New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-11-16
GENERALHARRISON RETICENT
HE DECLINES TO DISCUSS THE HAWAIIAN
SITUATION.
SURPRISED THAT CONGRESS DID NOT CALL FoR
THE CORRESPONDENCE.

SURPRISED THAT CONGRESS DID NOT CALL FOR
THE CORRESPONDENCE
Indianapolis, Nov. 15-A United Press correspond
ent called on ex-Presdent Harrison to-day at his
home In North Delaware-st., and asked him FOR an
expression of his views on the Hawaiian contro-
yersy The ex-President looked in the best Of
health and aside from the fractions tendency Of
a black bow-tie which he wore. he was dressed In
a black suit of faultless fit. In reply to the corre-
spondents question he said:
II hardly think that l care to say anything about
that unfortunate Hawaiian affair l fully realize
that there is a desire to get my views on the mat
ter and l also fully appreciate your position, but
| do not feel that 1t would be the proper thing lot
me to rush into print
.Do YOU not think, General Harrison that you could
even discuss the affair it related to your Ad-
mnistration?" suggested
II do not see why that is necessary or wise''
said the ex-President. he pushed his hand over
his gray head. What did Is a matter of record,
and why should resort to an explanation or
a dissertation on my official acts? or course. the
move of the present Administration Is directly op.
posed to anything that did, but 1t has done MOTH
ing, In my opinion which can be considered IN
the nature of a personal attack on me. Conceding
that such were the case. however, l might even
then decline to make answer. / don't like to dis
cuss public matters in any phase. Congress took
cognizance of all that done, and my attitude
toward the Provisional Government OF Hawaii 10
well known
And you have no opinion whatever to express
on the recent decision OF the Cleveland Admnis-
tration?' .
II repeat that 1t would not be wise for me to ex-
press opinion. In due time the acts OF the pres
ent Administration in relation to the management
of Hawaii will be. l have no doubt, properly and
fully examined, investigated, and, might say ven-
tlated At that time the facts will all come out.
and If there is anything to know the public will
know it - .
II do not know" he continued that the full
purport OF the Governments intention has yet been
| frade known. was somewhat surprised however,
rat the correspondence in relation to that affair was
| not asked for during the recent session OF Con-
gress. watched the proceedings OF that body
closely, fully expecting tnat the Government would
be called upon to produce this correspondence, in
cludng that which had during my Adminis-
cessor but | suppose the matter was lost sight Of
BY reason OF the greater question then under con-
| sideration This correspondence might throw some
| light on Hawaiian affairs but, as 1t is all in ex-
| stence it will speak for itself No. / must decline
| to give opinion on the controversy. Those who
know my course In the past as regards that matter
can perhaps, imagine my feelings"
Throughout the Interview General Harrison was
seemingly careful to avoid saying anything that
could be construed as an opinion or criticism but
his position and feelings were plainly discernible.
| He apparently much disappointed that the
| Hawaiian correspondence had not been asked for
| by the recent silver Congress. and 1t might be
| inferred from his deep concern In that regard
that the correspondence referred to was being
purposely withheld and that, II made public Il
would seriously embarrass the Cleveland Admins
tiaton.