The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-15
NOT IN POLITICS.
But He Is Strong Partisan of the
Queen, for All That.


day publishes a private letter from Homo
lulu to ex-COnsul Merrill of Hawaii 1t was
written by an American who has resided
thirty years on the Hawaiian Islands. and
who is engaged in business at Honolulu.
being prominent citizen of the island cap
ital. His views are of especial value as
those of a shrewd observer, who is not in
politics. and who is attached to American
interests
HONOLULU, Feb l., 1898 93-Htstory has
been running at high pressure in our little
paradise for some weeks back, as you will
see by the papers ] send you The Gazette,
however, gives a wholly partisan version,
and the Bulletin dare not tell the whole
truth. shall endeavor to supply the de-
fciancies aud correct the misstatements of
the newspapers.
The overturn in 1887 was effected SO easily
by the faction now in power that they be-
gan to quarrel among themselves before
matters bad settled down. and in the elec-
tions of 1888, 1890 and 1892 they gradually
lost the control of affairs, and in the Legsla-
ture just closed resOrted to their old tactics
of 1882 1884 and 1856, to wit; they bought
up from time to time sutficientvotes to carry
their points, but eventually got left, and
the Cabinet of their own choosing were
voted out by bare majority.
The missionary party have for some time
back been ayowedly annexationists, with
the insane idea that sugar produced in the
Hawaiian Islands could secure the two
cents bounty. When a San Francisco news
paper correspondent was here some time
ago be polled the Legislature on the sub
ject and as soon as the brethren found
that their views would be published they
suddenly became very discreet, and de-
nOunced to a man the idea of annexation.
1t transpires now, however, that they for
months back have been arranging and con-
spring with Stevens, the United States
Minister, and Wlltse, commander Of the
Boston, to seize the first favorable oppoTtu-
nifty to again jump the game. They did it
in this way:
The Legislature was prorogued Oh Satur-
day, January 10, a. noon. The Queens
Cabinet went over to the palace and can
vassed the situation. To her astonishment
the Cabinet demurrei TO the new cOnstitu-
tion, although the draft of the proposed in
strument had been in the hands Of one or
another of them for over a month. Yet
they, at the last moment. pretended that
they knew nothing about il, and two of
them ran down to W. O. Smiths office,
where Smith, IhurstoH, Rartwell, Castle
and others were awaiting them, so it was
shown plainly that the affair was prear-
ranged.
The Queen found herself sold and re-
ceded from her position, and on Monday
morning. January IT. a printed pr0clama-
tiOn, signed by tile Queen and c0uutersigned
by the Ministers, in which she disclaimed
any intention of meddling with the cOnsti-
tuition, was circulated about town. All
seemed quiet then, but at about O'Clock in
the afternoon the Boston landed 800 men,
a small guard going to the legation, ano ther
10 the consulate, and the bulk Of them, with
Calling guns, marching up King street and
halting little beyond the palace. About 8
o'clock in the evening hall near the Gov
ernment building was secured and the
United States troops took up their quarters
there, posted sentres, and made themselves
generally at home.
While all these warlike maneuYers were
being made by the American troops. there
was not the slightest indication of disturb
| ance in town. On the contrary, band con-
cert was being held at the hotel grounds,
and the streets and grounds in the vicinity
were full of women and children enjoying
the occasion, as 1t was beautiful moonlight
evening.
The diplomatic officials waited on Stevens
Immediately to ascertain the meaning Of the
movement. and were told that ''it was to
prevent disorder In town." to which one Of
them replied by calling Stevens attention
| to the band concert then in progress. and
added that he had himself just come from
| walk about the hotel and through the prn-
| cipaI streets Of the town. and fCund the
evening as quiet as Quaker meeting. No
! further satisfaction was obtained, and the
| diplomats, having entered their protest, de-.
| parted.
Tuesday afternoon, January IS, about
O'Clock, while the usual business was being
carried on In the Government building, sud-
denly there appeared in front of the build
ing a dozen or so persons, the leader of
whom proceeded to read paper proclaim
ing a provisional Government. During the
reading armed men struggled into the prem
ises from different points to the number Of
| forty or so, and when the reading of the
proclamation was finished they were in pcs
session without any opposition whatever.
News of the action spread over town very
| quickly. and the quartering of the United
| States troops within half pistol shot of the
front entrance Of the Government-bouso
was easily accounted for.
Within half an hour of the reading of the
| proclamation over 1900 men were assem- bled
at the barracks and about 200 at the station
| house, with ample supplies OF arms, anmuni-
ton and Gatling guns. but a rumor had been
| circulated that if the Government forces
attempted to dislodge the usurpers the
| United States troops would support the So
called Provisional Government. Conse-
quently, Stevens was communicated with
| Immediately. When face TO face with the
actual fact Of a Provisional Government
| Stevens hesitated and wanted an hour to
consider the ma tier, but as the forces at the
barracks were all ready TO retake the Govern
ment building, which they could easily have
| done in five minutes, the Provisional forces
must have an assurance right then or the
| Kanaka troops would wipe them out So
| Stevens gave a written recognlZatlon OF the
| Provisional Government, with the assur-
Rnce that their acts would be supported by
| the United States troops, and, OF course, the
| Jig was up. Everything was surrendered.
and the Queen made her protest, explicitly
stating that she surrendered 10 the United
States forces.
On the 20th Of January the Hawaiian
steamer Claudine sailed about 10 o'clock in
the morning with the Provisional commits
sioners for San Francisco. The Provisional
President. Dole, refused In writing to per-
NIT any one representing the Queen or the
| Hawaiian Government to take passage on
the steamer. but allowed mail to be sent /
| did not write you then. as / had little con-
| 6dence in the mail under the control Of the
| Provisional authorities.
Paul Neumann and Prince David go by
| the Australia tomorrow on their way TO
Washington to represent the Queen and the
Hawaiian people.
Since the sailing Of the Claudine the Pro-
vlslonal Government has enforced martial
/ law and is carving things with high hand.