New-York tribune., 1893-12-14
THE HAWAIIAN SITUATION.

No decisive change in the Hawaiian situation
IS reported in the latest news from Honolulu.
But nevertheless, it is unmistakable that the
progress of events there has been rapid, ana
that public sentiment has been greatly solidifed
and intensified within the last ten days From
the mass of reports just arrived some facts
stand out conspicuous. These are, that the
Provisional Government and its supporters are
in dead earnest that they are resolved to main
tain their supremacy at all hazards, and to en-
ploy all the force which they possess to resist
encroachments from any quarter, and that al
ready, in view Of the possible defeat of their
purpose Of union with the United States they
have deemed it just and wise to hear proposals
from a Canadian official looking toward closer
relations with Great Britain.
1t appears therefore, that whatever may be
the ultimate conclusion of President Cleveland,
and whatever action may result from 1t, the
Government of Hawaii. representing all that
is honorable, enlightened and truly patriotic in
the islands, is now bravely confronting
grave emergency Doubtless with aston
ishment and grief, and certainly with high
courage and fidelity to duty. the men who Tor
nearly year have been conducting the affairs
of the islands with wisdom. prudence and abso-
lutte unselishness have determined that for the
present their highest obligation lies in defend
Ing if need be with their lives, the free Gov
ernment which they established. Nor Is their
immediate situation desperate. They have
on their side a determined public opinion to in
spire and sustain them, and they have under
arms more than one thousand loyal and resolute
men. They have fortified the Government
House; they possess financial and military re-
sources sufficient for their present needs; they
are not divided in counsel. but united by a dear
and patriotic purpose, and they know that they
are supported by an overwhelming sentiment
of sympathy and respect In the United States.
If resort to arms is made necessary, either by
a display of force on the part Of the United
States, or by violent outbreak on the part OF
the dcposed Queens jubilant adherents. 1t Is
absolutely certain that the existing Government
will give a good account of itself, and 1t is con-
fidcntly believed that il will be able To main
tain its authority against all the elements OF
hostility and disorder now capable Of being en-
listed in the islands
Such is the deplorabe position into which the
people Of Hawaii and the people OF the United
States have been betrayed. 1t is impossible To
reflect without Indignation and shame upon the
course of action which has produced this result
IL course totally unnecessary, unwarranted ana
indcfcnsiDlc from any point of view excepting
that of ii vain. obstinate. shallow, jealous and
resentful Executive. The Hawaiian Islands,
rich in resources and in possibilities Of progress,
bound to us by many ties already and destined
to be hereafter great safeguard serious
nj if..xI
States Their people were tranquil, hopeful
and ambitious in the prospect Of uniting their
fortunes and their future with ours and public
sentiment In this country appreciated their
motives and reioccd in the expectation of ac-
cepting their offer. President Cleveland alone
is responsible for the tumult. cllagrin and disap-
pointmcnt which now prevail in Hawaii, ana
for the humiliation which rightmnded Amcrl-
cans feel as they contemplate the consequences
of his policy. He has committed II series Of
colossal blunders: he has transcended his cOnsti-
tutional authority he has rejected an unparal-
cled opportunity; he has affrontel Congress
and the whole people by wrapping his proceed
ngs in mystery; he has defcd public senti-
ment and finally he has brought about state
of affairs in Hawaii critical that armed re-
sistance or the protection or another nauOn may
be the only recourse of the friendly Power whose
interests he has betrayed with ours. That the
American people through their representatives
in Congress will pardon this policy or neglect TO
redress so far as possible the wrongs inflicted
Oh Hawaii and recover their own standing
is not to be believed. We may still hope that
it is not too late TO undo the mischief which
has been done, and to resume the course OF
honor and advantage which we were pursuing
when a Democratic Administration came into
power.