The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-12-22

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Or course this assumption OF protector
ate was promptly disavowed by our govern
ment, but the American flag remained over
the government building at Hololulu and
the forces remained on guard until April
and after Mr.. Blount's arrival on the
scene. when both were removed
History of the Revolution.
! A brief statement of the occurrences
which led to the subversion of the consti-
tutional government of Hawaii in the in
terests of annexation to the United States
will exhibit the true complexion of that
| transaction.
On Saturday, January IA, 1893, the queen
Of Hawaii, wig had been contemplating
the proclamat y n of a new constitution,
had, in Difference to the wishes and remOn-
strances of her cabinet, renowned the pro-
ject for the present at least Taking this
relinquished purpose as apbasis OF action,
citizens of Honolulu, numbering from so to
100, mostly resikeht aliens, met in private
Office and selected so-called committee of
fafety composed of 10 persons, seven Of
whom were foreign subjects, and consisted
of five Americans, one Englishman and one
German.
This committee, though its designs were
not revealed, had In view nothing less than
annexation to the United States, and be-
tween Saturday, the 14th, and the follow
ing Monday, the 10th of January-though
exactly what action was taken may not be
clearly disclosed-they were certainly in
communication with the United States
minister. On Monday morning the queen
and her cabinet made public proclama-
ton with q notice which was specially
served npon the representatives Of all forl
eign governments that any changes in the
constitution would be sought only in the
Nevertheless at the call and under the
auspices of the committee of safety, mass
meeting OF citizens was held on that day
to protest against the queens alleged IL
legal and unlawful proceedings and pufr-
poses. Even at this meeting the commit
tee OF safety continued to disguise their
real purpose and contented themselves
with procuring the passage OF resolution
denouncing the queen and empowering
the committee to devise ways and means
10 secure the permanent maintenance OF
law or order and the protection OF life,
liberty and property in Hawaii.
Asked for Aid.
This meeting adjourned between and
o'clock in the afternoon. On the same
day, and immediately after such adjourn
ment, the committee, unwilling to take
further steps without the cooperation Of
the United States minister, addressed a
note representing that the public safety
was menaced and that lives and property
were in DANGER and concluded as follows:
1--WE are unable to protect ourselves with
out aid and therefore pray for the
protection of the United States forces"
Whatever may be thought of the other
contents of this note, the absolute truth Of
of this latter statement is incontestable
When the note was written and delivered,
the committee, so far as it appears, had
neither man nor gun at their command
stricken at their position that they sent
some of their number to interview the
minister and request him not to land the
United States forces till the next morning,
but he replied that the troops had been
ordered, and whether the committee were
ready or not the landing should take
place.
And so 1t happened that on the 10th day
Of January, 1893. between and o'clock
In the afternoon, detachment of marines
from the United States steamer Boston
with two pieces of artillery landed at Hon
were supplied with double cartridge belts
filled with ammunition, and with haver
sacks and canteens, and were accompanied
by q hospital corps with stretchers and
medical supplies
An ACT OF War.
This demonstration upon the soil of
Honolulu was of itself an act of war, I'M
less made either with the consent of the
government of Hawaii or for the bonafide
purpose of protecting the imperilled lives
and property of citizens of the United
consent on the part of the government Of
the queen which was at that time was I'M
disputed and was both de facto and the
de jure government. In point of fact the
existing government instead of requesting
the presence of an armed force protested
against it.
There is little basis for the pretense
that such forces were landed for the
security of American life and property. If
so they would have been stationed in the
vicinity of such property and so as to pro-
tect it, instead of at q distance and so as to
command the Hawaiian government build
ing and palace. Admiral Skerrett, the
officer in command of our naval force on
the Pacific station, has frankly stated tnat
In his opinion the location of the troops
was inadvisable If they were landed for the
protection of American citizens whose
residences aud places Of business, as well
as the legation and consulate were in q
distant part of the city, but that the loca
ton selected was wise one IL the forces
were landed for the purpose of supporting
the provisional government
II any peril to life and property calling
for any such martial array had existed,
Great Britain and other foreign powers in
terested would not have been behind the
United States in activity to protect their
citizens. But they made no sign in that
direction.
No Protection Needed.
When these armed men were landed tha
CITY o; noun uiu wu9 III rs Ctf5UOfudry or
derby and peaceful condition. There was
no symptom of riot or disturbance in any
quarter. Men, women and children were
about the streets as usual and nothing
varied the ordinary routine or disturbed
the ordinary tranquility except the landing
OF the Boston's marines and their march
through the town to the quarters assigned
them. Indeed, the fact that after having
called for the landing Of the United States
forces on the plea Of danger to life and
property the committee OF safety them
selves requested the minister to postpone
action, exposed the untruthfulness of their
representations of present peril to life and
property. The peril they saw was an an
ticipation growing out Of guilty intentions
on their part and something which, though
not then existing, they knew would GER
tainly follow fhefr 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 wish of the government of the
islands or Of anybody else so far as shown,
except the United States minister.
Wholly without justification.
Therefore the military occupation Of Homo
| lulu by the United States on the day men,
! toned was wholly without justification. either