The roots of these long hairs grow much deeper into the skin than those of the short, thick fur, and so the pelts can be laid face downward, and pared away very carefully at the back until the roots of the long hairs are cut through. The long hairs are then pulled out of the skin, and the beautiful soft fur is left. It is to be hoped that, in the discussion of this matter between England and the United States, the proper rules for killing the seals may be very strictly laid down, that they may be enforced. It will be too bad if this splendid fur is lost through ignorance and carelessness. * * * * * Another of the old questions that have vexed our Government is being brought to the front again. This one is the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands. The reason why this subject has come up again is that the Japanese have been emigrating to these islands in such vast numbers of late, that an invasion is feared, and the Government is anxious to have American protection. A little while ago word was sent that the Hawaiians had turned back four hundred Japanese emigrants who sought to land at Honolulu. Japan immediately sent war-ships to inquire into the matter, and the United States also sent a cruiser. It soon became evident that the affair was much more serious than at first appeared. The Japanese have been emigrating to Hawaii in such vast numbers that, unless something is done to stop them, there will soon be more Japanese than natives in the islands. The Government of Hawaii, awakening to the danger that threatened, has made fresh advances to the United States, asking once more to be annexed to this country. This question of annexation has been talked about since the year 1893. In January, 1893, there was a revolution in Hawaii, because the people had found cause to dislike their queen, Liliuokalani. This queen's behavior had been very bad, and her rule had been a disgrace to the islands for some time. At last the people would stand it no longer, and so removed her from the throne. The people who revolted against the Queen were either Americans or people born of American parents settled in Hawaii. They formed a government, and after many troubles asked the United States to take possession of the Hawaiian Islands, and, in return, to pay over $3,000,000 of debts which Hawaii had contracted, and a yearly income of $20,000 to the deposed queen, and also a lump sum of $150,000 to her daughter, Princess Kaulani. Mr. Cleveland, who was President, opposed the idea of taking possession of the islands, and endeavored to restore Queen Liliuokalani to her throne. His efforts were not successful. The Hawaiians would not have her back, and having had time to establish a government for themselves, they felt as if they could do without the United States as well as their dark-skinned Queen. So the question of annexing the islands fell through. Now it is before us again with greater force than before.