Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1895-01-10
q. A. Cummings,
III. A. Wideman,
Samuel Parker"
A Written Reply

after this note had been submitted
to me | prepared in writing, with some
care, n reply to the question it cou-
tanned TO be read by me to the COM
miSSiC2crs at u meeting. ! intend
al to avoid all misunderstanding and
misconCeption by absolutely combining
myself to such writtCC reply, of which
the following is a copy:
"'Gentlemen: You must permit me
20 remind you that this interview Is
not IN official one, and that instead OF
receiving you in any representative ca
pacity l meet you rs individuals who
have travelled long distances for the
purpose of laying a certain matter be-
'ore me.
"'You ask me If there is any hope of
ny doing anything for the restoration
II the constitutional government Of the
Hawaiian islands? | suppose that
this question is largely prompted by
The fact that soon after the overthrow
Ing of the late government of the
queen | investigated that transaction
and was satisfied that there had been
such an uniuStifiable interference of
aid Of that movement on the part OF
representatives of the government Of
the United States in its diplomatic
and naval service as to call for cor
'ection, not only to reCtify what seems
to be a wrong done to others, but also
through hat reCtificatiOn to ward off
what appeared to be danger to Ameri-
ran honor and probity. Fully apprc-
eating the constitutional limitations
IF my executive power and by no
reanS unmindful of the hindrances
that might arise. l undertook the task.
Committed TO Congress-.
"'Having failed in my plans, | COM
mitted the entire 81 bj6ct 10 the con
gross Of the United States, which had
abundant power and authority I'm the
premises. The executive branch of the
govern ment was thereby discharged
from. further duty and responsibility
n the matter, unless moved therefor
Dy congressional command. The con.
yress has, both by it's action and it's
omission to act, signified that nothing
'ced be done touching American inter
ference with the overthrow of the gov
srument of the queen.
"'Quite lately a government has
beer established in Hawaii, which Is
n full force and operation in all parts
Of the islands. 1t Is maintaining it's
authority and discharging all ordinary
governmental functions. Upon gem
,ral principles, and not losing sight Of
he special circumstances surrounding
his case, the new government Is clear
Y entitled to our recognition without
.egard to any of the incidents which
accompanied or proceeded its inaugur-
alton. This recognition and the atti-
Jude OF the congress concerning Ha-
Taiian affairs, of course, led to the alb
,olute denial of the least present or
future aid or encouragement hereto
'ore existing In the Hawaiian islands.
"-Grover Cleveland
when the day appointed for the
meeting arrived l was confined to my
bed by illness and was unable to keep
ny engagement. / therefore signed the
paper l had expected to read, md It
was delivered to the commissioners,
who, I believe, returned ut once to
Hawaii. | never saw any member OF
his commission or committee. and
nave never had any communication
Or transaction with any of them, d.
.ectly or indirectly, except as l have
here stated"