The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-02-02
WILLIS DIDN'T CELEBRATE.
he DECLINES TO TAKE PART IN
THE HAWAIIAN ANNIVERSARY.

Not So Much s- . "Thank You" to the
Provisional Government for Etc Courte-
Gus Invitntion-NcsrIy All the Native Hn-
wniisns Marched In tho Parade su-t a
Hesr Aner the oueen Left the Throue.
BAN FRtNc1sco. Feb. 1.-Advices brought by
the barkentine Wilder to-day from Hon olulu
are five days later than those received by the
last steamer The news. which is to Jan. IL.
contains only ono important item. the refusal
OF Minister Willis to participate. on the part OF
the United States. In the celebration OF the
first anniversary Of the establishment OF the
Provisional Government A private letter
from theislands gives the following account OF
the American Minister'S latest JduL pas and
its results:
HONOLULU. Jan. 17.-Minister Willis has
never failed to make mistake. where error
was possible. and in this case, instead OF re-
turning a courteous refusal. or agreeing to
take merely a formal part in tho anniversary
ceremonies, he sent letter which was equiv
alent to a slap In the face to the Provisional
leaders. As Stevens formally recognized the
Provisional Government as Blount took part
In last Fourth Of July's exercises. it was
deemed nothing more thnn proper that
the American Minister should at least
put in an appearance on this holiday. Willis
came here with formal letters which amply
recognized the present Government. and in
his speech presenting these letters he repeated
this recognition. The Provisional leaders were
therefore greatly wrought up when they re-
ceived yesterday the following reply from
Willis:
~ have received your notice Of Yesterday
and am obliged to say that the United States
finds 1t impossible, at the present. to particle
pate in the celebration Of national indepen-
dence. as proposed by the Provisional Govern
ment OF Hawaii ]. therefore. decline to take
part In such celebration on the part OF the
United States OF America
The excitement for several hours was very
great, and II was made stronger by tho undis-
guised enjoyment OF the Royaliste. who again
spread reports that the next steamer would
bring positive orders for the Queens restora-
ton. The insoence Of Willis has had the
effect Of bringing into the ranks all lukewarm
nexationists.
The American League. from all Appearances.
will soon take the place OF the Annexation
Club as tho leader OF public opinion. Its
membership is increasing rapidly. and It
now numbers over 700 all fully armed and
ready to take a hand should the Gov
eminent be menaced by force The League
held two large meetings this week.
Resolutions were passed recommending
Walter G. Smith. editor OF the Honolulu Star,
Tor place IN the ADVISORY council Resolu-
tions were also adopted condemninR the plan
Of importing 5000 Chinese laborers for sugar
plantations and urging upon the Provisional
Government legislation which will exclude the
Chinese as they are excluded from the United
States"
As tho barkentine left the celebration was at
its height. The parade was the finest ever
seen in Honolulu. To show how slight Is the
feeling OF the native HawAiians In favor OF the
Queen. nearly ell turned out and took part in
the procession.