Speech #550133336

I am opposed to the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands because I believe that the Government which tenders them to us does so in violation of the will of the masses of the people. I am opposed to it because I believe that the introduction of that heterogeneous population is not a desirable addition to our population. It is no reply to say that annually we have taken into the United States immigrants exceeding in number the entire population of the islands and of as many distinct and different types as exist there. because in the case of immigration to the United States the immigrants are absorbed by diffusion throughout the mass of 70.000.000 people. and their identity is as completely lost as the waters of the Mississippi as they empty into the Gulf. At Hawaii these people will remain surrounded by the conditions that today surround them. addicted to habits. social. moral. religious. and political. which today characterize them. and there they will remain to stagnate as the waters of the Dead Sea. I am opposed to anuexation because. while annexed as a Territory. it will eventually seek and acquire statehood.