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5856
that the resolution ought to be amended so as to include the land 
laws of Hawaii as well.
Mr. KNOX. The general public-land laws of Hawaii are con- 
tinued in force, except as Congress otherwise directs. We have 
provided that no lease of lands or disposition of the public lands 
of Hawaii shall take place unless authorized by act of Congress. 
It presupposes the power of Congress to lease for a term of years 
or to otherwise dispose of lands in Hawaii. It is to make sure. 
While it is safeguarded under the land laws of Hawaii, we want 
to make it sure under the public-land laws of the United States, 
but there shall be no disposal of the mausoleum of the royal fam- 
ily of Hawaii.
Mr. LACEY. What land laws of the United States have we 
passed that would affect this?
Mr. KNOX. The land law that we created by the bill we passed, 
that created the power of Congress to regulate, to lease, and dis- 
pose of lands in Hawaii. It is to guard against that that this bill 
provides.
Mr. LACEY. The land laws of the United States have not 
been extended to Hawaii.
Mr. KNOX. I know that. They have been extended only to 
the extent of the former bill passed.
Mr. McRAE. I would like to ask the gentleman from Massa- 
chusetts a question. This land, as I understand, is to be pre- 
served for cemetery purposes. I would ask the gentleman if the 
bill dedicates the land to that purpose, and if not, why it should 
not?
Mr. KNOX. There has been a law in Hawaii dedicating about 
119,610 square feet, which from time immemorial has been used 
as a mausoleum or burial place for the members of the royal 
family of Hawaii.
Mr. McRAE. I understand that feature of it. Does this reso- 
lution dedicate it for that purpose? '
Mr. KNOX. It is now dedicated for that purpose. This bill 
provides that this plot shall be withdrawn from sale, lease, or 
any other disposition under the land laws of the United States. 
It is to preserve it as it is, and to keep it as dedicated.
Mr. McRAE. That withdraws it from sale, which is right. 
Should it not go further, and dedicate the land for that purpose?
Mr. KNOX. By the former bill we preserve all the land laws 
of Hawaii that are not in contravention of our own laws, and this 
plot is already dedicated under the laws of Hawaii to this use.
Mr. McRAE.   I am afraid that yon do not dedicate it.
Mr. KNOX.   It is already dedicated under the Hawaiian laws.
Mr. WHEELER of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I hope there will 
be no further objection to this bill on this side of the Chamber; 
for I am persuaded that a few kings, dead or living, are only nec- 
essary to complete the policy of the present Administration, and I 
trust the bill will be passed.
Mr. STEELE.   That was very severe!
Mr. WHEELER of Kentucky.   Yes;
The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the consideration of the 
bill? [After a pause.] The Chair hears none.
The joint resolution was ordered to a third reading; and it was 
accordingly read the third time, and passed.
On motion of Mr. KNOX, a motion to reconsider the vote by 
which the joint resolution was passed was laid on the table.


May 22, 1900 
House 
v. 33 (7) 
p. 5880

Mr. Fletcher, from the Committee on Inter- 
state and Foreign Commerce, to which was re- 
ferred the bill of the Senate (S. 4615) to 
facilitate the entry of steamships engaged in 
the coasting trade between Porto Rico and the 
Territory of Hawaii and the United States, re- 
ported the same without amendment, accompanied 
by a report (No. 1641); which said bill and 
report were referred to the House Calendar,

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