Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1893-12-21

special conditions of the Queens sur
render of her sovereignty are recalled.
She surrendered, not to the provisional
government, but to the United States.
She surrendered not absolutely and per-
manently, but temporarily and condition
ally until such time as the facts could be
considered by the United States. Furth-
ermore, the provisional government ac-
quiesced in her surrender in that manner
and on those terms, not only by tacit con
sent, but through the positive acts of some
members of that government who urged
her peaceful submission, not merely to
avoid bloodshed, but because she could
place implicit reliance upon the justice of
the United States.
What Has Been Done
have not, however, overlooked an Incl
dent of this unfortunate affair which re.
mains to be mentioned. The members of
the provisional government and their sup
porters, though not entitled to extreme
sympathy, have been led to their present
predcsmen of revolt against the govern
ment of the queen by the indefenslble en-
couragement and assistance OF our diplo-
matte representative. This fact uay Gu
title them to claim that in our effort to
rectify the wrong committed some regard
should be had Tor their safety. This sen-
timent is strongly seconded by my anxiety
TO do nothing which would invite either
harsh retaliation on the part of the queen
or violence aud blood -hed in any quarter.
In the belief that the queen, as we'll as her
enemies, would be willing to adopt such
Il course as would meet these conditions,
and in view of the fact that both the
queen and the provisional government had
at one time apparently acquiesced in a
reference of the entire case to the United
States government, and considering the
further fact that In any event the provis-
ional government by its own declared lin
itaton was only "to exist until terms OF
union with the United States of Amer,c,
have been negotiated and agreei upon"
l hoped that after the assurance to the
members of that government that such
union could not be cousummated | mi tht
compass peaceful adjustment OF the diff
ficulty.
The Queen Refuses Terms Proposed
Actuated by these desires and purposes,
and not unmindful OF the inherent per-
plexities of the situation nor of the limita-
tions of my power, instructed Minister
Willis to advise the queen and her sup
porters of my desire to aid in the restora-
tion of the status existing before the law.
less landing OF the United States forces at
Honolulu on the 10Th OF January last.
if such restoration could be effected upon
terms providing for clemency AS we'll as
Justice to all parties concerned.
The conditions suggested, as the In :
structons show, contemplate &. neral
amnesty to those concerned in setting up
provisional government and recognition
of all its bona fide acts and obligations.
In short, they require that the past should
be buried, and that the restored govern
ment should reassume its authority as IL
its continuity had not been interrupted.
These conditions have not proved accept
able to the queen, and though she has
been informed that they will be insisted
upon, and that, unless accrdod to, the
efforts of tho president to aid in the re,
storaton Of her government will cease, ]
have not thus far learned that she is will.
ling to yield them her acquiescence. Tue
check which my plans have thus encount
cred has prevented their presentation to
the members of the provisional govern
ment, while unfortunate public misrepre-
sentations Of the situation and exagger-
ated statements OF the sentiments of our
people have obviously injured the pros
poets OF successful executive mediation
| therefore submit this communication
with its accompanying exhibits, embrac-
ing Mr., Blount's report, the evidence and
statements taken by him at Honolulu, the
instructions given to both Mr. Blount and
Minister Willis, and correspondence con-
nected with the affair in hand.
In commencing this subject to the ex-
tended powers and wide discretion of the
congress- l desire to add the assurance
that / shall be much gratifed to CO..
operate in any legislative plan which may
be devised for the solution of the problem
before us which is consistent with Amer
lean honor integrity, and morality.
GROVER CLEVELAND.