The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-12-20

2. / gave orders TO coal the ship aud fixed The
9Th as the day of sailing. The commanding Off
Ger OF II. NJ. s. Champion had announced the
receipt of orders to take certain deep.sea
soundmgs In the neghborhoOd of tue Ha-
waiian Islands TO aid In determining the feasi-
billy of a cable route. aud had fixed the 9th as
his day OF departure. This WORK was to occupy
the Champion nearly three weeks, before the
expiration OF which time her relief, the Hya-
cinthe, was expected to arrive at Honolulu.
8. felt that the departure of both the Phila-
delphla aud the Champion (the only men-of.
war at Honolulu would be, under existing po-
litical conditions, not favorable to order and
security in the Islands. II would leave both
parties entirely free and dependent upon their
own resources without any support, nominal or
actual, from an outside source.
4. In my opinion the republic has ample
strength to maintain itself and preserve peace,
and would suppress riot or counter revolution
with firm hand but as long as foreign vessels
lay in the narbor OF Honolulu ready at mo-
menrs notice in tie event of disturbances to
land forces 10 secure the safety of life and
property, it was open TO the enemies of the
Government 10 say that tranquility was MAIN
tanned only by the presence of these ships.
found leading members OF the Government and
others strongly of this opinion, and expressing
satisfaction with the prospect Of being left for
time entirely alone.
o. Dut DIS sOOu DIS IL WAS huuHu tudt tho
Philadelphia was to leave on the h, move
ment was set on foot among the English resi-
dents 10 retain the Champion, and tie British
Minister, Major Wodehouse. willingly con-
sented TO order her to remain in port
6. This change of plan and the circumstances
under which 1t was made put the situation in a
new and somewhat serious light, TO thoroughly
appreciate whicnit is necessary TO understand
the attitude and ambition OF Major Wodehouse.
Ha ah At m
years, and his constant slrugglt had been to set
English influence against American influence
and make 1t predOmlnate; and as an essential
part of this policy, to maintain the monarchy.
The successful revolution and the establish.
ment Of republic during the last year of his
diplomatic service, upon the eve of his retire
ment was an evidence of failure which made
him bitter and hostile. Although holding the
position of British Minister and transactlng
diplomatic business with the Government de
factO, he had been a prom ounced and partisan
royalist. 1t is currently believed that he had
been In constant secret communication with
the ex- Queen and entirely in the confidence OF
the royalist leaders, and he had certainly lost
no opportunity 10 embarras the prese Mt Gov
eminent, disregarding the courtesies and amen
tiles due from one in his position. But for his
impending retirement matters would have
probably come. some time ago, TO an issue
which would have resulted in his recall or dis
mIssa.
8. The commanding officer of the Champion
had the same interests and views and was quite
ready 10 support his Minister.
8. The unusual circumstances presented the
situation in the following light: The chances of
any disturbance taking place through the
action OF the royalists after the departure of
the Philadelphia were considerably increased
by the significant detention of the Champion.
Should any such disturbance take place it is
believed the British Minister would seize upon
any pretext, however slight, to land the Cham
pion's force, and that once on shore their in
fuence would be 10 encourage the royalists
and 10 Increase or prolOng the difficulty.
Should such action result in the restoration of
The monarchy English unfluence would hence.
forth control with Liliuokalani.
10. There is another consideration which
bears upon this point The British are very
much in the habit OF retaining any foothold
once obtained, and there Is much talk at pres
ent Of a cable between The Pacific colonies ITO
land only on British SOIL" Should an English
military force be established on shore on Homo
lulu 10 preserve order there might not be found
the o,portuDe moment for its withdrawal.
Whatever the willingness of the home Govern
ment 10 yield TO The claims of the United States,
strong colonial pressure would be brought
upon il to oppose these claims 1t should not
be forgotten in this connection that Pearl mar
finest site for naval and cOaling station TO be
found IN The whole Pacific.
IL. Although / had full confidence In the re-
puDlic's ability to preserve order ana regarded
The chance Of an uprising OF the royallsts, even
UNDER the favorable circumstances mentioned
above, as very remote, did not feel that even
snch remote chance should be taken, and
decided 10 postpone the Philadelphia's depar-
ture at least until the arrival OF the Australians
mail on the 11th inst Before reaching this
conclusion consulted with the United States
Minister, whose views conceded entirely with
my own, and I was further confirmed in nv
opinion by the receipt OF petition 10 keep the
Philadelphia at Honolulu, signed by several
prominent merchants and business men repre-
Senting large American moneyed interests.
This petition Is Enclosed.
IL Before the arrival of the Australia Major
Wodehouse bad been relieved by Captain A c.
s. Hayes. who came on the steamer Arawa
from his late post at Tahiti, and who has the
title OF British Commissioner and Consul
General. The advent of new man, who had
no other policy than the policy of his Govern.
ment and WAS NOT involved in local politics,
changed The situation, and feeling that the risk
involved was then considerably diminished
left Honolulu on the 18Th.
13. 1t IS a fact that should not be lost sight
Of that English influence is always opposed TO
American influence in the Hawaiian Islands
1t Is colonial aud local in its character intu-
enced largely, II not wholly, by trade jealousies,
but 1t Is potent factor and is strong enough 10
eventually influence the altitude of the British
diplomatic repres NATIVE and to have its effect
upon British naval officers who remain there
for any length OF time. The existence of this
antagOnlsm and OF It's Influences should always
be taken into account. Their expression was
noticeable during the last few days of my stay
at Honolulu, and especially before Major
Wodehouse ceased 10 be Minister. The Eng
fish and royalists were equally elated at the
impending departure of the philadelphia. ieav.
ing the Champion in port, while the supporters
of the Government regarded the situation with
regret. Many women, especially. were en-
phatic In their apprehension, fearing revival
of former anxieties.
IA When left Honolulu the Champion was
to remain until the arrival of the Hyacinthe,
which plan keeps an English ship continually
at this port Under these circumstances an
American ship should also be kept there all the
time. While would not hesitate 10 the least
toleave the islands entirely alone, deem 1t un-
safe 10 leave them under British protection. IL
1eopardizes cnr influence there and might lead
TO an awkward complication. The position OF