HAW ALLAN STATEHOOD

To the Editors of the CRIMSON

The Senato Insular Affairs Committee of the 83rd Congress is considering the Hawailan Statehood Bill. In this year, more than in any other year since 1903, when the first bid for statehood was made, Congressional approval of the Statehood Bill is likely. Laxity at such a critical time as this would be foolish and would exhibit a direct abuse of the efforts made these previous years by the supporters of statehood for Hawali, who in 1950 voted 82,788 to 27,109 in favor of a state constitution drafted by elected representatives.

We agree that many who favor Hawalian statehood are moved by their sentiments towards those God-gifted isles in the pacific. Yet, more than heartfelt sentiments, there are a number of arguments for statehood which every fellow United States citizen should consider. Here briefly are some of the arguments for statehood:

1) POPULATION: Hawail's population of close to 475,000 people exceeds that of four states and puts it in the same category as six others. Of this number, more than 85 percent are citizens of the United States.

2) AREA: Hawali is greater in area than the three states of Delaware, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

3) GOVERNMENT: Hawali has functioned under an orderly government since 1840. The people of Hawali have also ratified a proposed state constitution which has been termed a model state constitution.

4) EDUCATION: Hawali has a modern and progressive system of education which dates back to 1840. The standards of instruction are the same as on the mainland and are higher than those of many states. Illiteracy in the islands is almost non-existent.

5) AMERICANIZATION: Hawaii is thoroughly American and has proved its loyalty America during the Second World War and also during the Korean conflict. The army, navy, and FBI all attest to this record and praise it. The men of Hawaii are subject to the draft. During the Korean conflict, the ratio of casualties from Hawaii on a population basis was six times that of the United States.

6) PLEBISCITE: The citizens of Hawaii by free expression of their will showed their overwhelming desire for statehood in a plebiscite in 1940. Both major political party platforms and nearly 90 percent of the nation's editors have endorsed statehood, along with numerous national, civic and business organizations. The latest Gallup Poll survey (1953) shows nearly a 10-to-1 majority in favor of admitting Hawaii into the Union.

7) TAXATION: Hawaii consistently pays into the United States Treasury a larger amount than the federal government has spent for the territory, not including civil defense. Yet Hawaii has no vote in the Congress levying the taxes. This is taxation without representation. . . . We are asking for the right of active representation in Congress, which as a territory we are not granted. . . .

Very soon, Congressmen will be voting on the statehood issue. Through your newspaper we may stir enough interest in the people to write to their Congressmen, tolling them that they are definitely in favor of Hawaiian statehood. . . . Clinton Ching '56, President Hawaii Club of New England