The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-03-11

quoted. and the Secretary recalls the fact
that when the order TO Admiral Skerrett
was issued the United States forces had
landed in Hawaii and the United states
flag had been raised over the public build
ings in Honolulu. Secretary Herbert says:
Under these circumstances, and in view
of the remoteness of the Hawaiian Islands
from Geographic communication, IL was es-
%sential not only that no conflict of author
ity should arise with reference 20 the dis
position of the United States naval force
at Hawaii, but that such forces should be
employed in entire harmony with and in
support of the policy of the diplomatic
branch of the government. For these rea-
sons. and in order that the special commits
sioner appointed By the President might,
in the discharge of the important duties in
trusted to him, be aided 10 the fullest CO.
operation on the part Of the naval branch
of the government, IL was deemed proper
to direct that Rear Admiral Skerrett should
consult freely with Mr.. Blount and should
carry out any Instructions given him in re-
gard to the course 10 he pursued by the
United States naval forces at the Hawaiian
Islands.
Il 1eem IL TO be at all times the duty Of
the naval forces of the United States in
matters affecting our foreign relations TO act
in subordination 10 and in the fullest CO.
of the government and not TO take the
initiative In such matters unless in accord
ance with the letter and spirit of such gen
eral or special orders as may be issued TO
them by the Secretary of the Navy or when
ordered TO DO SO in case of special eXigency
by circumstances of sucn gravity and urSen-
CIV as TO admit Of no delay. If the obs1rv-
ance of this general principle is incumbent
upon the naval forces of the United states
IN their relations with our diplomatic rep
resentatives IN foreign countries, under or
binary circumstances, II becomes particu-
larry important upon occasions when a di-
rect representative OF the PRESIDENT, charged
with duties of a comprehensive, delicate and
confidential character, Is sent abroad.
believing that the action taken by the
department in its Crder OF March ii, 1873,
was not only proper and necessary, but in
order to preclude the possibility Of any
misunderstanding or conflict of authority
which might have enSued in serious embar-
rassment of American interests, and further
that Such action was in harmony with eS-
tabiished precedent. l have to state, in re-
Spouse to the direct inquiry Contained in the
resolution of the House as TO my authority
order was issued by authority OF the Presi-
dent. who by constitutional provision is
made commander in chief of the army and
navy Of the United States"
Then the Secretary gives a number Of
precedents for his action, beginning in 1923
and running down to 1881. In 1873 the United
States steamer Enterprise was sent to Por-
TO Rico and its commander was ordered
10 regulate his operations by the advice of
Thomas Randall agent OF the government"
During the Mexican war Nicholas Trest, an
agent of the State Department, was clothed
with power to arrange for a mutual SuS-
pension of hostilities. and Commodore Perry
was Instructed not TO relax the vigor of his
operations while he CTrest) remained IN
Mexico unless he direct 10 suspend them"
This order was complied with. In 1869 Gen.
BabcOck went on board the United States
steamer Albany TO San Domingo and the
commander was directed to conform to all
General Babcock's wishes and orders. In
1870 Lieutenant Commander Bunce had sim
liar orders. In 1881, during the Chili-Peru
war. Rear Admiral Balch was directed TO
be governed rs far as possible by the wishes
ment Of State. special envoy extraordinary
and minister plenipotentiary.