The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1894-01-29

rs far, in the public prints aud else
where, ~ to threaten the representative
Of the Provisional Government IN the
event they should listen TO the prcsi-
dents policy Of peaceful settlement, il II
involved the restoration OF the Queen.
Besides this danger which would have
been precipitatcd by any premature
announcement OF the policy OF our Cow
eminent, there was another danger
deserving serious attention. The
native Hawaiians, under the advice Of
their best native leaders, supplemented
by that OF many sympathizing foreign
ers have maintained the policy of peace
during the settlement OF this question.
While, however, they have been always
known as peaceful and law-abiding
people, the evidence of the most
thoughtful men in these Islands, includ-
ing Mr.. Damon, the present Minister of
Finance, called attention to the fact that
under proper leadership they might col
lect quite an effective and aggressive
following; hence his opinion, given to
Mr.. Blouut while here, and to me since,
that strong force should be retained by
the Provisional Government or else
trouble might result from sudden
attack on their part
The history OF the Hawaiian people
their well-known devotion to the cause
of royalty or chieftainship, their willing
ness to sacrifice themselves in defense of
their supposed rights or in the redress of
the wrongs imposed upon those whom
they revered-confrmed the opinion ex-
pressed by Mr.. Damon as to their manly
spirit and courage.
Repeatedly since | reached these ISL
ands have been advised by those i'll the
confidence of the native Hawaiians that
it was very difficult to further restrain
them. They were looking with conf
dence to the United States for an ami
cable settlement of their grievances, and
this has exercised o wholesome influence
upon their conduct. Any sudden an
nouncement of an adverse result or an
attempt upon the dignity or life of the
Queen might, in their judgment, precipi-
tate the most serious consequences.
Under this state OF affairs, which was
known in part, although not fully, to the
Provisional Government, the policy OF
silence, to which you advised, until the
time had arrived for definite action was
unquestionably wise and humane. My
deliberate judgment is that different
course would have proved disastrous.
presence of the different war vessels has
prevented demonstrations OF marked or
other violence.
| need not assure you that | have en-
deavored faithfully to comply with the
views and instructions of the President
in regard to the military or naval forces
Iof the United States. The two warships
now here were here when | came. Dur
ing the month of last August a general
license had been granted Admiral Skier
rett by the Provisional Government to
land and drill his forces whenever he
SO desired. On the Goth day OF Novem-
Der, as has been stated in my despatch
| No. 8 Of Dec. 3, the Provisional Govern
ment addressed me note revoking this
| license, which action on behalf of our
Government vas promptly acquiesced in.
No such privilege has since been exercis-
ed. So punctilious has been the doctrine
of non.iDtervention that when the band
of the Philadelphia came ashore one
afternoon during a reception of some of
the ladies of the navy, Admiral Twins
attention having been called to the fact
that it had excited some comment he
promptly issued an order that there
should be no repetition of this incident.
The Japanese and English legations
have been guarded by marines from
their respective vessels, but no Ameri-
can soldiers have been stationed here,
and none will be. No official communi.
cation has been conveyed from me to
the Provisional Government by any re.
representatives. of the naval forces Of the
United States, nor did |, under my in
structions, feel as liberty, as | otherwise
gladly would have done to consult with
the Admiral and high officers in COM
mand of our fleet, whose clear and intelli
gent judgment would have been of great
advantage to me in the frequent and
delicate questions that have arisen.
In a word, neither directly or indi-
rectly have conveyed or countenanced
the idea that our Government proposed
to interfere in the domestic affairs OF
these Islands. My visits to the United
States man-of-war have for this reason
been limited to two or three social occa-
sions. There has been, therefore, as
little foundation for criticism in this
direction as there was for the temporary
secrecy observed, as we have seen, as 8
safeguard against sudden outbreak and
mob violence.
Uuder these circumstances, and guided
by your imperative instructions, | sub
, mitted the decision of the President a,
one which was of the greatest gravity
and importance. What the answer viii
, be | do not know, but hope to be abl'
to report in very short time, as Presi
dent Dole stated that the Provisiona
Government would take the matte
: under its immediate advisement.
, have the honor to be, &C..
+ ALBERT 5. WILLIS.