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22 Panama and Australia. The fourth sphere included a group of guano islands scattered far and wide throughout the Pacific.

As early as 1800, Honolulu had become a base for fur traders operating between the Pacific Northwest, China, and the New England states. By 1820 American missionaries had entered the Hawaiian islands, and in September of the same year John C. Jones was appointed to reside there as the agent of the United States for commerce and seamen. As early as 1842, Daniel Webster pointed out the commercial significance of Hawaii to the United States when he said that since most of the vessels which visit the islands belong to the United States, she was therefore more interested in their fate and government than any other nation could be. This consideration led the president to declare that the integrity and sovereignty of their government should be maintained. From this time on the question of Hawaiian annexation remained before the American people. In January, 1893, a revolution broke out in Honolulu. The abdication of the Queen was secured and a provisional government was set up which continued until annexation with the United States was complete. On February 15, President Harrison submitted such a treaty to the Senate. Two sentences of the accompanying message indicated the attitude of the administration toward expansion. "It is essential that none of the other great powers shall secure these islands. Such a possession would not consist with our safety and with the peace of the world."