People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1895-01-10
" j. A. CUMMINGS,
L" II. A. WTDEMAN,

SAMUEL PARKER
"After this note had been submitted
TO me | prepared in writing with
some care reply to the question it
contained, to be read by me to the
commissioners at our meeting in
tended to avoid all misunderstanding
and misconception by absolutely con-
filming myself to such written reply,
of which the following is a copy:
Gentlemen, you must permit me
to remind you that this interview is
not an official one and that instead of
receiving you in any representative
capacity, | meet you as individuals
who have travelled long distance for
the purpose of laying certain mat
ter before me-
"'You ask me if there is any hope
of my doing anything for the restora-
ton of the constitutional govern
ment of the Hawaiian islands. |
suppose that this question is largely
prompted by the fact that soon after
the overturning of the late govern
ment of the queen | investigated that
transaction and was satisfied there
had been such an unjustifable inter
ference of aid of that movement on
the part of the representatives of the
government of the United States in
its diplomatic and naval service as to
call for correction, not only to rectify
what seemed to be wrong done to
Others, but also through that rectifica.
ton to ward off what appeared to be
danger to American honor and probity.
"'Fully approaching the constitu-
tional limitations of my executive
power and'by no means unmindful of
the hindrances that might arise, un-
dertook the task.
Having failed in my plans l COM
mitted the entire subject to the con-
gress of the United States, which had
abundant power and authority,in the
premises. The executive branch of
the government was thereby dis
charged from further duty and re-
sponsibility in the matter unless
moved thereto by congressional COM
mand. The congress has, both
by its action and its omis-
sion to act. signified that nothing
need be done touching American in.
reference with the overthrow of the
government of the queen.
"'Quite lately a government has
been established in Hawaii which is
in full force and operation in all parts
of the islands. 1t is maintaining its
authority and discharging all ordin-
ary governmental functions upon
general principles and not losing
sight of the special circumstances
surrounding this case, the new gov
ernment is clearly entitled to our
recognition, without regard to any of
the incidents which accompanied or
preceded its Inauguration.
"'This recognition and the attitude
of the congress concerning Hawaiian
affairs, of course, led to an absolute
denial of the least present or future
aid or encouragement on my part OF
an effort to res ore any government
heretofore existing in the Hawaiian
islands. GROVER CLEVELAND
"When the day appointed for the
meeting arrived / was confined to my
bed by illness and unable to keep my
engagement. !, therefore, signed
the paper had expected TO real, and
it was d livered to the commissioners,
who, believe, returned at once &c
Hawaii. l never saw any member Of
this commission or committee and
have never had any communication
or transaction with any of them
except as have here stated"