The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1894-01-06
THE OTHER SIDE.
Foreign Relations Committee Invsstisatss
- Hawaiian Matters,

Foreign Relations Committee Investagaeea
Hawaiian Matters.
WASHINGTON, Dec cS--The subcom.
mittee Of the committee on foreign re-
lations, which was charged with the
inquiry into the events leading up to
the revolution In Hawaii, the installa-
ton of the provisional government
and the conduct of the executive branch
Of this government in the matter met
promptly at o o'clock Wednesday morn
ing at the capitol.
Within few moments after calling
the subcommittee to order a steno.
grapher was introduced by the chair.
man, and having satisfied the senators
Of his ability not only to report the
proceedings, but also to observe strict
secrecy as to what happened in the
committee-room, he was installed In
Office and given place at the side Of
the table.
With view to informing the sub
committee of the exact scope Of the in
quiry, rs defined by the senate, the
chairman then caused to be read the
resolution upon which It will proceed.
The full text is as follows:
Resolved, THAT the committee on foreign 70.
lations shall inquire and report whether any,
nnd, II any. what Irregularities have occurred
In the diplomatic or other intercourse between
recent political revolution in Hawaii, and tc
this end said committee is authorized to send
for persons and papers and to administer oathi
70 witnesses
While the resolution was being read
there were two gentlemen in waiting
In the anteroom They were present
in response to an intimation from some
Of the members OF the subcommittee
that they might be called upon fol
statements Wednesday,.
1t had hardly seemed possible Tues
day that the committee should progres,
so rapidly with the work in hand as Il
be able to take testimony SO soon
When It was found that at least two
witnesses stood ready to respond at any
moment, they were requested to bs
present.
They were Rev. O. p Emerson and
Surveyor General Alexander, both citi
Eens of Hawaii and both believed to bt
in strong sympathy with the provision
cause. Rev. o. P. Emerson is native
of Hawaii, but was educated in til,
United States. He is at present secre
tary of the Hawaiian board of missions
Mr.. Alexander has been In Washington
for few weeks past and has beer
stopping temporarily at the Hawaiian
legation here.
Mr.. Emerson was the first witness
called, and in answer to the call he dis
appeared behind the closed and guard
ed doors of the inner room. Mr.. Emer
son intends to stop in Washington onl.
u few days, and it was with q view t.
his accommodation that the subcom
mittee decided to hear his statemen
Wednesday.
Mr.. Emerson is about As years of ag
and told the subcommittee that he ha,
spent nearly all the years of his life ol
the Hawaiian islands.s He was wei
acquainted with the king and described
the events of the troubled reign of tina
potentate. He was in Honolulu during
the revolution and told the committe
of the events attending it, of which h
said he was an eye witness.
1t is said that Mr. Emerson's pictur
of the scene was quite graphic and hi
views were expressed with all the vigo
Of man who believed what he wa
saying. He is said to have testife
that there were threats of harm to in
dividuals and that the people wer
fearful of attempted outrage aud in
ccndiarism.
For this reason and for the purpos
Of protecting Americans and thei
property, Mr.. Emerson said the Unite
States marines and sailors wer
brought ashore. He was positive the
took no part in the overthrow of tn
Queen and lent no aid to the men VIII
established the provisional govern
ment.
Mr. Emerson has personal acquaint
ance with the men at the head of tn
existing government, and paid them
high tribute as men of honor and intee
rity. He remained in Hawaii unit
after the departure of Mr.. Blount, con
ing to the United States in order to u
tend the religious congress of til
Worlds fair. He left the islands a Ii
tie before the arrival of Ministe
Willis.