We as Americans are prone to forget some of the important events in our history. The memory of them fades too soon. A hundred, years must pass before our country will look upon another Columbian Exposition. That, in the nature of things, will surpass the one in 1893, as far as that surpassed the ordinary country fairs of our grandparents. When that great year—1992—comes around, none of us will be here to look upon its wonders. It seems proper, therefore, that, in dismissing the subject, we should place on record the amount contributed by each State, without which the grand success of the enterprise could never have been attained.
| Alabama | $38,000 | Nebraska | $85,000 | |
| Arizona | 30,000 | Nevada | 10,000 | |
| Arkansas | 55,000 | New Hampshire | 25,000 | |
| California | 550,000 | New Jersey | 130,000 | |
| Colorado | 167,000 | New Mexico | 35,000 | |
| Connecticut | 75,000 | New York | 600,000 | |
| Delaware | 20,000 | North Carolina | 45,000 | |
| Florida | 50,000 | North Dakota | 70,000 | |
| Georgia | 100,000 | Ohio | 200,000 | |
| Idaho | 100,000 | Oklahoma | 17,500 | |
| Illinois | 800,000 | Oregon | 60,000 | |
| Indiana | 135,000 | Pennsylvania | 360,000 | |
| Iowa | 130,000 | Rhode Island | 57,500 | |
| Kansas | 165,000 | South Carolina | 50,000 | |
| Kentucky | 175,000 | South Dakota | 85,000 | |
| Louisiana | 36,000 | Tennessee | 25,000 | |
| Maine | 57,000 | Texas | 40,000 | |
| Maryland | 60,000 | Utah | 50,600 | |
| Massachusetts | 175,000 | Vermont | 39,750 | |
| Michigan | 275,000 | Virginia | 75,000 | |
| Minnesota | 150,000 | Washington | 100,000 | |
| Mississippi | 25,000 | West Virginia | 40,000 | |
| Missouri | 150,000 | Wisconsin | 212,000 | |
| Montana | 100,000 | Wyoming | 30,000 | |
| ————— | ||||
| $6,060,350 |
The islands composing the group known under the general name of Hawaii have long been of interest to different nations, and especially to our country. A treaty was made in 1849 between Hawaii and the United States, which provided for commerce and the extradition of criminals, and in 1875 a reciprocity treaty was concluded. This gave a marked impetus to the sugar industry, which was almost wholly in the hands of foreigners. Further treaty rights were confirmed by Congress in 1891.
David Kalakaua became king of Hawaii in 1874. He had slight ability, and was fonder of the pleasures of life than of measures for the good of his country and subjects. He was displeased to see the hold gained by foreigners in his country and their rapidly growing power. He joined with the native Legislature in its cry of "Hawaii for the Hawaiians," and did all he could to check the material progress of the islands. Progressive men, however, gained control, and in 1887 Kalakaua was compelled to sign a new constitution which deprived him of all but a shadow of authority. The white residents were granted the right of suffrage and closer relations were established with the United States.
While engaged in negotiating a treaty with our country Kalakaua died, in 1891, in San Francisco, and his sister, Liliuokalani, succeeded him as queen. She was much of the same mould as her brother, but of a more revengeful nature. She was angered against the foreigners and the progressive party, and alert for an opportunity to strike them a fatal blow. She thought the time had come in January, 1893, when the leading party was bitterly divided over important measures. She summoned the Legislature and urged it to adopt a new constitution, which took away the right of suffrage from the white residents and restored to the crown the many privileges that had been taken from it. She was so radical in her policy that her friends induced her to modify it in several respects. She was thoroughly distrusted by the white residents, who did not doubt that she would break all her promises the moment the pretext offered. Nor would they have been surprised if a general massacre of the white inhabitants were ordered.
So deep-seated was the alarm that the American residents appealed for protection to the United States man-of-war Boston, which was lying in the harbor of Honolulu. The commander landed a company of marines, against the protest of the queen's minister of foreign affairs and the governor of the island, although they were assured that no attempt would be made to interfere with their rights. In the face of this assurance, a revolt took place, the monarchy was declared at an end, and a provisional government was organized, to continue until terms of union with the United States could be agreed upon.
More decided steps followed. On February 1, 1894, the government was formally placed under the protectorate of the United States, and the Stars and Stripes was hoisted over the government building by a party of marines. There was a strong sentiment in favor of annexation, and the American minister was highly pleased.
JAMES G. BLAINE. (1830-1893.)
Secretary of State under
Harrison's administration.