We are not seeking the acquisition of the Hawaiian Islands to make aggressive war upon the rest of mankind. The possession of the islands for purposes of public defense is the exact point. and the only point. for which I am arguing and contending. One of the great reasons why we want and must have those islands is to make it absolutely impossible for a foreign government to assail us. and especially to render it impossible for an Asiatic power. with an Asiatic religion. to seat itself within 2.000 miles of our Pacific coast. In my judgment no admission could be made that would constitute a stronger argument for the adoption of these resolutions than the fair and honest statement of my honorable friend from Arkansas . Another point of difficulty which troubles my friends who oppose this measure is the question of the cost of maintenance.