The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-12-09
Will PreserYs Peace on the Islands
Of Hawaii.
THE UYTERANCES OF MR. WILLIS
said 60 Have Added Fuel to Political
Tires-.He Causes Trouble Among Ha-
waiian Newspapers and Has Generally
twisted Up Matters at Honolulu.

HONOLULU, NOV. ~ via Scnoone
Transit, TO San Francisco, Dec Dur
ing the afternoon the Alameda sailed
Minister Willis made statement, virtu-
ally as already published, that nothing
definite would be done here until he had
received a reply to dispatches sent to
Washington by the Alameda. This state
nent was published in The Star.
The stand taken by Minister Willis In
his interview with The Star caused con-
siderable anxiety. owing to the intima-
t'on that any breach OF the peace would be
punished by Ae-A#eHieaH- minister Te
The Associated Press his words were:
ANY trouble precipitated on the other
side would be stopped at once by the
United States forces /"
On the moring Of the 18th, the day after
che Alameda left, President Dole called
upon Minister Willis TO learn now far the
United States was expected to act in case
OF an emergency. 1t is understood that
President Dole very clearly Informed the
minister that the provisional government
commanded the situation, and would re-
ouire no aid from the United States until
II was called. The president assured the
minister that any breach of peace which
by the Hawaiian government.
The provisional government received as
srrances on the points mentioned which
were perfectly satisfactory. Ii Is under
stood that Minister Willis said that he
would stand back of the present govern
ment until the present difficulty was set
tied Minister Willis stated he made the
public statement that nothing immedi-
ate would be done" to ease matters down,
and he believed a crisis was approaching.
Relief Was Only Temporary.
His remedy worked for few hours, but
# now appears he has divulged just
enough to stimulate speculation. and both
sides interpret his expression favorably.
which in the end will doubtless add fuel
TO the political fire.
When the attention of the United States
minister was called to the fact that the
provisional government would aid him In
keeping the peace, he replied that he did
lot exnect trouble unless it-came- from
irresponsible persons on either side.
An interview with members OF the pro-
vfsional government develops n determin-
alton to stand on the defensive and take
nothing on trust until the United States
government is officially heard either di-
rectly or through Minister Willis. In
the meantime troops will be kept fully
armed and reserve guard ready at a min
ute's notice. Many Americans assert that
no restoration shall take place.
Throne Stands n Poor Show.
The provisional governm ent express the
opinion that the use OK force on the part
Of the United States would be equivalent
20 declaration of war. Resident Ameri-
cans have at least 1900 rifles and ammuni-
tion in private hands, which 1t would be
impossible to seize in case of restoration.
Those best posted say the throne would
not stand an hour after the withdrawal of
American troops.
The theory of restoration. howe YER, will
not be believed here until the last moment.
Should 1t then prove true. serious trouble
will likely follow. This much is admitted
by the clearest heads on both sides'
From q source almost in touch with the
American legation it is learned that the
contingency which has caused delay in
Hawaiian affairs until Washington Is
heard from is the fact that the provisional
government and resident Americans would
openly resist either compromise or restora-
tion.
In conversation with The Associated
Press reporter Minister Willis said he was
confident that legislation favorable to the
Hawaiian Islands would shortly take
place in the United States. He thought
the duty on sugar would be placed at
cent pound, and that the bounty would
be repealed This would make net diff
ference of about Sl5 "A ton to Hawaiian
planters under their present contracts,
which allow the sugar there a heavy re-
bate.
Scoop Caused n Row.
SAN FRANCISCO. Dec minister Willis
has gotten into trouble with the Honolulu
Star in publishing the interview with Mr.
Willis for scoop over its rivals, and they
criticised the minister for talking so freely
These criticisms drew forth the following
letter from Minister Willis, published In
the Honolulu Bulletin, Nov. IL. the day
after the interview had appeared in the
Star:
ITO the Editor Of the Bulletin: / have
hastily glanced at the manuscript which
you have left. The interview in The Star
was submitted to me. but l did not
scrutinize the expressions which are mis-
leading due, am sure, not TO any inten-
tion on the part OF the writer. The short
conversation had with him had no polit-
ical significance whatever. When my
government is ready to make any Official
or political statements, it will be else
where.
II regret that casual remark in regard
10 the attitude OF the press here has been
misconstrued. When l spoke TO the re-
porter of The Star 1t was ~ a Representa-
tive OF the entire press / am not its cea-
sor, and my remark was not intended TO
be misconstrued to the disadvantage OF
any. II was intended to all TO unite In
peace and good will, which know Is the
wish OF all good citizens. Further than
~. a a. ~.