The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-11-20

troops in 1874. Captain Wiltse and
Stevens thought it better that they
should be located In the opera
house. Failing to get this building.
ArioD Hall, which is on a line with
it and aGjoins it, and across the street
from the Government building obtained
of Arion Hall. but In full view of the
palace. A street intervened between the
Government building and the palace. 1t
was about $50 yards from one of these
buildings to the other.
"The American troops were on the same
side of the latter street with the Pro-
visional Government troops, which did not
probably number 100 men.
IF the Queens troops should have at
tackled the Provisional Governments
troops our men were in danger of being
injured, which might have brought them
into collision with the Queens troops. The
same were true if the Provisional Gov
eminent tro9ps had advanced n the Pal
ace. IL the American troops were landed
to protect American property aud the per-
sons of American citizens, their location at
this place unfortunately signified differ.
ent purpose.
''The Queen. Cabinet and followers un.
doubtedly believed from the location of
the American troops and quick recognition
of The Provisional Government by Stevens
that the United States forces would aid
the Provisional Governments forces in the
event of conflict"
Admiral Skerrett addressed the follow
ing letter to Commissioner Blount: "Sir, |
examined with view to the inspection of
tba nramicaa fret Il ~.
landed from the United States steamer
Boston and known as Arion Hall, situ-
ated on the west side of the Government
building.
1.-The position of this location is in the
rear OF the large brick building known as
Music Hall. The street it faces is COM
paratively narrow one. The building it
self facing the Government building,
in my opinion it was unadyisable
to locate the troops there il they
landed for the protection of United States
citizens. being distantly removed from the
business portion of the town and generally
far away from the United States Legation
and Consulate General, as well as being
distant from the houses and residences OF
United States citizens. Had the Prpvi-
sional Government troops been attacked
from the east such an attack would have
placed them in the line of fire.
HAD Music Hall been seized by the
Queens troops they would have been un-
der their fire. had such been their desire.
at is for these reasons that / consider
the position occupied lily selected, natur-
ally.
"If they had landed with view to sup
port the Provisional Government troops
then in the Government building it was
wise choice. as they could enilade any
troops attacking them from the palace
grounds in front.
There is nothing further for me to state
in reference to this matter, as has
been called by you to my attention, all of
which is submitted for your consideration.
Very respectfully, j. S. SKERRETT.
Resr-Admiral U. S. N, commanding
United States naval forces"
Cornwall, a member Of the Queens Cab
met, made statement detailing the facts
leading to the proclamation and results
attendant thereon in which he saws. "On
Sunday morning, January Is. Thurs
ton, the head of the revolutionary
party, called upon my colleagues.
Ministers Colburu and Peterson. and
asked them to join With himself and others
in deposing the Queen. assuring them that
such a movement would be perfectly safe.
as Minister Stevens had promised them
support of the United States forces, and he
would recognize ana support the Provis-
ional Government as soon as such stem
could be taken. On Tuesday, I7th, he was
informed the insurgents would proclaim a
Provisional Government. 10 the afternoon
the Cabinet called upon Minister
Stevens. asking him il he would afford
any assistance to the legal and lawful
Government to which he was accredited.
in case such assistance should be required.
de refused in unmistakable terms. and
made us understand that he should ac-
knowledge and support the rovolu tionary
Government as soon as 1t was established.
''Mr. Cornwall explains that the Gov
ernment did not place the forces
in the Government building, because
Of the presence OF the United States troops
across the street. 1--WE realized then,"
adds Cornwall. "that any steps from our
side to disIodge and arrest the re bells would
unayoidably lead US into conflict
with the United States forces,
and we decided to surrender
with the full understanding that
such surrender was under protest. the