Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-18

merely as a wrong but as disgrace A man
of true honor protects the unwritten word
which binds his conscience more scrupulous-
ly If possible. than he does the bond
breach of which subjects him to legal Habil-
tiles; and the United States in aiming to
maintain itself as one of the most enlight-
ened OF nations. would do its citizens gross
injustice If it applied to it's international re-
lations any other than a high standard OF
honor and morality. On that ground the
United States can not properly be put in the
position of countenancing wrong after its
commission any more than in that of con-
senting to it in advance. On that ground II
can not allow itself to refuse to redress an
injury inflicted through an abuse OF power
by officers clothed with it's authority and
wearing its uniform; and on the same
ground, IL a feeble but friendly state is in
danger of being robbed of its Independence
and its sovereignty by a misuse of the name
and power of the United States. the United
States can not fail to vindicate its honor
and its sense of justice by an earnest effort
to make all possible reparation.
These principles al ply to the present case
with irresistible force when the special con-
ditions of the Queens surrender of her SOW
ereigrty are recalled. She surrendered not
to the provisional government but to the
United States. She surrendered not abso-
lutely and permanently, but temporarily
and conditionally Until such time as the
facts could be considered by the United
States. Furthermore. the provisional gov
eminent acquiesced in her surrender in that
manner and on those terms. not only by
tacit consent, but through the positive acts
Of some members of that government who
urged her peaceful submission, not merely
to avoid bloodshed, but because she could
place implicit reliance upon the justice of
the United States. and that the whole sub
ject would be finally considered at WASH
ington.
Interference of Americas Representa-
tive.
have not, however, overlooked an Incl
dent Of this unfortunate affair which re-
mains to be mentor ed. The members of
the provisional govern ment and their sup
porters though not entitled to extreme
sympathy, have been led to their present
predicament Of revolt against the govern
ment of the queen by the indefensible en-
enlargement and assistance of our diplo-
matte representative. This fact may entitle
them to claim that in our effort to rectify
the wrong committed some regard should be
had for their safety. This sentiment is
strongly seconded by my anxiety to do
nothing which would invite either harsh re-
taliat'on on the part of the Queen or vio-
lence and bloodshed In any quarter.
In the belief that the Queen, as well as
her enemies would be willing to adopt such
course would meet these conditions
and in view of the fact that both the Queen
and the provisional government had at one
time apparently acquiesced in a reference
a emf ga tn
eminent, and considering the further fact
that in any event the provisional govern
nient by its own declared limitation was
only ito exist until terms of union with the
United States of America have been nego-
tiated and agreed upon,' hoped that after
the assurance to the members of that gov
eminent that such union could not be con-
summated might compass a peaceful ad-
justment Of the difficulty
Minister willis Instructions.
Actuated by these desires and purposes.
and not unmindful of the inherent perplexi-
ties of the situation nor of the limitations
upon my power, instructed Minister Will
lis to advise the Queen and her supporters
of my desire to aid in the restoration of the
status existing before the lawless landing
of the United States forces at Honolulu on
the 10th of January last, If such restora-
ton could be effected upon terms providing
for clemency as well as justice to all parties
concerned. The conditions suggested, as the
Instructions show, contemplate a general
amnesty to those concerned in setting up
the provisional government and a recogni-
| ton of all its bona fide acts and obliga-
TONS
In short. they require that the past should
be buried. and that the restored Govern
ment should reassume it's authority as IL it's
continuity had not been interrupted. These
conditions have not proved acceptable to
the Queen, and though she has been in
formed that they will be insisted upon, and
that. unless acceded to. the efforts of the
President to aid in the restoration of her
Government will cease, have not thus far
learned that she is willing to yield them her
acquiescence. The check which my plans
have thus encountered has prevented their
presentation to the members of the provi-
sional government, while unfortunate pub
lie Misrepresentation of the situation and
exaggerated statements of the sentiments
of our people have obviously injured the
prospects of successful Executive media
ton.
i therefore submit this communication
with its accompanying exhibits, embracing
Mr.. Blounts report. the evidence and state
ments taken by him at Honolulu, the in
structions given to both Mr.. Blount and
Minister Willis. and correspondence con-
nected with the affair in hand.
In commencing this subject to the ex-
tended powers and wide discretion of the
Congress, desire to add the assurance that
shall be much gratified to cooperate in
any legislative plan which may be devised
for the solution of the problem before us
which is consistent with American honor,
integrity and morality.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion,
Washington, December is. 1898.