As an economic contributor. she has performed to a remarkable extent. and to the great benefit of American interests. She is also important as a tie between East and West. for clearly the Asian Continent is in the process of emerging from the darkness of political obscurity. Hawaiis position as a State strengthens the American position in Asia because so many Hawaiians are of Asiatic ancestry. The political and social recognition of Americans of Asiatic ancestry confirms American democracy. In the long struggle for Hawaiian statehood. the friends of the American dream sided with Hawaii. knowing that failure to accept her as a State would render less effective our claims of democratic practices. American political strength has rested. constantly. upon the policy of extending authority and economic benefits to all Americans. whenever possible.