Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-03-26
Minister Thurston Decides to Return
to His Home at Once.
AN AUTHORIZED STATEMENT FROM Him
No Official Information That His
Recall Has Been Requested.
GOSSIP OF ATS

Minister Thurston has decided to leave
Washington and return to his Hawaiian
home. He will take his departure from
this capital tomorrow or next day, in time
to catch the steamer sailing from San
Francisco April f.
Mr.. Thurston broke silence today for the
first time since the recent reports of Sec
retary Gresham's demand for his recall, and
gave out the following authorized state
ment:
Il have received no information from my
government or from Mr.. Gresham that my
recall has been requested, and up to the
present time there has been no change In
my official relations with the State Depart
ment. Whether my recall has been re-
quested or not do not know. In any event
1 shall not remain in Washington There
is nothing of especial Importance to keep
me here at present, while there are several
matters requiring my attention at home. 1
shall. therefore. return to Honolulu i'm
mediately, leaving San Francisco April L."
Surprise fn Diplomatic Circles.
The announcement of Mr.. Thurston's
sudden determination to leave Washington
occasioned surprise in diplomatic cir
cles. 1t had been rumored that even in
the event of the severing of his official
relations with this government he might
remain here in private capacity to give
his advice and the result of his experience
to the minister who should succeed him,
and at any rate it was thought he would
wait until official action was taken.
Mr.. Hastings, secretary of the legation,
will act as charge during Mr.. Thurston's
absence. Mr. ThurSton would Tot say to-
day whether he proposes to return to
Washington or not. 1t was rumored N
some quarters that he might become the
minister of foreign affairs for his govern
ment, and that Mr.. Hatch would succeed
him at this capital None of the rumors
current could be verified at he legation.
Mr.. Thurston declining to discuss the mat
ter further than in the authorized state
ment given to the press.
1t is understood that Mrs. Thurston, wife
Of the minister, will not take the trip with
her husband. but will visit her rela tives in
Michigan. The Hawaiian legation will re-
main in its present quarters. AS yet there
is no packing up and no external evidence
of the minister's departure. Mr. Thurston
ard Mr.. Hastings, assisted by their clerical
force are busy preparing and signing doc
uments
Shresvd Diplomatic Stroke.
In some quarters Mr.. Thurston's move
is regarded as a shrewd diplomatic stroke
1t is recalled that he left Unexpectedly
about fifteen months ago. when the ques-
ton of restoring the queen to the throne
was at a critical stage in Hawaii. The
Hawaiian government was on the point of
reaching a decision. but had not yet done
so. At this juncture Mr. Thurston suddenly
left Washington, his departure not being
known until he was well on his way to San
Francisco. He had full information as to
the sentiment in the United States, and
when he reached Hawaii his advice had
much to do in the final action of the gov
ernment. 1t is being suggested, therefore
that his departure at the present tuncture
before it is known what action the Ha-
waiian government has taken on Secretary
Gresham'S demand, may result in his being
at Honolulu when final action is taken. No
information has vet come from Hawaii as
to the course of the government The first
ship to arrive is the Australia, expected at
San Francisco tomorrow