Russia, on her part, has stated that she thinks that the annexation of
Hawaii may be followed by the seizure of Cuba, and considers it a step
very dangerous to Europe. She will not, however, join with Japan in her
protest.

A report was circulated that Spain and Japan were forming an alliance to
resist the annexation of the Sandwich Islands, but this report has been
denied.

The German Emperor is said to have declared that he fears the
interference of the United States with European affairs if she is
allowed to extend her territory in this way.

With all these more or less unfriendly comments there has been but the
one serious objection to the project, and that has come from Japan.

The State Department has replied to the protest from the Japanese
minister. The Department refuses to allow the claim that the treaty
between Japan and Hawaii was a perpetual treaty. The refusal was based
on the grounds that we gave you last week.

The Japanese protest also declares that there are twenty-five thousand
of her people resident in the Sandwich Islands who have earned the right
to become citizens, and our Government is asked what it proposes to do
about these people in case the treaty is ratified.

In replying to this point the State Department refused to give any
definite answer, saying that it was a matter to be settled by Congress
or the courts.