Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-12-19

cumstances mentioned above, as very re-
mote, I did not feel that even such a re-
mote chance should be taken, and I de-
cided to postpone the Philadelphia's de-
parture at least until the arrival of the
Australia's mail on the 18th instant. Be
fore reaching this conclusion, I consulted
with the United States minister, whose
views conceded entirely with my own, al
1 was further confirmed in my opinion by
the receipt of a petition to keep the Phila-
delphia at Honolulu signed by several
prominent merchants and business men,
representing large American moneyed in
terests. This petition is inclosed.
10. Before the arrival of the Australia
Maj. Wodehouse had been relieved by Capt
A. G.. S. Halves, who came in the steamer
Arawa from his late post at Tahiti, and
who has the title of British commissioner
and consul general The advent of a new
man, who had no other policy than the
policy Of his government, and was not
involved in LEGAL politics. changed the situa-
ton again. and feeling that the risk in
volved was then considerably diminished
l left Honolulu on the 18th.
"l3. 1t is fact which should not be lost
sight of, that English influence is always
opposed to American influence in the Ha-
waiian Islands. 1t is colonial and local in
its character, influenced largely,if not prin-
cipally, by trade jealousies, but it is very
potent FACTOR, and is strong enough to
eventually influence the attitude of the
British diplomatic representative, and to
nave Its effect upon British naval officers
who remain there for any length of time.
Ihe existence of this antagonism and of
lts influence should always be taken into
account. Their expression was noticeable
during the last few days of my stay at
Honolulu, especially before Maj Wode-
mousse ceased to be minister. The English
ana royalists were equally elated at the
impending departure of the Philadelphia,
leaving the Champion in port, while the
supporters of the government regarded the
situation with regret Many women, espe-
urny hot To L., hi.
sion. fearing revival of former excite
ments and anXieties.
An American Ship Should BE Mt Homo
IA. When left Honolulu the Champion
was to remain until the arrival of the Hy-
acinth, which plan keeps an English ship
continually at that port. Under these cir
cumstances, an American ship should also
be kept there all the time. While 1 would
not hesitate in the least to leave the
islands entirely alone, i deem it unsafe to
leave them under British protection. 1t
Jeopardizes cur influence there and might
lead to awkward complications. The posi-
ton or the United States, as expressed by
the late Senate resolution, Is sufficiently
defined, and in its relation to other powers
is clearly understood by both natives and
foreigners in Hawaii: but that position in
wolves responsibilities, well as rights;
and IL we are not at hand to perform the
duties of our virtual protectorate no re-
proach can attach to another power which,
in the event of a disturbance, steps in and
takes our place. 1t would have a strong
argument in its favor; and that British
sentiment in the Pacific would eagerly en-
brace such an opportunity and would make
the most of It's consequences L have little
doubt
rs Had the departments orders given
me discretion in the matter. should have
left the Philadelphia at Honolulu and re-
turned to San Francisco. with my staff, by
mail steamer, failing the arrival of the
Charleston by the 18th: but as they were
entirely unqualified, 1 had no choice but to
obey them at the earliest moment that
such course was justified by paramount
public interests. l trust that another ship
will be sent to Honolulu at the earliest
practicable moment"