The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-03-29
THE QUEEN SPEAKS.
Liliu0kalani Makes Her First
Plea for Hawaii.
The Hawaiians, She Saws, Detest
the Annexation Idea.

A lengthy statement by Liliuokalani, this
deposed Queen Of Hawaii has just been
made public, which is the first statement
which the ex.Queen has made for publica-
ton since the overthrow OF the monarchy
on the islands. She states at the outset:
II had resolved to maintain absolute
silence throughout the negotiations, believ-
ing that the question would be settled on its
political merits alone, but am forced from
my retreat by the ISLANDERS and cruel calum-
nies uttered against my person aud charac.
ter by those who are baliev ed on account Of
their diplomatic position, a nd who know
better than they speak. do not mean to re-
fute their utterancss. am Queen"
The ex.Queen then refers to her recent at
tempt to promulgate new constitution and
reviews anumber Of facts, which, she claims.
led her to take this step. Among othsr
Shortly after my accession I made 6
tour of the islands. Nothing could bs
more affecting than the loyalty o. my
people. 6ut from every side petitions
kept pouring in imploring me to
give a new constitution. They contained
thousands of signatures, the names Of those
isting constitution the natives were de-
prived OF their just and inalienabla
rights. I would not deprive one white
man Of one legitimate right, but under
this constitution any newly arrived white
man without interest or intention OF resi-.
dence is placed as voter over the heads OF
thousands Of my subjects, to whom God has
given these islands and no other home. Be.
sides Hawaii Is dear to the Hawaiian as
America Is dear to its people," ......
Lilioukalani next refers to United States
Minister Stevens as follows: "The position
taken by the present American Minister
has been constantly unfriendly and quar-
reisome. The address he delivered To
me on my accession would lead me
to suppose that he considered an Ameri-
can protectorate established at that day. 1t
was lecture and not an expression OF sea-
sonable sentiment. did think it most in
considerate speech. Not one Of the othec
representatives chose my coronation day "a
an occasion for threats and penalties.
SAT the time certain men were being
prosecuted for rebellion and treason Mr..
Stevens delivered his Decoration Day
speech. he ridiculed the political trials.
He drew comparisons most uufavorable
20 Hawaii; he sneered at royalty, speaking
Of mouarch-cursed countries, and the
question seriously presented itself to the
minds Of many people if this speech did not
constitute glaring infraction OF the duties
aud courtesy pertaining to the representa-
tive Of foreign power"
The ex-Queen closes her statement as fol-
lows: "Tne Queen Of Hawaii raises her
solemn note OF protest. Hawaiaus detest
the very thought OF annexation. 1t is not
antagonism as yet to the United States
but it is the overwhelming grief with which
our native eyes shall behold any flag
surmounting our fair shores. except that
one which is associated indelioly with the
memories of our glorious past-glorious not
In might aud battle, but In the noble efforts
OF our Nation to clothe itself with the fair
robe of enlightenment. raligion and COM
merce."