The morning call., 1893-02-11
NAVAL GOSSIP.
Seeking a Reason for the Action of
Minister Stevens.

Minister Stevens.
WAsHINGToN, Feb. IO.-Minister Stevens
action in establishing protectorate over
the Hawaiian Islands is construed by naval
officers as significant of the state OF affairs
not being entirely pacific. There is a pretty
general opinion thatthe circumstances were
at least omnous. if not threatening. which
led him to pursue the course he did and
hoist the American flag over the Govern
ment building Just what causes operated
to bring about this action can as yet be only
q matter of conjecture. 1t is probable that
Minister Stevens explained his reasons to
the Secretary of State in the adviees which
reached here yesterday, but the officials OF
the State Department maintain discreet
silence regarding that, as we'll as other
matters pertaining 10 the situation.
Among naval officers it is believed that
one Of two things, or possibly both, is
responsible for the present state of affairs
They say that ii is very likely that Mr..
Stevens had the best of reasons 10 appre-
hend that upon the arrival Of British vessels
at Hawaii an attempt would be made by
British representatives 10 place their flag
where that Of the United States now is
This. coupled with probable internal NUT
terngs OF dscOntent and fears Of some
demonstration on the part Of the enemies
of the Provisional Government they think
actuated the Minister.
There is a good deal Of speculation as 10
what disposition will be made Of Admiral
GherardPs squadron when they reach the
West Indies They are due at Barbados
tomorrow. and there is belief that they
VIII be held to await further developments.
This, however, Is not likely. THE CALL
correspondent is informed that the squad
ron Will be ordered to proceed Immediately
TO home waters. The gain in time made by
the detention at Barbados would be incon-
siderable. and as the ships will have to be
fitted out in case they are compelled to
again make long voyage around to the
Pacific IL Is extremely probable that Ad-
miral Gherardi will cone to Norfolk.
At the State Department this morning
there was nothing new to be learned re-
garding the situation. Commissioner
Thurston called early in the day. and had a
short conference with Mr.. Foster. Before
leaving for the Cabinet meeting, the Secre-
tary stated that there was no news, and
probably would be nothing further until
the arrival Of the mail on Monday
As Secretary Foster was on his way to
the White House 10 attend the Cabinet
meeting, he was met by The CALL corre-
spondent. but he declined TO discuss the
situation further than TO say that there
have been no new Developments, and that
no further instructions will be sent 10 Min
isihr Stevens before the 18th inst, which is
the date Of the sailing Of the next steamer
for Honolulu. He mentioned this fact, he
explained, merely to show that it would be
uacta NJ timQ IA attpmpt IN hacfan actjon In
the matter.
While It is not so stated in Mr.. Stevens
telegram, it is believed that hls action in es-
tablshing a protectorate was sanctioned, or
al any rate, not antagonized by the repre-
sentative of Great Britain, nor was 1t OPP
posed by the envoy of any other country In
interest
Despite the naval gossip yesterdays dis
patches settle the question of Great
Britain's position in the matter and show
that there is no truth in the report that
that country has protested against the &C o.