The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-12-19

without a court for it's enforcement, and
that obedience to its practically
depends upon good faith, instead or upon
the mandate Of a sperior tribunal, only give
additional sanction to the law itself ana
brand any deliberate infraction of it not
merely as a wrong, but as a disgrace. A
man OF due honor protects the unwr1tten
word which binds his conscience more Scru-
ppu Oh Q If possible ? 81 ,,t than n,h he does eim the ne
legal liabilities. and the United States, in
aiming to maintin itself as one of the most
enlightened of nations, would do its citi-
zens gross injustice if it applied to its in
ternational relations any other than a high
standard of honor and morality.
On that ground the United States cannot
properly be put in the position of countenanc-
ing wrong, after its commission. any more
than it can consent to IL IN anVance; on
that ground IL cannot allow itself 10 refuse
to redress an injury inflicted through an
abuse of power by officers clothed with its
authority and wearing its uniform, ana on
the same ground, If a feeble but friendly
state is in danger of being robbed OF Its
independence and its sovereignty by a mis-
use of the name and power of the United
States, the United states cannot 1all 10 VIM
dicate its honor and it's sense of justice by
an earnest effort to make all possible rep
aration-
SURRENDERED TO UNCLE SAM.
These principles apply to the present case.
with irresistible force, when the special con-
ditions of the Queens surrender of her SOW
ereignty are recalled. She surrendered. not
to the provisional government. but to the
United States. She surrendered, not abso-
lutely and permanently, but temporarily and
conditionally, until such time as the facts
could be considered by the United States.
Furthermore, the provisional government
acquiesced in her surrender in that manner
and on those terms. not only by taclt con-
sent. but through the positive acts or some
members of the government, VINO urged her
peaceable submission, not merely to avoid
bloodshed. but because she could place I'M
States and that the whole subject would be
finally considered at Washington.
1 nave net not h0weXer, oVe affsir wbieh re-
mains to be mentioned. The members OF the
provisional government and their support
ers, though not entitled to extreme sym
pathy, nave been led 20 their present pre-
dicament of revolt against the government
of the Queen by the indefensible encour-
agement and assistance of our diplomatic
representatives. This fact may entitle them
to claim that, in every effort to rectify the
wrong of the some regard should
be had for their safety. This sentiment Is
strongly seconded by my anxiety TO DO
nothing which would invite either harsh re-
~taliation on the part or the Queen or Nlo-
lence and bloodshed in any quarter: In the
belief that the Queen, as well as her enc
mics, should be willing ID ADOPT such a
course as would meet these conditions, and
in view of the fact that both the Queen and
the provisional government had, at che
time, apparently acqniesced in a reference
of the entire case to the United States gov.
eminent, and, considering the further fact
that. i'm any event, the present government
by it's own declared limitation was only TO
exist until terms of union with the United
States of America have been negotiated ana
agreed upon" / hoped that, after the as
surance to the members of that government
that such union could not be
I might compass a peaceful adjustment or
the difficulty.
Actuated by these desires and purposes,
and not unmindful of the inherent per-
IA - l. ttNan fsnn n ~ the Nj
tations upon my power, 1 intrusted Min
lister Willis to advise the Queen and her
supporters Of my desire to aid in the res
toration of the status existing before the
lawless landing of the United States forces
at Honolulu on the 18th Of January last,
terms providing for clemency, as well as
Justice to all parties concerned. The con-
ditions suggested, as the Instructions show,
contemplate a general amnesty to those con-
cerned in settling up the provisional gov
eminent and a recognition OF all Its bona
fide acts and obligations. In short, they re,
quire that the past should De Dur1eu, anu
that the restored government should resume
it's authority as If it's continuity had not
been interrupted. These conditions have not
proved acceptable to the Queen, and though
she has been Informed that they Will be
insisted upon, and that, unless acceded to.
the efforts of the President to aid in the
restoration of her government will cease,
I have not thus far learned that she is
willing TO yield them her acquiescence. The
countered has prevented their presentation
to the members of the provisional govern
ment, while unfortunate public misrepre-
sensations of the situation and exaggerated
of the sentiments of our people
have obviously injured the prospects of
successful executive mediation.
/, therefore, submit this communication
with its accompanying exhibits. embracing
Mr.. Blount's report Of the evidence and
statements taken by him at Honolulu. the
instructions given TO both Mr.. Blount and
Minister Willis, and correspondence con-
nected with the affair In hand. In COM
mending this subject to the extended
powers and wide discretion of the Congress,
| desire TO add the assurance that / shall
be much gratified to cooperate in any
legislative plan which may be devised fo-
the solution of the problem before the
United States which is consistent with
American honor, integrity and morality.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion, Washington. Dec. Is.
1898.