The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1893-12-21

out the strong evidence to the contrary
as unworthy of belief advancing the
theory that Minister Stevens was re-
sponsble for the revolution, and the
wrong should be righted by placing the
Queen back in power.
1t is very evident from the instrue-
| tons given Minister Willis that his
principal business was to restore the
Queen. The President virtually dis
claims any intention of using force and
1t would seem, supposed the provisional
government would at his suggestion
step down and out How much the in
dignant protest of the people had to do
with this disavowal is a matter about
which there is a difference of opinion.
The report of Minister Willis upon
his arrival at Honolulu, very impor
tant paper, was left out entirely, and a
large amount of unimportant matter in
cluded, also prolonged argument.
The following is part of the in-
struction that Minister Willis took with
nun TO honolulu.
On your arrival at Honolulu you will
| take advantage of an early opportunity
to inform the Queen of this determine
ton, making known to her the Presi-
dents regret that the reprehensible con-
duct of the American Minister and the
unauthorized presence on land of the
military force of the United States oblig-
ed her to surrender her sovereignty for
the time being, and to rely on the JUS
tice CT this government to undo the
| fragrant wrong done to her You will
at the same time inform the Queen that,
when reinstatcd, the President expects
that she will pursue magnanimous
course by granting full amnesty to all
who participated in the movement
against her, including the persons who
are, or have been, officially Or otherwise
connected with the Provisional Govern
mcnt, depriving them of no right or
privilege enjoyed before the so called
revolution. All obligations created by
the Provisional Government in due
course of administration should be as
sumed.
Having secured the Queens agreement
to pursue this wise and humane policy,
which it is believed you will speedily
obtain, you will then advise the Pres-
dent of the Provisional Government and
his Ministers of the Presidents detei-
mination of the question which their ac-
ton ard that of the Queen dev1lyed
upon him, and that they are expected to
relinquish to her promptly her consttu-
tioual authority.
| Should the Queen decline to pursue
the liberal course suggested, or should
the Provisional Government refuse to
abide by the Presidents decision, you
will report the facts and await further
instructions.
| Nov. "a, Secretary Gresham telegraph
ed Minister Willis as follows: ''l'he
brevity and uncertainty of your telc-
grams are embarrassing. You will i'll
sist upon amnesty and recognition of
obligations of the Provisional Govern
ment as essential conditions of restor-
alton. All interests will be prompted
by prompt action.
The next telegram to Minister Willis
from Secretary Greshamis dated Deem
Der 3. 1t reads AS follows:
"Y our dispatch, which was answered
by steamer on the 25th of November
seems to call for additional instructions.
Should the Queen refuse assent to the
written conditions, you will at once in
form her that the President will cease
interposition in her behalf. and that
while he deems it his duty to endeavor
to restore to the sovereign the constitu-
tional Government of the islands, his
further efforts in that direction will de-
pend upon the Queens unqualified agree
ment that all obligations created by the
Provisional Government in proper
course of Administration shall be as.
sumed, and upon such pledge by her as
will prevent the adoption of any meas
ures of prosecution or punishment foI
what has been done in the past by those
setting up or supporting the Provisional
Government. The President feels that
by our original interference and what
followed we have incurred responsible.
ties to the whole Hawaiian community.
and il would not be just to put one par
tv at the mercy of the other
"Should the Queen ask whether, il
she accedes to conditions, active steps
will be taken by the United States to eff.
feet her restoration. or to maintain hel
authority thereafter, you will say that
the President cannot use force without
the authority of Congress.
"Should the Queen accept conditions
and the Provisional Government rcfus,
to surrender, you will be governed by
previous Instructions. If the Provision
al Government asks whether the United
States will hold the Queen to fulfilment
of stipulated conditions, You will say
that the President, acting under dictates
of honor and duty, as he has done in en-
deAvoring to effect restoration. will do
all in his constitutional power to cause
observance of the conditions he has i'm.
posed.