Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-03-20
NOW IT is HAWAII.
Her Representative at the Cap.
ital Persona Non Grata.
OFFICIALS AND DIPLOMATS SILENT

With Silence That IL Corroborative Of
the Report That Thurston's Recall Has
Been Asked-Senator Morgan Discusses
Cuban Ansirs-He Favors Uncle Sans
Acquisition Of the Island By Any Method
-Washington City News Notes.
WASHINGTON, March 2o-It was report
ed yesterday THAI Secretary Gresham had
demanded the recall of Lorin A. Thurston,
Hawaiian minister to Washington. on the
ground that he was persona non grata-
When Secretary Gresham's attention was
called to this statement he positively re-
fused to say one word in confirmation or
denial, and other officials of the state de-
partment allege ignorance Of the matter.
Every effort made last night to secure a
confirmation of the report failed Mem
bers of the cabinet, diplomatists and pub
lie men who should be in a position to
know il action of such Importance had
been taken, either disavowed all knowl-
edge upon the subject or declined to dis
cuss it at all. 1t is known, however. that
there has been much friction between the
minister and the state department in the
transaction Of business, dating back to
Thurston's appointment as minister.
Had Stormy Interviews with Gresham.
Probably because he was aware Of the
lister has always been singularly guarded
and discreet in his public utterances, as
far as can now be recalled, SO as not to
subject himself to censure. Every effort
has been made officially to disguise the
real state Of affairs. The Hawaiian min
ister's name has been scrupulously in
cluded in all state functions in which the
diplomatic corps plays a part, and on at
least one occasion he has been rendered
the honor of q speci al dinner by Secretary
Gresham, but it is known that there have
been stormy interviews between them.
Minister Thurston was seen and positively
declined to discuss the report. He was at
the legation Office and was busily engaged
in preparing budget of official mail to
Hawaii He said the report was Of such
character that he would maintain abso-
lutte silence.
Remained Absolutely Non-C -CommittaL
He did not want this to be taken as an
intimation of confirmation or denial. He
was u Sed specifically If he had been re-
called and declined to answer. He was
also specifically asked as to the closing Of
the state department against him, and
made the same response. 1t is recalled
now that Thurston has not been at tho
department of state in person recently,
although Hastings, the secretary of his
legation and the charge daffaircs during
the absence of the minister, has been
visitor. though 1oepn diplomatic errands
SO far as can ID A1eertained.
Probable Facts in the Matter.
While it is doubtful if Secretary 0resh.
am has gone SO far as to demand the re-
call Of the minister, it is believed to be
probable that he has at least allowed some
hint to reach the Hawaiian government
through our minister to the effect that
the relations between the state depart.
ment ana Minister Thurston were not en-
tirely cordial, though there is good
grounds for the belief that the Hawaiian
government has not acted as yet upon the
hint.
Not in the Latest Honolulu PaperA
At any rate the Hawaiian newspapers
up to March which reached Washington
yesterday make no mention Of the report
ed rupture in any shape, and while it is
true that the Hawaiian government may
have observed secresy as to the receipt of
such a disagreeaDle piece of news, still it
would have beyond doubt felt bound to
make public IN event of such Importance
as the recall Of its principal mi iister
SENATOR MORGAN ON cUeA's CASE.