The Hawaiian gazette., 1872-02-21

On the sd oil December last we wrote TO MI
Webb al Auckland as follows:
Regarding the subsidy from this Government
we hear that this subject has been postponed FOL
discussion BY the Privy Council fortwo mouths"
And further:
I'VE hope that on the return Of the Nebraska oil
Nevada to this port, the subsidy question will be
definitely settled and further facilities granted to
your steamers, the present wharf accommoda-
tons have given US much anxiety, besides causing
US considerable expense"
And further, under dale of January Goth:
"Sinee we wrote to you by the Nebraska. we have
heard nothing from the Government In regard 10
the Contract"
To the FIST communication Mr.. Webb replies as
follows:
The information you send me regarding the ac-
tion OF the Hawaiian Government respecting the
promised subsidy surprises me much, and puts me
in ridiculous position with the Colonies, to whom
had made known nv agreement with the Hawaiian
Ministry. You write: You bear that the subject
has been postponed for discussion by the Privy
Council FOR taro ssoais other advices say, that the
consideration has been indefinitely postponed, at
least until the Government eau learn whether the
United States or the Colonial Governments have con
tracted with our line, when the King will call the
Council together, if be thinks proper, for another
consideration OF the subject Now they fail TO carry
I out recent agreement, made after line has be
I come established fact, for the payment of the
I promised Subsidy, one made, as supposed at the
time in good faith their part aud with the assur-
ance that the Privy Council would spprove their ac
on;-mind you, payment ras made to Halls line
when 1t not established fact, aud while this
line under with both the United States
and New Zealand Governments
Although our Mr.. J. C. Pauger was present when
Mr.. Webb had the honor of an Interview with His
Majesty's Government, We, as Mr. webb's Agents,
cannot discuss whether be labors under mistake or
not believing that he held real promise of His
Majesty's Government when leaving here. Mr.
Webb did not send US suggestions for discussion,
but looks upon this question simply a business
matter, and desires TO know positively what be has
to expect as the result of his interview with His
Msjesty's Government But at the same time we
hasten to say that emphatically disclam, on Mr.
Webb's part or our own, any intention of pressure
coercion threats of retaliation, which neither
conveyed nor Intended 10 be conveyed, as no such
order has been received from Mr.. Webb, and that |
our communication of 18th inst. contains only ex.
tracts and instructions from Mr. webb's letter re-
ceived by last mail.
tion TO discuss with Your Excellency whether the
steamers shall continue to call here or not after the
present subsidy has been exhausted, but We shall |
transmit to Mr. Webb copy of Your Excellency's
letter by first opportunity.
1t will be gratifying to US to learn that His Males
tvs Government will be pleased to give favorable
consideration TO the communication which We have
now the honor to submit most respectfully.
We have the honor 10 remain Sir
Your Excelleucys most Ob't humble sery'ts,
Il. HAcKFELD & Co,
Agents L. S, n. z. & A. NJ. S 5. Line
His Excellency,
J. Morn SMITH,
HI NJ Minister of Finance, &c, &c, &c
On Saturday, the Minister of Finance
sent the following letter to Mr.. Webb's
agents:
FEBRUARY 18th, 1872.
GENTLEMEN:
am in receipt of yours, in reply to mine of 18th
inst, in which you say, I'VE, as Mr.. Webb's Agents,
cannot discuss whether be labors uudcra mistake or
not in believing that be held a real promise of His
Najesty's Government, when leaving here.' We
likewise desired not TO bring into discussion the
question as TO what Mr.. Webb might or might not
have understood in this respect, and sincerely
yret that you have deemed it to be not in accord
lnce with your duty 10 modify your previous COM
nunication, enable the Cabinet present
The matter to the Privy Council, unembarrussed by
Mr. Webb's statement that positive and binding
promises had been made TO him.
His Majesty's Government wishes to do nothing
harsh or reaiatory, but to transact their business
With due regard to the public interests OF course,
+ Mr. Webb desires his part adhere to the lit
ali q
part must do the same. Orders have therefore been
ssued to the Custom House authorities, including
he Harbor Master, TO make up against the Nebraska
he bills ussal to be made up against all vessels in
.luding her storage for Goals They have also been
not to claim payment at this time, even
hough you should deem it your duty to obey in
tructious not TO carry our letters. This course
he not demanding payment immedateIy,-is taken
With the hope that, upon due consideration, better
ounsels may prevail You will excuse me il I like
wise remind you, important ingredient in
his matter, that the store-house upon the wharf, !
hitherto devoted to the use Of the steamers forms
art of the agreement of this Government With your
company or its predecessor The oftbis likewise
will be continued for the present, until an opportu-
ity may be afforded to reconsider. beg you to l
expressly understand that should Mr. Webb perse-
ere II NuaI appears 10 De us present QeleFMlud-
ion the bills the Nebraska for this trip will be t
resented for payment.
remain yours truly,
J. Morn SMITH,
Minister of Finance.
Messrs H. HAcKFELD & Co, +
agents L. S, n. z "a NJ S S Line. Honolulu
The first letter above published con- /
aims the only promises made by the Min
sters to Mr.. Webb. The vote of the !
'rivy Council on that occasion was, nine !,
nut ofifteen for the postponement, leaving
My two besides the Ministers in favor of :.
immediate action.
The correspondence fully explains the
position of this government in the matter