The herald., 1893-09-01
An Alleged Royalist Conspir'
acy Nipped in the Bub.
Admiral 4Skerrett Befriends the Pro-
visional Government.
The Marines of the Boston Again Held
In Readiness for Landing-An
American Protectorate Prac-
tically in Vogue.
Rx the Associated Press.

and excitement here. On lest Ihursoay
evening the government was in posses
sion of large number of facts which
point to an attempt, long threatened,
of unseating the provisional govern
ment. It is understood that Marshal
Hitchcock had sufficient evidence to
connect the Ashford brothers with the
scheme. At about Sp. m. that evening
Attorney General Smith called on Ad-
miral Skerrett and in an official manner
laid the facts before him. The admiral
said nothing but Immediately sent Or
ders aboard the U. S. s. Boston to have
q battalion ready to land on Is minutes
notice. The ship was under arms Gil
night and the men were deprived OF
shore liberty for several days thereafter.
1he government was not aware OF the
admiral's action until the next day.
No outbreak took place, but Admiral
okerrett evidently showed he did not
intend to allow the peace and quiet OF
the country to be disturbed. The pro-
visional government is highly pleased
at Skerrelt's prompt action without
their request, and the Americans claim
it outlines the future policy to be pur-
sued toward the provisional government
in case it's existance is threatened.
Several facts were back of the Ameri-
can admiral's actions. One was a prop
osition to have the ex-Queen raise her
standard on the island of Maui, which
would call the troops from Honolulu and
give the Royalists chance to seize the
government buildings. Another was
that the conspirstors would explode
dynamite and fire buildings in Homo
lulu and would seize the government
during the confusion. The government
was in no way alarmed, and had not ex-
pected Admiral Skerrett to interfere.
The military had been warned and
special orders were issued to 500 reserves
who could have been rallied In 20 min
utes.
Admiral Skerrett has since admitted
that he acted entirely on his own author
ity. The opinion prevails here that had
the Boston's troops landed, the stars and
stripes would have gone up again, never
to be lowered. When asked direct
question, Admiral Skerrett would not
deny this Interpretation of his action.
The royalists deny that any outbreak
was contemplated, but the facts in the
possession of Admiral Skerrett and the
provisional government point very
strongly the other way, and are believed
to have been serious enough to justify
action had movement been made.
George Ryan, whose true name is
Preston Horner, was sentenced yester-
day morning for stealing the crown jew
els, to three years. imprisonment and a
fine of 5000. The trial of Walker and
Sinclair Was begun yesterday in the cir
cult court. The jury drawn is likely
favorable to the prisoners, and contains
several prominent Royslists. The evil
dence thus far introduced is stronger
than atthe trial in the lUMer court, and
Marehal Hitchcock will introduce still
stronger evidence duringthe trial.
F. M Hatch, an American, has been
elected vice-president of the provisional
government, to succeed w. G. Wilder,
who has gone to the United States.
The new military bill was passed and
has gone into effect. AS amended, it
provides for IL companies OF volunteers,
who shall be under the command of the
president of the provisional govern
ment, whose power is unlimited to act
in an emergency.
Owing to the repeated threats to seize
OI thO kOfCiAA4ChOy AOW
bill for the succession of the Office of
which will likely pass without amend
do away with the head of the
government without destroying the en-
tire cabinet and all of the advisory
council which is not likely to happen.
On night before last the United States
40 ink -A
thing in the shape of documents and
room was overhauled that could be
found. Nothing was taken. 1t is the
belief that Royalists made the raid in
the hope of finding some documents that
would throw light on the probable at
affairs.
1t is said here that the threats and
late actions of the Royalists are due to
Che reply made by Minister Blount just
before he left, that the United States
would never recognize any faction not
in control of the seat of government
and executive buildings.
The government here has allowed the
publication OF the stand Minister Blount
lately took in the Japanese demand for
suffrage as already reported. Consul
General Fugu of Japan has virtually
admitted the truth of the affair, and in
an interview mas said that Japan will
not object to any action the United
States may take in the matter, but in
timated that Japan might cut off
further Japanese laborers to Hawaii,
in case the provisional government re-
fused to grant the demand. The pro-
visional government considers that the
action taken by Blount in the matter is,
if anything, an outline of the future
American policy here which points to at
least an United States protectorate. In
fact it is the belisf that Hawaii is now
practically under a United States pro-
tectorate, and officials high in authority
say that before Blount left he virtually
said this much.
At a cabinet council held this
week, the determination was
reached to make more removals soon of
Soyalists still holding Office. The move
ment, it is understood, will be general
all along the line.
Public works have been resumed, as
announced by the last mail, and it is
the intention of the government to in
crease these as soon as the taxes begin
coming in next December.
Minister Damron will submit finan-
dial statement to the councils this after
noon after the steamer leaves, which
will show the following facts: That
there is cash balance in the treasury
today Of $150,000. as compared with
$6y 900 cash balance a year ago under
tha rn0naYchv Tho ooft1a1 aprro,& .ox,