaiian Government have
consented to leave to the future and to the just and benevolent purposes of the United States
the adjustment of all such questions.
I do not deem it necessary to discuss at any length the conditions which have resulted in
this decisive action. It has been the policy of the Administration not only to respect but to
encourage the continuance of an independent government in the Hawaiian Islands so long
as it afforded suitable guaranties for the protection of life and property and maintained a
stability and strength that gave adequate security against the domination of any other power.
The moral support of this Government has continually manifested itself in the most friendly
diplomatic relations and in many acts of courtesy to the Hawaiian rulers.
The overthrow of the monarchy was not in any way promoted by this Government, but had its
origin in what seems to have been a reactionary and revolutionary policy on the part of Queen
Liliuokalani, which put in serious peril not only the large and preponderating interests of the
United States in the islands, but all foreign interests, and, indeed, the decent administration
of civil affairs and the peace of the islands. It is quite evident that the monarchy had become
effete and the Queen’s Government so weak and inadequate as to be the prey of designing
and unscrupulous persons. The restoration of Queen Liliuokalani to her throne is undesirable,
if not impossible, and unless actively supported by the United States would be accompanied
by serious disaster and the disorganization of all business interests. The influence and interest
of the United States in the islands must be increased and not diminished.
Only two courses are now open—one the establishment of a protectorate by the United
States, and the other annexation full and complete. I think the latter course, which has been
adopted in the treaty, will be highly promotive of the best interests of the Hawaiian people,
and is the only one that will adequately secure the interests of the United States. These
interests are not wholly selfish. It is essential that none of the other great powers shall secure
these islands. Such a possession would not consist with our safety and with the peace of the
world. This view of the situation is so apparent and conclusive that no protest has been heard
from any government against proceedings looking to annexation. Every foreign representative
at Honolulu promptly acknowledged the provisional Government, and I think there is a general
concurrence in the opinion that the deposed Queen ought not to be restored.
Prompt action upon this treaty is very desirable. If it meets the approval of the Senate,
peace and good order will be secured in the islands under existing laws until such time as
Congress can provide by legislation a permanent form of government for the islands. This
Source B • Civic Discussion
Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
legislation should be, and I do not doubt will be, not only just to the natives and all other
residents and citizens of the islands, but should be characterized by great liberality and a high
regard to the rights of all people and of all foreigners domiciled there. The correspondence
which accompanies the treaty will put the Senate in possession of all the facts known to the
Executive.
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Answers
GPT-4o mini
To the Senate:
I submit for ratification a treaty of annexation concluded on February 14, 1893, between the United States and the Government of the Hawaiian Islands, represented by officials including Lorin A. Thurston and W. R. Castle. This provisional treaty does not address all annexation-related questions, which the Hawaiian commissioners have left for future adjustment by the U.S.
The decision to pursue annexation arises from the instability of the Hawaiian monarchy, driven by Queen Liliuokalani's policies that jeopardized both U.S. interests and the peace of the islands. The monarchy’s decline made it susceptible to manipulation, rendering restoration of the Queen unrealistic and potentially disastrous for business and civil order. The only viable paths are the establishment of a protectorate or full annexation, the latter being chosen in the treaty to best serve both Hawaiian and U.S. interests.
It is crucial that no other great power gains control of the islands, as this would threaten our safety. The absence of protests from foreign governments and their acknowledgment of the provisional Government underscores this view. Prompt Senate action on this treaty will ensure stability in Hawaii and allow time for Congress to legislate a permanent governance structure that upholds the rights of all residents and citizens.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
I submit for ratification a treaty of annexation concluded on February 14, 1893, between the United States and the Government of the Hawaiian Islands, represented by officials including Lorin A. Thurston and W. R. Castle. This provisional treaty does not address all annexation-related questions, which the Hawaiian commissioners have left for future adjustment by the U.S.
The decision to pursue annexation arises from the instability of the Hawaiian monarchy, driven by Queen Liliuokalani's policies that jeopardized both U.S. interests and the peace of the islands. The monarchy’s decline made it susceptible to manipulation, rendering restoration of the Queen unrealistic and potentially disastrous for business and civil order. The only viable paths are the establishment of a protectorate or full annexation, the latter being chosen in the treaty to best serve both Hawaiian and U.S. interests.
It is crucial that no other great power gains control of the islands, as this would threaten our safety. The absence of protests from foreign governments and their acknowledgment of the provisional Government underscores this view. Prompt Senate action on this treaty will ensure stability in Hawaii and allow time for Congress to legislate a permanent governance structure that upholds the rights of all residents and citizens.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]