The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-08-21
WHY THE MEN MUSTERED
THE ADMIRAL'S ORDER TO THE
BOSTON.
The Government Unearths Anothe
Dynamite Conspiracy-Everything
Ready For a Fight

The alarm on the Boston and Adams
a few nights ago and the muster of a
landing party, was noted in the STAR
the day after. 1t then had the appear
ance of fake. To-day we learn that
the scare was genuine and was brought
about by an unexpected order from
Admiral Skerrett to battalion of the
feet to hold itself in readiness, under
command of Lieut.. Lucien Young, to
come ashore in Honolulu and protect
American property. The Admiral
acted in this matter on his own re-
spOnsibility. He got the facts of a
contemplated uprising from the Execu
tive building but was not requested to
intervene. The authorities simply told
him because he is the senior American
representative here and had right to
know.
A STAR reporter interviewed the Ad-
miral this morning and was courteously
received by that gentleman, who diplo
matically advised him to put no faith
whatever in rumors at any time, espe-
cially Honolulu ones. However, in
response to direct question the Ad-
miral admitted that he had sent his
aide to the Boston on Thursday even
ing with orders to the men
of both that vessel and the
Adams to hold themselves in in.
slant readiness for any emergency.
Why this important order was sent on
board at late hour the Admiral de-
clined to state, except that ne had sent
it on his own responsibility, adding,
"You know, the men and vessels of the
United States navy are expected to be
always in readiness for anything" Ad,
miral Skerrett denied that there was
any truth in the report that his action
had been taken at the instance of
the Provisional Government or that
the Provisional Government had
made any request or demand for
assistance at any time. The American
warships are here for the purpose of
protecting American citizens and their
property in case of trouble. In con-
cluson the Admiral said that he
thought the Provisional Government
was perfectly able to take care of itself
without calling on outside assistance.
Pursuing the investigation further
the STAR reporter came upon two
stories. One was that the Royaists
had been arranging to gather at Dia-
mond Head and receive arms and
ammunition which had been shipped in
a schooner from the Coast; that the
Government, hearing of this, had taken
action itself to put down such move
ment, and had sent word to the Ad-
miral that vessel which had broken
the neutrality laws of the United States
was reported off the shore and would,
therefore, be fair prey for the Boston.
AS this tale did not have fast colors
and wouldn't wash, it was dismissed to
the limbo of idle Honolulu rumors.
The next story had more substance
in it. Another plot to overturn the
Government by the use of dynamite
had been discovered and exposed.
Engaged in it were several members of
the old gang, and it was their purpose
to blow up one or two of the public
buildings and take advantage of the
panic to rush in and secure the seat
and symbols of administrative authority.
The evidence the Government had OF
the progress and development Of this
scheme was so perfect that it took
instant precaution, and had one explo-
sion occurred all the troops, together
will, six hundred well-armed citizens
reserves, would have been on duty
within ample time to suppress an up
rising. AS dynamite could not be ex-
ploded anywhere in town without dam
aging or destroying property of Amer
lean citizens it would also have become
the duty of Admiral Skerret to inter
vene. Between the Provisional troops
and the Boston's artillery the dyna
miters would have Jared badly and it is
very lucky for them that their plans
were divulged.
That tells the story of the sudden
muster on the men-of war so far as il
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