The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1895-03-20

Reported Demand for the Hawaiian
Minister'S Recall.
THE RUMOR LACKS CONFIRMATION

Both Minister Thurston and state Depart
ment officials Refuse TO Either Confirm
or Deny the story--A Similar Report
Anent the Spanish Minister.
WAsHINGToN, March 20.-It was reported
here last night that Secretary Gresham had
demanded the recall of Lorin A. Thurston,
the Hawaiian minister to Washington, on
the ground that he was persona non
gratia When Secretary Gresham's S atten
tion was called to this statement he posi-
lively refused to say one word In confirm
alton or denial, and other officials of the
state department allege ignorance of the
matter. 1t is known, however, that there
has been much friction between the min
lister and the state department in the trans
action of business, dating back to Mr..
Thurston's appointment as minister. Prob
ably because he was aware Of the state of
feeling towards himself the minister has
always been singularly guarded and dis
Greet in his public utterances, as far as can
now be recalled, so as not to subject him
self to censure.
Every effort has been made officially to
disguise the real state of affairs. The
Hawaiian minister's name has been
scrupulously included in all state func-
tions in which the diplomatic corps plays
part, and on at least one occasion he
has been rendered the honor of a special
dinner by Secretary Gresham, but it is
known that there have been stormy inter
views between them.
Minister Thurston was seen and posi-
lively declined to discuss the report. He
was at the legation office, and was busily
f.1
mail to Hawaii. He said the report was
of such a character that he would main
tain absolute silence. He did not want
| this taken as an intimation of affirmation
or denial. He was asked specifically if he
had been recalled, and declined to answer.
He was also specifically asked as to the
closing of the state department against
him and he made the same response.
! 1t is recalled now that Mr.. Thurston
| has not been seen at the department of
state in person recently, although Mr..
Hastings, the secretary of his legation,
and the charge d'atfaires during the alb
sence of the minister, has been a frequent
visitor though not on diplomatic errands,
so far as can be ascertained. While it is
doubtful if Secretary Gresham has gone
so far as to demand the recall of the min
lister, it is believed to be probable that he
has at least allowed some hint to reach
this Hawaiian government through our
minister, MIR. Willis, to the effect that the
relations between the state department
and Minister Thurston were not entirely
J cordial, though there is good ground for
the belief that the Hawaiian government
has not acted as yet upon the hint.
At any rate the Hawaiian newspapers
up to March ., which reached Washing
ington yesterday, make no mention of the
reported rupture in any shape, and while ii
is true that the Hawaiin government may
have observed secrecy as to the receipt OF
such a disagreeable piece of news, still it
would have beyond doubt felt bound to
make public an event of such Importance
as the recall of its principal minister.
Gossips are conjuring with another
rumor that the Spanish minister's recall
Will be demanded because he gave an in
terview to the papers few days ago criti
cizing Secretary Gresham. Naturally
there is a commotion among the diplo
| mats