Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-02-11
A SENSATION DENIED
No Truth in the Story About an
American ProtectOrate.
INSTRUCTIONS FOADBIRAL BEARDSLEE
These, However, Have Probably
Been Much Modified.
GRAN STON, THE EXILE

Probably the most sensational story that
has recently come from Honolulu is that
Admiral Beardslee has taken possession OF
Pearl Harbor and declared an American
protectorate over the Hawaiian Islands.
The story came to Victoria by the steamer
Warrfmoo. but Is not borne out by the regu-
lar press advices from Honolulu brought
by the same steamer Such complete re-
versal of the policy of the administration
was entirely unexpected. and. according to
the best official Information that can be
obtained. the report to that effect is entire
ly without foundation.
The story Denied.
prominent official of the State Depart
ment was shown the published report that
a protectorate had been established over
Hawaii. by a Star reporter today. He read
IT carefully and declared 1T the ''veriest
gibberish." and mot worth a moments
consideration" He added that Minister
Willis instructions. which had been pub
lished to the world. disclosed the true po-
siton of the State Department on the SUBJ
ject of Hawaii
bert and he said in the most positive man.
ner that Admiral Beardslee's instructions
did not authorize any such action as indi-
Gated. and consequently he did not believe
the story.
Steps That Have Been Taken.
1t is not at all improbable that party
of officers from the Philadelphia had visited
Pearl harbor, but that they had seized 1t
In the name of the United States is not
credited at the Navy Department. Steps
have been taken to establish naval sta
ton there, In accordance with a grant from
the Hawaiian government, but they nave
not gone further than survey OF the har-
-, o,,I fvcr of ha hl
Its character. The last work In this con-
nection was performed under direction OF
Admiral Walker last summer His report
on the subject is now before congress- IL
shows the great desirability of the harbor
for naval purposes, and says that there
will be no difficulty in dredging a suitable
channel
Admiral Beardslee's Instructions.
Admiral Beardslee was hurried on to
Honolulu on the 21st ultimo. and his in
structions. as given to the press, are as
follows:
Phiiadeiphia with dispatch to Honolulu, II.
j. Your purpose as the United states
senior naval olncer there will be the pro-
lection of tine lives and property OF Ameri-
can citizens. In case OF civil war In the
Islands extend no aid or support, moral or
physical, to any Of the parties engaged
therein. but keep steadily In view your
all of such citizens of the United States
as shall not by their participation in such
civil commotions forfeit their rights In
that regard TO the protection of the Ameri-
can flag. An American citizen who dur
ing a revolution in a foreign country par
ticipates in an attempt by force of arms or
violence to maintain or overthrow the ex-
tsting government cannot claim that the
government of the United States shall
protect him against the consequences of
such act. Show these Instructions to and
consult freely with the United States min
lister at Honolulu upon all points that may
arise. seeking his opinion and advice when
ever practicable upon the actual employ
ment of the forces under your command,
bearing in mind that the .iplomatic and
political interests of the United States are
in his charge. Afford him such aid in all
emergencies as may be necessary. Atten-
ton is called to article 2S7 of the United
States Navy Regulations, as amended
Acknowledge by telegram"
Notifications That Are Probable.
Inasmuch as these instructions directly
conflict with subsequent Instructions issued
to Minister Willis as to his attitude to
American citizens concerned In the recent
revolution, it is understood that they have
undergone a radical change, in order to en-
able him to act In harmony with Mr..
Willis. which otherwise would have been
impracticable without disobedience of
orders. conflict of authority between the
two officials could only be averted In this
way Consequently. there is every reason
to believe that Admiral Beardslee has been
Speclncally instructed 10 cooperate WITH
Minister Willis in his efforts for stay of
execution in the case of the Americans
convicted of conspiring against the repub-
lie and sentenced to death. Minister Willis
was instructed to demand postponement
of the proposed execution until the Amer
lean government could investigate the JUS
tice and legality of the sentence and Ad-
mlral Beardslee has been undoubtedly in
structed to enforce a compliance with the
demand. Under his original instructions he
could not possibly use the naval forces for
this purpose. and as these forces are alb
solutely essential to the maintenance of
the position now assumed by the admin
fstration, IL IS a reasonable assumption
that the orders have been changed accord
ingly.
Cransten, the Exile.
The State Department will proceed to
take vigorous mea asures in the case of j.
Cranston, who arrived at Vancouver yes
terday on the Warrimoo, an exile from
Hawaii. A brief statement of his case has
been received at the State Department from
the United States commercial agent at
Vancouver, alleging that Cranston is
American citizen, that he guiltleSs of
any participation in the rebellion. and that
he was forcibly placed aboard the steamer
and eXiled without any trial, and to his
severe peCuniary loss.
IL will be necessary. In order to make
out a case against the Hawaiian govern
ment to substantiate Cranston's statement
AZ every point. According to his own story,
Minister Willis took his deposition before
he was ejeC ted from Hawaii. and the min
lster is doubtless fully investigating the
matter there. Should Cranston's assertions
little question that he will have a good
claim for indemnity against the Hawaiian
government. and IL will be the duty of our
State Department to insist upon settle