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THE ANNEXATION OF HAWAII
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and adopted a republican form of government, the constitution being proclaimed and the republic organized on July 4, 1894.[1]

The new government received the prompt recognition of all the powers having treaty relations with Hawaii, including the United States, and its authority was peacefully acquiesced in by the inhabitants throughout the entire group. The bloodthirsty conduct of the ex-queen satisfied the responsible and intelligent residents that she was unworthy to be reinstated, and it likewise disgusted those persons in the United States who had been inclined to sympathize with her as an unjustly dethroned ruler. The republican authorities continued to administer the government, with a single feeble attempt at revolution in January, 1895, which was promptly suppressed, through a period of four years in which the country enjoyed unexampled peace and prosperity. Never before in its history had there been such honesty in administration, such economy in expenditures, such uniform justice in the enforcement of the laws and respect for the officials, such advance in education, and such encouragement of commerce and protection to life and property.

Soon after a change in the government at Washington had occurred, by the inauguration of President McKinley, the subject of annexation was revived, and on June 16, 1897, a new treaty was signed, similar to the one made in 1893, except that the provision for annuities to the ex-queen and late heir apparent were omitted, and it was sent to the Senate for its consideration and action.

  1. U. S. For. Rel. 1894, Appendix ii. 1311–1319, 1350.