The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1893-12-10
NEWS FROM HAWAII.
THE PROVISIONAL GOVERN
MENT ON THE DEFENSIVE.
THE SITUATION is VERY qOUCHY,
The Provisional Government and Resi-
dent Americans Prepared to openly
Resist Compromise or Restora-
tion-Troops are Constantly
Under Arms - Minister
willis Talks.

SAN Francisco, Dec. g-The schoon-
er Transit arrived yesterday from
Honolulu, bringing advices up to No
vember 10.
During the afternoon the Alameda
sailed, Minister Willis made state
ment, virtually as already published,
that nothing definite would be done
here until he had received a reply to
dispatches sent to Washington 10y the
Alameda. This statement was pub.
lished in the Star. Yesterday the
Bulletin published letter frem Min
lister Willis, in which he said he wished
his remarks in the Star TO apply to
the entire press of Honolulu
The stand taken by Minister Willis
in his interview with the Star, which
was revised in proof by him before
publication, caused considerable anx-
iety in the government circles, indi-
eating that any breach of the peace
would be punish ed by the American
minister.
On the morning of the 18th, the day
after the Alameda left, President Dole
called upon Minister Willis to learn
how far the authority of the United
States was expected 10 he carried in
case of an emergency. Upon his re-
turn it was learned that the provis-
ional government was fully satisfied
with the explanation and limitati
made by Minister Willis. 1t is the
general opinion that the original lam
guage used by the United States min
ister conveyed more than he intended
il should. 1t is understood President
Dole very clearly informed the minis
ter that the provisional government
commanded the situation, and would
require no aid from the United States
unless it was called for.
The president assured the minister
that any breach of the peace which
might occur would be speedily dealt
with by the Hawaiian government. The
provisional government received as
surances on the points mentioned,
which were perfectly satisfactory.
/ 1t is understood that Minister Willis
said he would stand back of the
present government until the present
/ difficulty was settled
The tension in political matters
/ since the departure of the Alameda
/ has only partially relaxed. Minister
! Willis stated he made public the state
ment that nothing immediate would
be done" to ease matters down as he
believed a statement would do His
remedy worked for few hours, but
it now appears he has divulged just
enough to stimulate speculation and
both sides interpret his explanation
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 re-
piled that he did not expect trouble
unless it came from irres ponsible per-
sons on either side
Ex-Marshal Wilson has brought two
libel suits against Walter c. Smith,
editor of the Star. The suits have
grown out of the republication of "A
report made to Mr.. Blount by Colonel
V. V. Ashford, regarding immoralities
practced in the palace by the eX-
queen and Wilson. The original ac-
count was published in the San Fran.
cisco Chronicle last April and was
furnished to the Honolulu CORE
spondent by Ashford, although given
to MIR. Blount in confidence. Most of
the allegations in Ashford's account
are said TO be capable of proof, and
the defense allege they will place the
ex-queen on the stand and give full
expose of the entire matter. 1t is
generally believed the suits will not
be allowed to come to trial by the
prosecution.
An interview with members of the
provisional government on the 10th
developed determination to stand on
the defensive and take nothing in
trust until the United States govern.
mcnt is officially heard from either
directly or through Minister Willis. In
the meantime troops will be fully
armed and the reserve guard ready at
minutes notice. Many Americans
assert that no restoration shall take
place The provisional government
expresses the opinion that the use OF
force on the part of the United States
would be equivalent to a declaration
of war. Resident Americans have al
least l, 500 rifles and ammunition in pri
vate hands, which it would be impos
sible to seize in case of restoration.
Those best posted say that the throne
would not stand an hour after the
withdrawal of American troops. The
theory OF restoration, however, will
/ not De DtlleNeu until tue ldSl llOultnl
Should it then prove true, seriou
trouble will likely follow. This mucl
is admitted by the clearest heads OF
both sides.
Later-From a source almost II
touch with the American legation, i
is learned that the contingency whicl
has caused delay in Hawaiian affair
until Washington is heard from is tn
fact that the provisional governmen
and resident Americans would openl
resist either compromise or restora
ton.
In conversation on the 18th Ministe
4 Willis said he was confident tina
1 legislation favorable TO the liawaIia
J islands would shortly take place !
/ the United States. He thought tina
I the duty on sugar would be placed d
cent per pound, and that the bount
y would be repealed This would max
/ net difference of about Sl5 ton
I Hawaiian planters under their preseu
contracts, which allow the suga
trust a heavy rebate.
y WHAT THURsTON SAYS.