The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-04-08
rHs UxrAsrxxss TN HAWAII
hasaences TsndiAg - Disturb ths Political
Condllloa of the Ia1naAA


hnsaences Tsnding - Disturb tAs Political
Condities ef the laaasAs.
WASHINGTON. April Tho latest alarm at
honolulu seems to have subsidized. and the I'M
wonted spectacle OF the royal palace barri-
caded with breastwork Of sand bags has
ooen adequately accounted for By their em
ployment In a defensive drill OF tho guard.
me reputed leader OF the malcontcnts.
robert W. Wilcox.who was accused OF heading
sne abortive attempt against King Kalakaua
-FOUR or nre years ago. has disclaimed any pur-
pose OF trying to overthrow Queen Liliuo-
kniani. and so for the moment all appears to
DO quiet in Oahu.
Yet 1t would hordly be surprising to learn
mat confidence Is not wholly restored In the
Islands. In the recent affair. the very ex plana-
uon that the household troops are drilling at
night TO DO ready for sudden attacks is sug-
9estive. 1t would appear. from the account
attributed to Admiral Brown, that It was Gus.
tomary to clear away these extern porlzed par-
apets after tho man9uvres. but that on the
occasion in question. either through nesli-
gence or design, they werc left In place
through the following day. Yet why should
such preparations be nader
An abnormal political system has for yenrs
existed In Hawaii. and Is at the bottom OF the
prevailing restlessness. The natives have
long been decreasing in numbers. and the
government Is entirely under the control Of
the foreign resident population. In fact It is
mainly conducted by tho American and Brit
ish residents. who do not mako up a tenth
part Of the inhabitants Wilcox is half eed
who. with Robert Boyd. had been educated ut
tho expense OF the Government In tho military
school ut Milan. and after his return to Homo
luiu several years ago was engaged in e1cit-
n n n oal tat. 4, ss
ior the Hawaiians." 1t Is not difficult for them
to believe that they ought to have their share
OF the offices. Wilcox has always taken the
ground that his methods are peaceful and
legitimate: and the fact that he was pardoned
after his attempt to coerce Kalakaua in 1887
az tho head OF party Of followers gives color
TO MS claim. He was then promptly chosen to
the LEGISLATURE. and has since kept tho peace,
although from time to time suspected Of will
hgness to stir up Instruction. The alleged
grievances Of the natives meanwhile remain,
and might be the foundation Of Il revolt on
race grounds
Another possible source OF trouble might be
tho quarrels Of ambitious white politicians.
leading to alliances with tho natives. During
former CRISIS when q Cabinet was forced to
resign. two OF Its members charged each other
with completely In the revolt Of Wilcox, aim
throne the Princess. who has since become
Queen. Whatever degree OF truth there was in
those mutual accusations. It ls clear that they
point to possible combination Of revolution
airy interests that might be fatal to the peace OF
the kingdom. One source Of reliance gainst
revolt Is that there are no organized troops
except the few score kent as a police guard
with the rifle corps. II It still exists formed OF
white residents OF Honolulu There aro
even no arms OF any consequence among the
natives. But the mainstay of the authorities
is found in the British and American war ves-
sells in tho harhor. These are always called
upon in case Of disorder. and always respond.
their disciplined landing rarties and service
able weapons quickly putting an end to
trouble. However. secret importation Of
arms log tho natives. the temporary absence
OF war ships. and dissension among the
white residents might combine to form very
serious menace to tho throne.
1t seems likely enough that the future OF
Hawaii will be either that OF a republic or an
ne1ation to the United States. Neither result
may como for generation. Probably neither
could be brought about without tho desire Of
the commercial residents. or OF a groat part Of
them. The best guarantee for q continuance
OF the present status is to 10 found In the fact
that tho sovereign is little more than figure
heal. Undoubtedly the Queen has certain
prerogatives left. and her veto power is not
wholly destroyed. She also has certain
rights OF appointment to office that are Of con-
sequence. But the pressure that can be ex-
erted upon her Ministry Is sufficient to keep
the control Of affairs in tho hands Of the
foreign resident population. Besides. 1t is
palpable that any attempt to stretch the royal
power would quickly be followed by Its over
throw, So far Rs our country ia concerned n
can afford to bide Its time. taking care that no
European Government shall acquire decisive
influence in Hawaii. The navy usually keeps
> representative in those waters. and one Of
our finest cruisers. the San Francisco. is now
at Honolulu. while the Iroquois was also there
1t the last adyices on her way home from
samoa