The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-10
THE SITUATION IN HAWAII.

LIE SITUATION IN ia w ALL
Ii is safe 10 say that never in the whole
history of the United States was the Fed
eral Government placed in so embarras-
lug position as il now occupies in Ha-
wall. The facts may be rehearsed in a
few lines. and except on one point there is
no controversy on their tenor.
When Mr.. Cleveland was inaugurated
Queen Liliuokalani had been overthrow,
Provisional Government was exercising
supreme authority on the Islands, and q
treaty between that Government and the
United States had been concluded by Mr..
Harrison and transmitted for ratification
TO the Senate. Thus far all parties
are agreed. On the events preceding
the Queens overthrow they are not agreed.
One party, representing the royal Govern
ment, affiTms that the revolution was insti-
gated, encouraged and supported by the
American representative in Hawaii, and
that the Provisional Government was GOt
established by the Hawaiian people or
existing by their consent. The Provisional
Government itself AYERS that the revolution
was not instigated by ex-Envoy Stevens,
that the landing of the Boston's marines
was necessary for The protection OfAmeri-
can property. and that the revolution was
satisfactory to the Hawaiians, should be
regarded as prelude 10 annexation and
should receive American support.
Having to choose between these two
theories, Mr.. Cleveland decided that the
former was supported by preponderance
of testimony. Having reached this oon-
cusion, he dispatched Mr.. Willis to the
islands with instructions, first, 10 obtain
from the dethroned Queen an assurance of
universal amnesty in the event of her res
toration, and this secured, to request Mr..
Dole and his associates, in the name of
the United States 10 step down and out.
The first instruction was finally fulfilled.
but after long delay. Liliuokalani was
eventually persuaded 10 give a written
guarantee of amnesty to all who had par
ticipated in the revolution. Armed with
this document Mr.. Willis, on Decem Der 10.
Informed AIr. Dole that he was expected 10
promptly IeliDQuish to the Queen her con-
stitutional authority" and he propounded
to that officia! the categorical question I:
Are you willing to abide by the decision
of the President?" To that question Mr..
Dole has replied directly to the President.
10 lCplJ 10 hOM Gu lUuiS. anu VIII DTOO-
ably be in the hands of the public in the
course of week.
Should it be a refusal to abide by the de-
cision Of the administration at Washing
ton. as may be inferred from the utterances
of persons in Mr.. Dole's confidence, Mr..
Cleveland IS opportunity for interference
would seem to be exhausted. He cannot
land marines 10 reiDState the Queen. for
that would be an act of war, which is the
province OF Congress. He might recall
Mr.. Willis, but that would not OF itself be
fatal to the Provisional Government. 1t
ould seem that he could do nothing but
sit still and watch events, throwing on
Congress, as lie did in his late message.
the responsibility Of determining the
policy which the United States ought to
pursue.
We may now consider tie attitude in
which the Provisional Government will be
placed by refusal to comply with Mr..
Cleveland's request That Government
has been recognized by the principal
powers, and DO limit has been set upon its
existence. The limitation 1t placed upon
itself was until Hawaii should be annexed
to the United States. As yet the Govern
ment Of the United States has not con-
sidered that treaty. Mr.. Cleveland mis-
took himself for the Government, but he
has already discovered his error. Congress
will in due time take the matter under ad-
visement, and until an adverse decision is
rendered the Provisional Government may
continue TO exercise the power it has
assumed with the consent of the people.
There does not seem TO be much danger of
popular uprising against the Provisional
Government, nor is there any probability
shat any European Government will make
serious overtures TO establish protector
ate. In such a case public sentiment in
the United States would compel Congress
to interpose an effective objection. So far
as we can judge the Provisional Govern
ment may hold on until Mr.. Cleveland
ceases to be an obstacle in the way of
annexation.