The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1893-12-28


the resolution denouncing the queen, and
empowering the committee to devise ways
and means ito secure the permanent accep-
tance OF law and order and protection OF
life, liberty and property in Hawaii" Unwil-
ling to fake further steps without the coop
Grafton OF the United States the minister, ad-
dressed a note representing that public safety
was menaced. that lives and property were
in danger and concluded as follows: 1--WE
are unable to protect ourselves without aid,
and we therefore pray for the protection OF
the United States forces"
DEMONSTRATION OF WAR
The landing of the troops en- the soil OF
Honolulu was itself an act of war, unless
made either with the consent of the govern
ment of Hawaii or for the bona fide purpose
OF protecting impered lives and property
of the United States; but there is not any
pretense of any such consent on the part OF
the government of the queen which wae at
that time undisputed and was both deacto
and de jure government
Admiral Skerrett, the officer in command
OF our naval force OF the Pacific station, has
frankly stated in his opinion that the loca-
ton OF troops was inndvisabe ii landed for
the protection OF American citizens, whose
itSibtuttS anu Dltttf Vi DuSlutbS, tiS well fib
that OF the legation and consulate, were in n
distant part OF the city but the location
selected WINS wise one ii the forces were
landed for the purpose of supporting the
provisional government. If any peril to life
and property calling for any such martial
array had existed, Great Britain and other
foreign powers interested would not have
been behind the United States in activity to
protect their citizens.
Indeed, the fact that after having called for
the landing OF the United States forces on
the plea OF danger OF life and property, the
committee of safety themselves requested
the minister to postpone the action, exposed
the untruthfulness OF their representation of
the peril OF life and property. The peril they
saw was anticipated growing out OF that
guilty intentions of their party, which.
though not then existing, they knew would
certainly follow their attempt to overthrow
the government OF the queen without the aid
OF the United States forces. Thus it appears
that Hawaii was taken possession OF by the
United States forces without the consent or
wishes OF the government of the islands or OF
anybody else so far as shown, except the
United States minister
The message then concludes as fol
lows:
believe u candid and thorough exnmina-
ton OF the facts will force the conviction that
the provisional government owes its existence
to armed invasion by the United States.
shall not again submit the treaty OF an
nexation to the senate for it's consideration,
and in the instructions to Minister Willis, a
copy OF which accompanies this message,
have directed him to so inform the proyis-
ional government. But in the present in
stance our duty does not, in my opinion, end
with refusing to coDsummate this question
able transaction. 1t has been the boast of
our government that it deems to do justce in
weakness OF those with whom it deals. | mis-
take the American people if they favor the
odious doctrine that there is no such thing
MS International morality; that there is one
law for strong nations and another for weak
ones.
The provisional government has not as
sumed u republican or other constitutional
form, but has remained a mere executive
council or olgarchy set up with the assent of
the people,
have been anxious to do nothing which
would invite either harsh retaliation on the
part OF the queen or violence and bloodshcd
in any quarter. In the belief that the queen,
as well us her enemies, would be willing to
adopt such Il course as would meet these con
ditions, and in view of the fact that both the
queen and provisional government had at
one time apparently acquiesced in the refer
ence OF the entire case to the United Stntss
government, hoped that might compass
bnt ptd'tiui uulunhlntuO vi tLc uiHlCult Y. stuu
actuated by these desires and purposes, and
not unmindful OF the Inherent perplexiti,s Of
the situation, nor of the limitations upon
my power, instructed Minister Willis to adj
wise the queen and her supporters OF my de-
sire to aid in the restoration OF tho status
existing before the lawless landing of the
United States forces at Honolulu on the 9Th
OF January last. il such restoration could be
effected upon terms providing for clemency
as well az justice to oil parties concerned.
Owing to the prospect Of unsuccessful ex-
ecutive mediation. ] therefore submit this
communication with the accompanying ex-
hibits, embracing Blount's report, evidence
and statements taken by him at Honolulu
and instructions given both Blount and
Minister Willis and correspondence connected
with the affair in hand. In commanding this
subject to the extended powers and wide dis
erection of congress dehire to add the as
surance that | shall be much gratitied to co
operate in any Legislative plans which may
be devised for the solution OF The problem be-
fore us, which are consistent with American
honor, integrity and morality,
GROVER CLEVELAND.