The Big Stone Gap post. [volume] (Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Va.) 1892-1928, 1894-01-04
TIE OTHER SIDE.
Foreign Relations Committee Investigates
Hawaiian NattorE.

Hawaiian NattorK.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2a-Thc subcom-
nittec 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'clock Wednesday morn
ing at the capitol.
Within few moments alter calling
the subcommittee 10 order steno-
grapher WAS introduced by the chair
man, and having satisfied the senator's
of his ability not only to report the
proceedings but also to observe strict
secrecy es to whnt happened in the
co,nmittcc-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, as 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 re.
lat!ons shall: inquire and report whether my
and, II anr, Whit Irregularities nave occurred
IN the diplomatic or other Intercourse between
the United States and Hawaii IN relation 10 tina
recent political revolution in Hawaii ana Ut
this end said committee is authorized TO send
fer persons and papers ard 10 administer oaths
TO witnesses.
While the resolution was being read
there we're two gentlemen in waiting
in the anteroom. They were present
in response to m intilnation from some
OF the members of the subcommittee
that they might lie called upon for
statements Wednesday.
1t had hardly seemed possible Tues
day that the committee should progress
so rapidly with the work in hand as tc
be able to take testimony SO soon
When it was found that az least two
witnesses stood ready correspond at any
moment, they were requested to be
present.
They were Rev. O. p Emerson and
Surveyor General Alexander, both citi-
zcns of Hawaii and both believed to be
in strong sympathy with the provisionl
cause. Rev. o. p. Emerson is Il native
of Hawaii, but was educated in the
United States He is 1T present secrc-
tary of the Hawaiian board Of missions
Mr.. Alexander has been IN Washington
for q few weeks past and has been
stoppinr temporarily at the Hawaiian
legation here.
called, and in answer to the call lie dis
appeared Behind the closed and guard
ed doors of the inner room. Or. Elmer
son intends to stop il Washington only
few days, ana it WAS with q view to
his accommodation that the subcoin
mittcc decided to hear lis statement
Wednesday.
Mr.. Emerson is about A. years Of ago
and told the subcommittee that he hac
spent nearly all the Tears Of his life on
the Hawaiian islands. lie was well
acquainted with the king and described
the events of the troubfcd.rcign. OF tina.
petentate. lie was in Honolulu during
the revolution and tod the com n1itte3
of the events attending it, of which hs
said he was an eye witness.
1t is said that Mr. Emcrson's picture
Of the scene was quite graphic and hi,
views were expressed with all the vigo,
of a man who believed what he wa.
saving. lie is said TO have testified
that there were threats of harm to IN
dividuals and that the people vert
fearful OF attempted outrage and in
ccndiarisnl.
For this reason and for the purpose
of protecting Americans and thei,
property, Mr.. Emerson sud the United
States marines and sailors were
brought ashore. lie was positive thel
took no part in the overthrow of thu
Queen and lent no aid TO the men wht
esta blishcd the provisional govern
ment.
Mr. Emerson has personal acquaint
ance with the racn Mt the head Of thu
existing government, and paid them 8
high tribute as men Of honor and integ'
rity. He remained in Hawaii until
after the departure OF Mr.. Blount, com
ing to the United States 10 order to at
tend the religious congress OF the
Worlds fair lie left the islands a lit
tie before the arrival Of Minister
Willis.