The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-11

queen Linukallni announced her intention
on Saturday, Jan. Ia. 1893, u proclaim a new
constitution, but the opposition of her minis
ters and others induced her to change her
purpose and make public announcement of
the fact At a meeting In Honolulu late after
that day so-oalled committee consisting of
10 men, majority Of whom, including five
Americans, were aliens, was appointed Ito
consider the situation and devise ways and
means for the maintenance of the public peace
and the protection of life and property" This
committee resolved that provisional govern
ment be created ITO exist until terms of union
with the United States Of America had been
negotiated and agreed upon"
At q mass meeting composed largely of
aliens, the queen and her supporters were con-
demned and denounced, and the committee
was continued and all its acts approved. The
committee addressed a letter TO John L.
Stevens, the American minister at Honolulu,
stating that the lives and property of the peo-
pie were In peril and appealing TO him and the
United States for such assistance as was at
his command. On receipt of this letter, Mr..
Stevens requested Captain Wiltse, commander
of the u. s. 3. Boston, TO land force for the
protection of the United States legation,
United States consulate and TO secure the
safety of American life and property.
How It Was Brought About
The wcll-armed troops were promptly
landed and marched through the quiet streets
OF Honolulu with two gatling guns to pub
lie hall, previously secured by Mr. Stevens
for their accommodation. This hall was In
plain view of tho queens palace. The governor
Of the island Immediately addressed to Mr..
Stevens a communication protesting against
the act as an unwarranted invasion OF Ha-
waian soil. and reminding him that the
proper authorities had never denied permis-
sion TO the naval affairs of the land for drill
or any other proper purpose. About the same
time the queens minister Of foreign affairs
sent note to Dir. Stevens asking why tho
troops had been landed, and informing him
that the proper authorities were able and
willing TO afford full protection 10 the Ameri-
can legation and American interests in Homo
lulu. Only evasive replies were sent TO these
communications.
While there were no manifestations of ex-
element or alarm In the city, and the people
were ignorant OF the contemplated move, the
committee entered the government building,
after first ascertaining that it was unguarded,
and one of their number read proclamation
declaring that the existing government was
ovcrthrown aud n provisional government
established in its place, ITO exist until terms
OF union with the United States of America
have been negotiated and agreed upon"
No audience was present when the procla-
nation was read. but during the reading ~ or
o. men, some OF them indifrerently armed,
entered the room. The executive and ad-
tion at once addressed communication to
Mr. Stevens Informing him that the monarchy
had been abrOgatcd and provisional govern
ment established.
Dole Was Thankful
On receipt OF this letter Mr. stevens imme-
diately recognized the new government.
Mr. Dole replied: 81 acknowledge receipt OF
you valued communication of this date
recognizing the Hawaiian provisional govern
- .t.tl.. - Al.
same. We have conferred with the ministers
OF the late government and have made de-
inands upon the marshal 60 surrender the
station house. We are not actually yet in
possession Of the station house. but, as night
Is approaching ard our forces may be INSULT
cient TO maintain order, we request the imme-
diaie support OF the United States forces and
request the United States officers 10 take COM
mand OF our military forces. 80 that they may
acknowledge their full protection OF the city,"
The stati/n house was occupied by we'll
armed fsrce under the command of resolute,
oapcL.e officers. The same afternoon, the
queen, her ministers, representatives OF the
provisional government and others held con-
ference at the palace; refusing 10 recognize
the new authority or surrender TO IT, she was
informed that the provisional government
had the support u the American minister and.
tf necessary. would be maintained by the mill
tary force OF the United States, then presents
that any demonstration on her part would
procipiiatc n conflict with that force; that she
could a0t with hope Of success engage in war
with the United States. and that resistance
would result IN useless sacrifice of life.
Believing that her case was TO be fairly con-
sidercd by the President ~ tho United States,
the queen finally yielded aud sent 20 the pro-
visional government the paper stating that she
Yielded under protest, TO the superior force of
the United states Of Americs, whose minister