OCR Text |
Show WHO OWNS SMALL PALMYRA ISLAND? WASHINGTON, Jan. 29. Rnmors that Great Britian Intended to tako possession of Palmyra lBlond (In reality real-ity a group of 50 Islets), lying about COO miles southwest of Hawaii, and almost In a direct line between Australia Aus-tralia and the Panama canal, resulted result-ed In the subject being a matter of Inquiry unofficially at tho state department de-partment today. Officials professed Ignorance of any Issue being ralBed as to tho ownership of the island, but admitted the title was vaguo. Palmyra Island 'was discovered In 1852 by an American shipmaster, who proclaimed it pnrt of tho kingdom of Hawaii In 1S82 and it was annexed by Great Britian In 18S9. The question ques-tion at issuo Is whether tho British annexation cancelled tho prior Hawaiian Ha-waiian title for. If It did not, then Palmyra island probably would be held to havo been annexed to tho United States in 183S |