The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1893-05-23


Islands.
I deem It proper now to publish
the following instructions under
which l am now acting
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, :
WASHINGTON, March IL, 1898. !
The HONORABLE JAMES h.
BLOUST, ETC.-SIr; The situation
created in the Hawaiian islands 10y
the recent deposition Of Queen Liliu-
okalaui and the erection Of a Pro-
visional government demands the
fullest consideration of the President,
and in order TO obtain trustworthy in
formation on this subject, as well as
for the discharge Of other duties
herein specified, he has decided TO
despatch you to the Hawaiian islands
as his special commissioner, in which
capacity YOU will herewith receive 4
commission and also letter where
by the President accredits you TO the
President of the Executive and Adj
visOry Councils of the Hawaiian ISL
snds
The comprehensive, delicate and
confidential character OF your mis-
sion can now only be briefly outlined,
the details of its execution being
necessarily left in great mAisure to
your good judgment and wise discre-
ton.
You will investigate and fully re-
port TO the President all the facts you
can learn respecting the condition Of
affairs in the Hawaiian islands, the
causes of the revolution by which the
queens government was overthrown,
the sentiment OF the people toward
existing authority, and, in general,
all that can fully enlighten the Presi-
dent touching the subject of your
mission.
To enable you to fulfil this charge,
your authority in all matters touch
ing the relations of this government
10 the existing or other government
Of the Islands, and the protection of
our citizens therein, is paramount, and
in you alone, acting in cooperation
with the commander of the naval
forces, is vested full discretion and
power to determine when such forces
should be landed or withdrawn.
You are, however, authorized to
avail yourself Of such aid and infor-
matian as you may desire from the
present Minister of the United States
at Honolulu, Mr.. John L. Stevens,
who will continue until further notice
TO perform the usual functions attach
ing TO his Office, not inconsistent with
the powers entrusted to you. An in
struction viii be sent to Mr.. Stevens
directing him to facilitate your pres
entation to the head of the govern
me upon your arrival, and to render
YOU all needed assistance.
The withdrawal from the Senate of
the recently signed Treaty Of Annex
alton for re-examination by the Presi
dent, leaves Fits subject matter in
allowance, and you are not charged
which any duty in respect thereto. 1t
nav be well however for you to dis
pei any possible misrepresentation
with its withdrawal may have excit-
ed touching the entire friendliness of
the President and the Government of
the United States towards the people
of the Hawaiian Islands, or the earn
est solieitude here felt for their well
fare. tranquility and progress.
Historical precedents, and the gem
eral course Of the United States, au-
thorize the employment Of its armed
force in foreign territory for the securi-
ty Of the lives and property of Amer
Jean citizens and for the suppression Of
lawless and tumultuous acts threaten
ing them; aud the powers conferred to
that end upon the representatives OF
the United States are both necessary
and proper, subject always to the ex
ercise Of a sound discretion in their
application.
In the Judgment of the Presi lent
your authority, as well as that of the
Commander of the naval forces in Ha-
waiian waters, should b. and is
limited, in the use Of physical force,
to such measures as are necessary to
protect the persons and property OF
our citizens; and while abstaining
from any manner Of interference with
the domestic concerns of the Islands,
YOU should indicate your willingness
10 interfere with your friendly offices
in the interest of a peaceful settlement
of troubles within the limits OF sound
Should il be necessary to land an
armed force upon Hawaiian territory
on occasions of popular disturbance,
when the local authority Elay be un-
able to give adequate protection to the |
life and property Of citiZei OF the |
United states, the assent Of such au
thority should first be obtained, If 1t |
can be done without prejudice to the
interests involved.
Your power in this regard should
not, however, be claimed TO the ex-
cIusion Of similar measures by the
Of other powers for
the protection Of the lives aud pro
Derty Of their citizens or subjects
residing in the islands.
While the United States claim no
light 10 interfere in the political or
domestic affairs, or in the internal
;oufiicts Of the Hawaiian Islands,
otherwise than as herein stated, or for
he purpose Of maintaining any treaty
d. other rights which they possess,
his government will adhere 70 It's
consistent and established policy In
relation TO them, and IL will not ac-
luiesce In domestic interference oy
Ither powers-
The foregoing general exposition Of !