Robert William Wilcox - Congress

Congress

On July 4, 1898, by passing the Newlands Resolution, the United States annexed Hawaii, and Dole appointed Governor. The Hawaiian Organic Act of April 30, 1900 created the office of Delegate to Congress for the new Territory of Hawaii. Wilcox organized an election campaign for the office. Helping transform previously anti-annexation native Hawaiian political clubs into the Hawaiian Independent Party (later called the Home Rule Party of Hawaii), he advocated for "Equal rights for the People". Opponents accused him of bigamy since his first marriage in Italy had only been annulled by the church. The Republican Party nominated wealthy rancher and former cabinet minister Samuel Parker, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii nominated Prince David Kawānanakoa. Wilcox easily won the election to the 57th Congress. He hoped that his seat in Washington, DC could be used to advocate for native Hawaiians, a community he feared would be neglected by the American government. Asked to contribute a short autobiography for the congressional directory, instead of the usual bland list of credentials, he described himself as "an indefatigable and fearless leader for his countrymen." He called the current government "the Dole oligarchy". Later versions of his biography removed the editorial remarks.

However, quickly on his arrival he found himself an outsider. English was his second language, and his populist rhetoric was gave him few allies in Congress, which dealt with slow deal-making. The Racial segregation in the United States at the time meant he had to use "colored" facilities due to his mixed background. His service was also clouded by charges that he did not support the U.S. effort in the Philippines during the Philippine–American War. Wilcox served in Congress for one term from November 6, 1900 to March 3, 1903. Although he was also endorsed by the Democratic party in the 1902 election he was defeated by Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole of the Republican party.