The last steamer from Japan brought a renewed protest from the
Government against the annexation of Hawaii.

Japan insists that Hawaii must remain an independent country. She says
that as soon as the Panama or Nicaragua canals are opened the importance
of the Sandwich Islands will be greatly increased, and that it is
necessary to the welfare of Japan that her independence be preserved.

The Japanese minister is reported to have declared that "annexation must
not be recognized. Japan must oppose it to the utmost."

In spite of this the Senate is going right ahead with the business of
the treaty.

In the mean while the Secretary of the Navy is making all the ships at
his command ready for service, so that we shall not be altogether
unprepared to defend ourselves if occasion arises.

* * * * *

There is not very much to tell in regard to the strike. No settlement
has been reached, and there is not much likelihood that the miners and
masters will come to any understanding at present.

We told you that some of the miners had stood out against the offer of
better wages, and refused to go to work until the condition of their
fellows throughout the country had been improved.

All the miners have not been as brave and loyal as these men.