The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-12-19

two papers would be incompatible with
ehe public interests"
The dispatch OF Nov. 10, 1893, is, without
doubt, the detailed information of the de-
vclopments which prompted Minister
Willis teleerspkic dispatch on the same
date to Secretary Gresham ON which was
based the order to suspend instructions:
II have no doubt congress will veiy soon
carefully consider this important problem
and take proper action"
Naval Correspondents.
Secretary Herbert submits a mass OF
correspondence from naval officers, who
have been In command of the United
States naval forces at Hawaii. 1t goes
back TO July. 1850, and Is brought down
TO Admiral Twins brief confidential dis
patch of Dec. to Mr.. Herbert, telling
him that the provisional government had
1000 men under arms.
The most interesting feature of the cor
respondence Is that which begins with the
report Of Captain Wiltse, commander OF
u. s. S. Boston. His first letter Is written
at Honolulu.
1t states that there is large and grow
ing sentiment, particularly among the
planters, in favor of annexation to the
United States, but Captain Wiltse says
that he Is informed that the leaders Don't
think an opportune moment will arrive
for some time to come, however; every
thing seems TO point toward an eventual re-
quest for annexation"
The bulk of Captain Wiltse's letters
that time forward deal largely with
political phases. On Nov. 1, 1892 Captain
Wiltse reported that the queens persist
ent refusal and obstinacy to appoint a
cabinet may precipitate crisis. As late
rs Nov. 0, 1899, and Jan. 4, 1893, Captain
Wiltse reports political affairs as very
quiet. Then, on Jan. Is, Captain Wiltse
makes his report on the uprising and the
landing of marines and sailors of the
Boston under his command. He says:
The Day Of Days.
"On Jan. 16 there was large and en-
thusiastic mass meeting, composed of the
representative men Of Honolulu, held in
the largest hall in the city at 2 p. m. On
the same dny / received from the United
States minister o request TO land the
sailors and marines of the Boston to pro-
tect the United States legation, consulate
and the lives and property of American
citizens. At 4:30 p. m, Jan. 10, / landed
the ships battalion under the command
of Lieutenant Commander Swinburne.
One detachment of marines wss placed at
the legation and one at the consulate,
while the main body of men, with two
pieces of artillery, were quartered in a
small hall of central location, near the
government building"
Captain Wiltse then recites that the
provisional government was established,
the queen dethroned and the new authori-
ties recognized by the United States min
lister. He says that the revolution was
accomplished without the loss of a single
life.
Captain Wiltse reports to the secretary
of the navy, under date of Feb. 1, ultimo,
that II his intention to keep the United
States naval forces on shore until the pro-
visional government ask their with
drawal.
He says: There can be no doubt that
the prompt landing of the battalion has
prevented bloodshed and saved life and
property" He also reports that the ISL
ands have been placed under the protec-
tion Of the United States by formal dec
larations of Minister Stevens.
Upheld by the United States
The letter Of Lieutenant Swinburne,
who commanded the naval forces when
they landed, gives graphic description
of that event. He says the royal colors
flying over the palace were saluted by the
battalion as it passed.
On Feb "a, Admiral Skerrett, who had
become the ranking naval officer mt Homo
lulu, reported that "The provisional gov
ernment Is quite able to administer the
affairs of the present government, upheld
as they are by the presence of our men
ashore"
On March 20 Admiral Skerrett reports
that he regrets TO say that there are a
number of persons in Honolulu who are
greatly opposed to the provisional govern
ment.
On April @ Admiral Skerrett reports
that he hauled down the United States
flag from the government building by or
expression from the citizens.
On May 4 Admiral Skerrett reports that
the provisional government seemed to be
gaining and increasing its friends.
On June % Admiral Skerrett retracts
and solidity of the provisional govern
ment. He says that the standing of the
government is not considered to be all
Admiral Skerrett adds that IL is be-
ieved that if the plan of the provisional
government was submitted to a popular
vote the present officials would be ousted.
Unstable, but the Best Yet.
On July 20 Admiral Skerrett reiterates
that his faith in the stability of the pro-
visional government is "a good deal shat
tered" He says, however, that the exist
ing government Is the best the people
has ever had, and he has faith in its
eventual success.
On Sept. ls Admiral Skerrett says that
the provisional government Continues to
display the same courageous disposition
to control and to direct the people i'm the
right way toward self-government for the
benefit OF all concerned"
On Nov. 10 Secretary Herbert telegraphs
TO Admiral Skerrett, impressing upon
him that in the absence of Minister
Blount the sole duties Of the admiral are
those of naval officer. He is directed
not to give aiIto either party contending
for the government at Honolulu.
Admiral Twins reports make up the
- n.