not be prejudiced by annexation, the protest of the imperial government was not further pressed, and the friendly relations were not disturbed.
The treaty was still pending in the Senate when the United States declared war against Spain in April, 1898, and after Admiral Dewey's victory in Manila Bay it was manifest that the occupation of the Hawaiian Islands had become a military necessity. There being some question as to the possibility of securing the requisite two thirds vote in the Senate for the approval of the treaty of annexation, it was determined to follow the precedent in the annexation of Texas, and to bring about the result by means of a joint resolution of the two houses. The terms of the treaty were thereupon embodied in such a resolution, and, after a brief discussion in each chamber, it was passed by more than a two thirds vote in both houses, and became a law July 7, 1898.[1]
The necessary formalities were promptly complied with, and Hawaii was incorporated into the American Union. It was, in accordance with the treaty and joint resolution, constituted a territory, and President Dole was appointed the first governor. In 1900 Congress passed an act for the organization of the Territory of Hawaii, in which the elective franchise was conferred upon all Hawaiian citizens, who by the terms of the treaty had become citizens of the United States.
- ↑ For treaty of 1897, S. Report No. 681, 55th Cong. 2d Sess. p. 96. For debate in House, Congressional Record, vol. xxxi. pp. 5770–5973; in Senate, 6140–6693. For Joint Resolution, 30 Stat, at L. 750. For organic act of territory, 31 Stat, at L. 141.
