The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1893-06-07
Correspondence Associated Press.l

have quoted considerably during the
past five days. The Nordhoff affair has
been dropped by the Provisional Gov
eminent, and though the usual number
of alarming rumors have been in circula-
ton, people have failed to give them the
customary credence.
Claus Spreckels created a mild sensa-
ton on May Doth by demanding the i'm
mediate payment of S95, 900 owed to him
by the Government, but even that de-
mand failed to rouse more than passing
interest
The news brought by the bark Lingard,
which arrived Sunday. May 2Sth, with
papers up to May 18th, has materially
changed the plans of the AnneXationists.
The dispatch from Washington stating
that Blounts report is undou btedly
against annexation is believed by many
people of both parties.
The Annexationists now say they will
be satisfied with protectorate insuring
stable government, and appear to be-
lieve that Blount's report will say that
the islands are not yet ready for annexa-
ton, but will recommend a protectorate
until the islands are suited by popula-
ton and sentiment for union with the
United States.
The establishment of a protectorate,
they argue, will give almost as much
confidence as annexation itself, and will
cause an influx of capital and people from
the United States that will emphasize
more than ever the need of union with
that country, and will have no possible
outcome but annexation.
The royalists, on the contrary, say that
the claim they made all along, that there
would be no annexation, has been veri-
fed, and that the Queen is to be re-
instated. They say that Mr.. Blount will
report that she was removed from her
throne by the power of the United States,
through Minister Stevens, and that no
other honorable course remains but to
use that same power to put Liliuokalani
once more at the head of the Government,
Claus Sprecke seems to be the most
powerful antagonist the Provisional Gov
eminent has at present. He is making a
vigorous campaign against annexation,
but apparently has not worried the men
in power very much.
1t is generally admitted that the resig-
nation of Minister of Finance Porter was
due TO the influence of Spreckels, in the
hope that the Government would be en-
barrassed. Instead, however, Vice. Presi-
dent ). NJ. Damon, one of the strongest
men on the islands, has stepped into the
breach, and on May Doth took charge of
the Department of Finance Mr.. Damon
is member OF the big banking firm of
Bishop II Co., and is regarded as capa-
BILE financier.
After Mr.. Porter's resignation had been
announced Mr.. Spreckels visited one of
his plantations on another island for
week. He came back Sunday, and on
Monday notified the Government that he
wanted the immediate payment Of the
$4,000 worth of demand notes held by
him.
Without awaiting a reply he left the
same day to inspect plantation at Ka-
waii. The money owed Spreckels was
borrowed last fall by the ex-Queen's
Government on promissory notes, with
Hawaiian bonds as security.
In making the demand for his money
on the Government Spreckels said he did
not consider that his plans for republic
had received proper consideration; that
he was opposed to annexation, and did
not see why his money should be used to
further the plans of his opponents.
For some days the officers of the Pro-
v1sional Government have had under
consideration instructions to be sent to
Minister Thurston about a treaty of an
nexation. 1t was decided to instruct
Thurston to ask, among other things.
that the control of Government lands be
left to the Hawaiian Government, to be
disposed of under laws similar to the
United States homestead laws; also, that
the United States take up the 5000, 900
Hawaiian silver coinage and recon it
into American money.
The labor question was also under dis
cussion, and the policy of asking that the
labor laws of the United States be sus-
pended for a period of five years as re-
CARDS their application to Hawaii was
talked of, when the news came that Min
lister Blount would receive instructions
to negotiate treaty here. 1t had been
intended to send Thurston's instructions
by the steamer of June 1st, but the Gov
eminent yesterday decided to defer
action.
Minister Blount seems to be anxious to
pose as a peacemaker, and there is no
doubt that he has done much to aIlay the
feelings of suspicion and unrest that have
afflicted both parties. While the Minister
himself remains silent as to what he has
said or done, by some it is believed that
lie is trying to bring about compromise
and he is urging both sides to make CON
oessions.
1t is known that he regards the situa-
ton as peaceful, and thinks that what
ever the solution of the political problem.
there will be no fighting or bloodshed.
Just as the steamer sails two important
pieces of news came to light. 1t is re-
rorted here to-day that the Executive
and Advisory Councils yesterday de-
cided to forward by the Gaelic instruc-
lions to Minister Thurston at Washing
ton. telling him to call on President
Cleveland and learn from him at once
what the Provisional Government can
expect.
He is to try to secure a definite
answer from the President, and if a
promise of annexation is not given,
Thurston is instructed to get assurances
of protectorate, with ultimate annexa-
ton.
Hon. W. C. Wilder, at present mem
Der of the Advisory Council, has been
elected Vice President of the Provisional
Government to succeed 5. NJ. Damon,
who resigned to become Minister OF
Finance.
Among the alarming rumors floating
about Honolulu is one to the effect that