The Liberal, Volume I, Number 40, 28 January 1893 — A POSSIBLE SOLUTION. [ARTICLE]

A POSSIBLE SOLUTION.

It is beyond doubt that considerable time will be required to finally shape the destinies of Hawaii under her new conditions, and we should be patient, and support the Provisional Government during the interval, in all its efforts to solve the difficult problem before it. As a possible solution of the question of our furture status under the Stars and Stripes, we would suggest that if it be found impracticable to gain the asent of the United States to our assumption of State rights, at the outset, such rights in the early inlure can still be guaranteed. Thus,

the Treaty of Union might provide that we shall have a Territorial existence for a limited time, say five years, during which period no person shall be appointed to office in Hawaii except Hawaiian residents of, say, five years standing. This would at least protect as from the rule of carpet-baggers and the ward heelers of the Five Points in New York, and of Tar Flat in San Francisco. The future could be provided for by a condition that, upon our presenting to Congress a constitution in accord with the spirit of the United States constitution, we should, not later than, say, five years, from the date of the treaty, be admitted to full membership in the Sisterhood of States. If it be thought that, for any reason, or any combination of reasons, it is unwise for us to insist upon, or for the United States to grant us Statehood at the very outset of our career under the flag, let us not tamely submit the question of our future Statehood to the American Congress, leaving it to that body to grant or deny the boon at their pleasure, and in their own time. But let us, in case immediate Statehood be found inpracticable insist upon a treaty condition whereby we shall be liberally governed in the interval, and secure full State rights not more than five years hence. We believe such a plan to be feasible, and that no greater concession should be made by Hawaii in the premises.