The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1894-12-27

order. and regarded the chance of an up
rising of the royalists, even under the IA
| vorohIe circumstances mentioned above,
nc very remote, / did not feel that even
such a remote chance should be taken,
and I decided to postpone the Phlladei,
nhia's dCyalturC, at least until the arrival
of the Australian mail on the llth INST.
Before reaching this conclusion L con-
suited with the United States minister,
whose views conceded entirely with my
own. and | was further confirmed in my
opinion by the receipt of a petition to
keep the Philadelphia at Honolulu, signed
by several prominent merchants and bust
ness men, representing large American
moneyed interests. The petition is en-
closed
Twelfth-Before the arrival of the
Australian mail Wodehouse had been
relieved by Capt. A. G. S. Hayes; who
came in the steamer Araway from his
late post at Tahita, and who has the
title of British commissioner and con-
sui general. The advent of new man
who had no other policy than the policy
of his government and was not involved
in local politics, changed the situation
again, and feeling the risk involved was
considerably diminished, l left Honolulu
on the 18th.
Tbirteenth-It is fact which should
not be lost sight of that English influence
| is always opposed to American influence
in the Hawaiian islands. 1t is Colonial in
| its character, influenced largely, if not
principally by trade jealouses, but il is
very potent factor and is strong enough
| to eventually influence the attitude of
British diplomatic representatives and to
have its effect upon British naval officers
who remain there for any length of time.
The existence of this antagOnism and
of its influence should always be taken
into account. Their expression was not
able during the last few days of my stay
at Honolulu, especially before Major
WodehOuse ceased to be minister. The
English ROyalists were equally elated at
the impending departure of the Phila-
delphia leaving the Champion in port.
while the supporters of the government
regarded the situation with regret. Many
women especially were emphatic in their
apprehension, fearing revival of former
anxiety.
Fourteenth--When / left Honolulu the
Champion was to remain until the arrival
of the Hyacinth, which places an English
ship continually at that port Under
these circumstances an American ship
should also be kept there all the time.
While l would not hesitate in the least
to leave the islands entirely alone, l deem
1t unsafe TO leave them under BRUSH
protection. 1t jeopardizes our influence
there and might lead to an awkward
contretemps.
The position of the United States as
expressed by the latest file received is
sufficiently defined land in it's relation to
other powers is clearly understood by both
natives and foreigners in Hawaii, but
that position involves responsibilities
as well as rights, and if we are not at
hand to perform the duties of our vir-
tual protectorate no reproach can attach
to any power, which in the event of dis
turbances, steps in and takes our place.
1t would prove strong argument in its
favor.
Had the departments orders given me
discretion in the matter l should have
left the Philadelphia at Honolulu and re-
turned to San Francisco by mail steamer
But as they were entirely unqualified 1
had no choice but to obey them at the ear
lest moment. That such a course is
justified by paramount public interests
trust that another shiL will be sent to
Honolulu at the earliest practicable mo-
ment.