Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1893-12-08
OUR HoOsTER DIPLOMAT.


navy, by the flrmness Of the Dole Gov
eminent 10 the islands, there is at
least one thing certain aud that is
that the affair has demonstrated that
we have a great diplomatlst at the
head OF our State Department. But
while it must be said that this discov-
cry Is very gratifying to Americans il
is something OF surprise. It was not
known that the services Of Mr.. Gresh-
am as a volunteer Geaoral, as a Cab
met associate OF that genial gentle.
man, President Arthur, and as
Federal Judge had specially fitted him
for the service in which he has so
suddenly risen 10 the highest distinc-
tion. But this is only another illustra-
tlon OF the superiority Of native genius
to mere training. 1t has been foolish
ly supposed that skill in what is term
cd Tie art Of diplomacy, the facility
for assembling upon an information
al scale, as it were, the ability 10
lie and deceive In the great game of
statecraft in the name OF patriotism
and politics, was only to be attained
after long experience In the diplomatic
service. But we now see that this is
not so. We see that a blunt soldier
and q Hoosier politician who has heen
distinguished in that line only for his
ability to kick the fat Ia the Ore can
upon an occasien, being man OF gen.
ius, as VIC say, lie, automatically Of
course, and deceive and dissemble with
the very best Of them.
1t is said no man knows what he can
do until the opportunity occurs. The
Hawaiian complication will pass into
history as the most stupendous in
stance OF diplomatic deceit Of modern
times. But the affair could not have
been carried forward to its present
stage, even by man Of such exalted
ability as General Gresham, but for
certain exceptional conditions which
afforded him the opportunity Of his
life. The island kingdorI or republic
or what not now, is far of in the Pa
ciac ocean. 1t takes diys and days to
communicate. w hat splendid
chance these circumstances afforded
our Hoosicr diplomat to play with the
confidence of Mr.. Dole while Mr.. Will
lis was preparing for the blow which
he was secretly ordered to strike at a
later day. 1t could not have been
done In any other part of the world.
But the occasion and the opportunity
being thus afforded, Mr.. Gresham rose
grandly to the situation.
When a foreign minister is sent
abroad by our Government the Secre-
tary Of State prepares for him little
speech which he is instructed to read
to the head of the Government to
which he is accredited, when he is re-
ceived. And the Secretary of State
also prepares the letter, which is sign
ed by the President, addressed to the
sovereign OF chief executive Of the na-
tion to which the Minister is thus sen. .
And these wcll-known and recognized
customs enabled Mr.. Gresham, with
the aid OF the exceptional conditions
to which We have adverted, to play his
game of diplomatic deceit. His plan
was to have Mr.. Willis go to the Islands,
get good ready, as the boys say, and
then spring the proposition to re-en-
throne the dusky Queen. OF course,
this necessarily implied treacheFy to
the Provisional Government. But
what of that. 1t is we'll recognized
that diplomacy is not to be limited by
the ordinary rules and considerations
OF frankness and falr-deallng. At
least. that seems to be the idea OF our
great Hoosier diplamatist.
Aud how admirably he carried out
his scheme OF diplomatic deception.
And what a lesson IL win be TO the
rising generation OF Americans. 1t is
related that the ancient spartans
taught their son to steal food and pan
ished them by hunger II they were
caught. Our sons will be taught by
the example Of General Gresham that
honesty, truthfulness and justice
should not be considered In interna-
tional dealings.
'Grover Cleveland, President Of the
United States Of America-To his ex
cellency Sanford 8. Dole, President Of
the Provisional Government OF the
Hawaiian islands. Great and good
friend" So the letter Of credcatiali
began. Then, after commencing Mr.
willis, Mr.. Dole wasinfOrmed that the
new Minister would constantly en-
deavor TO Advance the interests aud
prosperity Of both Governments, anc
SO render himself acceptable TO you
excellency. The words "both Gov
erpments" were not, Of course, italI
cized, nor was It at all necessary IL
order 10 carry out the commendabl'
l.eott froso tho afandnoint OF dinlO