There is a good deal of gossip over the fact that Mr. Sherman put his signature to the Annexation Treaty.
From various speeches in the Senate, and from statements in his memoirs, it was believed that he was strongly opposed to the annexation of Hawaii. It is rumored, indeed, that Queen Liliuokalani based her strongest hopes of regaining her throne on the belief that the Secretary of State was opposed to the treaty and would use his influence to prevent its being ratified.
Mr. Sherman, however, states that while he was opposed to such a step at one time, the trouble between Hawaii and Japan has caused him to change his mind, and he now thinks annexation will be most desirable for all parties concerned.
The ex-Queen of the Sandwich Islands, Liliuokalani, has also sent in her protest against the Treaty. She objects because "her people," as she calls the Hawaiians, have not been consulted, and also because no provision has been made for her.
This protest has been filed in the State Department, and will be attended to in due course.
Notice of our intentions with regard to Hawaii has been sent to the various foreign powers, and so far no other protest has been received.
Christian Ross, the broken-hearted father of Charlie Ross, has just died in Philadelphia.
You are all probably familiar with the story of little Charlie Ross, who was stolen away from his home; but it seems well to tell it you again, for it may serve as a warning against making chance acquaintances in the street.