Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-01-21
LAME AND WEAK
Are the Statements Of the President
on His Hawaiian Policy.
Tys to Hide Their Weakness by an Unusual
Willingness to Talk.

Washington. JAN 20-President Clevc-
land made the following statement, this
evening, with respect to- the Hawaiian
question, which he seemed entirely willing
to discuss: .sNo information has been
received which indicates that anytime
" ill happen in Hawaii, making the pr s
ence of one of our naval vessels necessar.,
unless we are prepared to enter upon d.
policy and course of conduct violative OF
every 1ule of international law and utterly
unjistifiable All who take any interest
in the question should keep in view the
fact that Hawaii is entirely independent
of us, and in its relation to us, 1t is
foreign country.
"A ship is sent to Honolulu, not be-
cause of any change in the policy OF the
administration, not because there seems
any imminent necessity for its presence
there but the vessel was sent in precise
accordance with the policy of the admins
tration in every case of the kind and from
motives of extreme caution, because there
is Il possibility that the disturbances may
be renewed, which might result in danger
to persons or property of American citizens
entitled to the protection of the United
States This course was at once deter
mined upon as soon as information reached
the government of the recent revolt.
Ear from having the slightest Objec-
ton to making public the instructions
given the commander of the Philadelphia
and the dispatch he will carry Mr.. Willis,
our minister in Hawaii, l am glad to pui
them before my fellow citizens. Herr
they are:
. Washington, d. c., Jan. 10, 1895.
Rear Admiral Beardslese, flagship
Philadelphia. San Francisco
with the United States ship Philadelphia
with dispatch to Honolulu. Your puI-
pose as United States senior naval officer
there will be the protection of the lives
and property of American citizens. In
case of civil war in the islands, extend NJ
aid or support, moral or physical, to any
parties engaged therein, but keep steadily
in view your duty to protect the lives anG
property of all such citizens of the United
States as shall not, by participation in
such civil connections, forfeit their rights
in that regard to the protection of the
American flag. An American citizen.
who, during a revolution in foreign coun-
try, participates in an attempt by force OF
arms or violence to maintain or overthrow
the existing government cannot claim
that the government of the United States
,hall protect him against the consequences
of such an act Show these instructions
to and consult freely with the United
States minister at Honolulu, upon all
points that may arise seeking his opinion
and advice whenever practicable on tht
actual employment of the forces under
YOUR command, bearing in mind that the
diplomatic and political interests of the
United States are in his charge. Afford
him such aid in all emergencies as may
be necessary Attention is called to arti-
Gle 2S7 of the United States navy regula-
tions as amended. Acknowledge by tele-
gram. {SigneO Herbert.
Washington, Jan. 19.-Willis, Minis
ter, Honolulu. Although your telegram
reporting an uprising Jan. 6 does not
indicate that you regard the presence OF
a warship necessary the President deems
it advisable that one proceed immed-
lately to Honolulu for the pro-
lection of American citizens
and property, should the contingency
arise requiring it. You, as sole diplomatic
representative will confer with the com
handing officer as to the assistance which
his instructions contemplate in case of
need. (Signed) Gresham. y
Secretaries Gresham and Herbert were
in conference with President Cleveland
several hours at the White House, tonight
presumably discussing Hawaiian affairs.
The cabinet officers said they had received
no additional news.