The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1893-12-30

could not. under the circumStances disclosed,
annex the islands without justly mourning tbs
imputatiop Of acquiring them BY untusttfabls
rse.hCd5, I shall not again submit the treaty
| of annexation 10 the senate foi its considers
ton. and in the instructions 10 Minister VIII
lis, q copy OF which accompanies this message,
] ! have directed him 70 80 INFORM the PROVISION
al government ,
But in the present instance our duty does not,
In my opinion, end with refusing to consum-
mate this questionable transaction 1t has
been the boast of our government that II seeks
to do justice In all things without regard to
the strength or weakness of those with whom
1t deals.
BY an act OF war. committed with the par
United States, and without authority OF con-
gress. the government OF q feeble but friendly
and conhding people has been overthrow: A
substantial wrong has thus been done
which q due regard for our NATIONAL
character as well as the r!shts OF thu
injured people rhluirc5 We should
n-dcaTof 10 repair. The provisional govern
mcnt has not assumed a republican or other con-
stitutional form, but has remained q mere
executive council or oligarchy. set up without
the assent of the people. II has not sought 10
has given no evidence Of IN intention 10 do SO.
Indeed. the representatives OF that government
assert that the people OF Hawaii are unfit for
popular government and frankly svor tia.
they can be best ruled By arbitrary or despotic
power.
THE oNLY COURSE
The United States can not properly be put In
the position OF countenancing n wrong after
its commission any more than in that OF con-
senting to il in advance. On that ground IL can
not allow itself TO refuse TO redress an injury
inflicted through an abuse OF power by officers
clothed with its authority and wearing its uni.
fnrm: and on the same ground, II a feeble but
friendly stale is in LANCER of being robbed OF
its independence and its sovereignty ny mis-
use OF the name ard power Of the United
States. the United States can not fail 10
indicate its honor and its sense Of Justice hy
an earnest effort 10 make all possible repara-
ton.
enemies, would be willing to adopt such 4
COURSE a. would meet the prevailing condi-
lions. aid in view OF the fact that both the
queen and the provisional government had at
one time apparently acquicsced in q reference
OF the entire case to the United
States government, aad considering tho
further fact that in any event the pro;
limitation was only to exist until
terms OF union with the United States OF
America have becn negotiated and agreed
upon, ] hoped that after the assurance 10 tho
members of that government that such union
could not be contaminated ] might compass q
peaceful adjustment OF the difficulty.
Actuated toy these desires and purposes. and
not unmindful OF the Inherent perplexitics Of
the situation nor OF the limitations OF
my power. 1 instructed Minister Willis
to advise the queen and her supporters OF
rpG desire to aid in the restoration OF tho
status existing before the lawless landing Of
the United States forces 1T Honolulu on the
10th Of January Last. il such restoration could
he effected upon terms providing for clemency
as well as j~ustic" to all parties concerned.
CONDITIONS SUGGESTED.
The conditions suggested, as the ~instruc-
lions SHOW, contemplate Il general amnesty to
those CONSERVED in setting up the provisional
government, and 4 recognition OF all its bona
iide acts ami obligations. In short. they re-
uuiro that the past should be buried, und that
the restored goscrnmert should resume
~ arthccitt as IL ia continuity
conditions have not proved acceptable 10 the
queen. and though she has been Informed that
they Will ne insisted upon, and that. unless ac-
coded -. the efforts OF the president 10 aid in
the restoration Of her government will cease. |
have not thus far learned that she is willing TO
yield them her aCquicscence. The check
which my plans have thus encountered has
prevented their presentation 10 the provis-
iouIl government. while uufIvnrabIe public
Misrepresentation az the situatioE and cgag'
Eeratci statements 81 the OF our
people havt obviously injured The prospe is Of
successful executive mediation.
| therefore submit this communication with
its accompanying exhibits. embracing M.
IBlouuts report, the evidence and statements
g'vcr 10 both Mr.. Blount and Minister Willis,
and correspondence connected with the Affair
i'll hand.
In commenting this subjectto the extended
powers and wide discretion OF congress. | de-
sire To a TT tn, assurance that | shall lie muCh
10 co operate in any legislative plan
which may hc devised for the solution Of the
pr"alcm before US which IL consistent with
American hcI9f, integrity and morality.
signed GROVER CLEVELAND
Mansion. Washington, D. e. Dec.
Is, 1893