Home: The Annexation Of Hawaii: A Collection Of Document
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1230 HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. Mr. Hatch then announced that Mr. McChesney had been placed in nomination, and asked the pleasure of the meeting in regard to his name. Those in favor of his candidacy were asked to raise their hands. Not many were raised. When the adverse opinion was called for, the league, as if moved by a single lever worked by an invisible engine, lifted their hands and voices at the same time. Mr. Hatch, then declared that Mr. McChesney was not nominated. T. B. Severin then placed in nomination D. B. Smith, His name was received with prolonged cheers, and was seconded by the whole league. Three howls were called for on the nomination, the clockwork was again put in motion and the league, as one man, signified its approval of Mr. Smith. J. B. Atherton then moved that the nominations be closed, which was carried, and D. B. Smith had been sent through the meeting like water through a tin horn. After a loud cry of "three cheers for Smith," the latter was called on for a speech. He made the following: "Mr. chairman and gentlemen: As this is my first experience on the platform in the capacity of a speaker, yon will not expect a speech from me of any length. I want to say this: I am heart and soul in favor of annexation to the United States, our mother country, whore our prosperity, progress, and civilization come from, and I will and have always done everything in my power to further it since the 14th of January last. ' We have not got it, but we will, just as certain as the sun rises and sets.' These words are not mine, but were spoken to me by the grandest American statesman that ever put foot on these coral sands-Minister John L. Stevens-and I heartily indorse his words. That is as far as I got. 1 fully appreciate the honor you have done me in signifying the wish to have me represent yon in the council." T. B. Murray then moved that his resolution be adopted as the sense of the meeting. Again the machinery worked and the pendulum-like hands rose and fell. James Nott, jr., then read the following resolution: "Whereas the advisory council, as at present constituted, is not representative of either the varied interests of the islands or the mass of the supporters of the Provisional Government, and the policy of annexation of Hawaii to the United States; and "Whereas the legislative department of the Government is dangerously compact, as well as too small for its constituency; and "Whereas the composition of the advisory council has been made objectionable by the action of retiring members in practically selecting their own successors; and "Whereas the personnel of the advisory council has been considerably changed since the body came into existence; and " Whereas in making changes the mass of the supporters of the Provisional Government have had no voice: Therefore be it " Resolved, That this mass meeting of annexationists and supporters of the Provisional Government hereby petitions the councils to enact a law increasing the membership of the advisory council from 14 to 24. " Resolved, That the 10 men to nil the new places be selected by the suffrages of loyal citizens in a manner to be hereafter provided. "Resolved, That the councils are hereby petitioned to elect to membership the 10 men to be chosen by loyal citizens. "Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be transmitted to the executive and advisory councils." The chairman said that this resolution was not included in the business for which the meeting had been called. Mr. T. F. Lansing protested, as a member of the Annexation Club, against allowing such a resolution, which was totally out of order, being adopted, and also said he wished to remonstrate against the American League taking possession of the meeting as they had done. He was interrupted by the league and the machinery, as with one voice, drowned Ins remarks. Some one in the crowd recommended appealing from the chair's ruling. When Mr. Hatch called for hands the clock struck again and up went all hands, overruling Mr. Hatch's decision, and cheers were again given. Mr. Hoogs demanded a roll call, and was promptly squelched by the machinery, and after it had run down the chair announced that its decision was overruled. The resolution was then adopted by another turn of the wheels. Speeches were then called for, and Mr. Hatch responded. He said, in part: "There is one good sign of the times, and that is that the Annexation Club can call a meeting and have it largely attended. There are always enough who turn out to show that the annexation movement is the strong movement and will be carried on to victory. [Applause and cheers.] Our friends on the other side are very fond of spreading the report that there is dissension in our party [cries of No, No]," and I am glad to have an opportunity to say a few words on the subject. There is no split. We are all working with one object, and that is to keep good government here until annexation is an established fact. This is not a one-man government.