The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1894-12-21

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4.-When ii
was announced, some weeks ago, that
the Presidents displeasure had fallen
upon Admiral Walker for the un-
pleasant truths reported by that Off
Ger, as q result of his trip TO Hawaii,
it was the general opinion that that
interesting document would not be
permitted to remain unpublished in
the files of the Navy Department, but
that some inquisitive Senator or
member would take early occasion to
call for il. So Ii was not a matter for
surprise that Senator Lodge, who has
always taken q deep interest in the
relations of the United States to the
islands, should come forward with a
resolution calling for the report that
has caused the agitation that is sup
posed to have shaken the presidential
frame. 1t was q surprise, Ihowever,
that the resolution should pass with
out an objection.
The resolution was so framed with
the distinct purpose Of getting at the
much-desired report. It did not mince
matters or bubble terms, but went
straight to the point in the following
language:
Resolved, That the Secretary of
the Navy be instructed to send to the
Senate any reports or letters Of Rear
Admiral J. G.. Walker in reference to
the Sandwich Islands"
1t is to be noted that there is no
such qualifying phrase as elf not in
compatible with the public interests"
1t makes, as is usual in the dealings
of the Senate with cabinet officers, a
direct order upon Secretary Herbert
for 'iany reports or letters" thus, like
a cleverly drawn Indictment, avoid
ing any useless description behind
which the secretary might screen
refusal to furnish the papers.
1T is generally believed that the re-
port in question is strongly in favor of
the Republic that has been estab
lished on the islands, and that it goes
even farther aud sets forth that there
Is powerful sentiment in Hawaii
among all classes favorable to annex
alton. 1t is said that it was this feat
ure of the report which particularly
incensed the President, who did not
intend, when he ordered Admiral
Walker to Hawaii-thrOugh Secre-
tary Herbert, of course-that the Off
Ger should report anything to him If
he could not report the existence of
strong element in favor of the dis
carded queen and her form of govern
ment.
That the reports are of value, aud
that they contain information which
the Administration would like 10 have
suppressed there is no doubt No bet
ter proof of this is needed than the
evident anxiety of the Secretaries of
State and Navy. Almost immedi-
atelv after the resolution was pre-
sented in the Senate, Senator Morgan,
chairman Of the Committee on For
eign Relations, was invited to call at
the State Department.
Mr.. Morgan went to the department
and Joined Secretary Gresham in con-
ference. Secretary Herbert was then
summoned, and the three were III con-
sultation until a late hour.
Under the circumstances, IL Is only
natural to surmise that Morgan was
advised to oppose the adoption OF the
resolution on the ground that Admiral
Walkers reports did not reflect credit
upon the wisdom and justice of the
Administration.
Morgan once before helped tine Pres
ident and Secretary Gresham out of
their difficulty in the Hawaiian mat
ter, and again most probably been
urged to do "A similar good turn.
Admiral Walkers reports are now
on the desk of Secretary Herbert, al
though only one is addressed TO him.
There are two reports One is for
NAL statement of the fact that, in ODE
dience to Instructions, the Admiral
proceeded to- Honolulu and executed
his orders. and that he then awaited
further directions from the Secretary
of the Navy. The report also states
that surveys were made of portions of
Pearl river harbor, with a view TO the
establishment of coaling station.
Ia VOL MI
nous ami important. 1t deals with
political rs we'll as naval matters. 1t
Is addressed to the President, and
while little Is known of its contents,
so closely is it guarded, il can be said
that Admiral Walker intimates in no
mild language that the conditions in
Hawaii 1T the time of his visit were
not such Is Paramount" Blount re-
ported them to be.
On the contrary, Admiral Walker
is quoted as saying that the annexa-
ton sentiment Is strong, particularly
among the property-holders and intel
ligent classes of the country.
If the stories of certain officials at
the Navy Department are to be cred
tied, the Admiral even goes so far as
to recommend that Hawaii be annexed
to the United States in pursuance of
wise military and naval policy.
WAsHINGToN, Dec. o. Admiral
Walkers report on Hawaii, called for
by the Lodge resolution, is ready for
transmission to the Senate, copies of
all the papers having been completed
today by the clerical force of the Navy
Department. Unlike Paramount
Blount's report, it is not in line with
the Administration Hawaiian policy.
The report deals more especially with
the political situation in Hawaii and
the subject is treated in q thorough
manner.