Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-02-16
EX-QUEENS PLEA.
LiliuokaIani Denies All knowI-
edge of the Recent Plot
To Overthrow Hawaiian Republic
Would Have Opposed 1t.
Begs for Mercy from the Government. She
Conspred to Overthrow.

movement undertaken by the Hawaiians,
last month, was absolutely commenced
without my knowledge, sanctions or as
sistance, directly or indirectly, and this
fact is in truth, well known to those who
took part in it. | received no informa-
ton from any one in regard to which men
were, or which were not to be procured,
nor of any men induced to join in such
an uprising.
81 do not know why this information
should have been withheld from me I'M
less with view to my personal safety, or
as "a precautionary measure. 1t would
not have received my sanction, and | can
assure the gentlemen of this commission
that had | known of such intention |
would have dissuaded the promoters from
such a venture. l will add that had l
known their secrets they would have
been mine and would have been in
violately preserved.
"That intended to change my cabinet
and appoint certain officers of the king
dom in event of my restoration l Will adj
nit, but that l. or any one known to me,
had in part, or in whole, established a
new government, is not true. Before
Jan "a, 1895, the day upon which for
mally abdicated and called upon my PEG
pie to recognize the republic of Hawaii
as the only lawful government of these
islands and support that government, L
claim that had the right to select cabi-
net in anticipation of the possibility, and
the history of other governments sup
ports this right.
~ was not intimidated into ablicating
but followed the counscls OF able and
generous friends and wcll-wishcrs, who
advised me that such an act would re
store peace and good will among my poo
pie, vitalize the progress and prosperity
of the islands and induce the actual gov
eminent to deal leniently, mercifuliy and
charitably with those who rasorted to
arms for the purpose of displaclng the
government in the formation of which
they had no voice or control and which
they themselves had established by the
force of arms.
81 acted of my own free will, and wish
the world to know that asked no i'm
munity or favor for myself, nor pleaded
my abdication rs a petition for mercy
My actions were dictated by the sole aim
of doing good to my beloved country, and
alternating the positions and pains OF
those who unhappilly and unwisely re-
sorted to arms to regain the independence
they thought unjustly wrested from
them.
d" As You deal with them, SO | pray That
the Almighty God may deal with you in
YOUR hours Of trial. To my regret much
has been said about the danger threat
ened foreign women and children and
about the bloodthirstiness of Hawaiians,
and the outrages which would have been
pernrtrated by them if they had succeeded
in the attempt to overthrow the repub-
lie government.
"Thosc who know the Hawaiian tem~
ner and disposition understand that there
is no foundation for such fears, and the
hchavior of the rebels to those foreigners
whom they captured and held, showed
there was on malignancy in the hearts OF
the Hawaiians at all.
81 must deny your right to try me in TINS
manner and by the court you have called
together, for this purpose. In your
actions you violate your own constitution
and laws. which are now the constitution
and laws of the land. There may be in
your consciences warrant for your
action, in what you may deem the necces-
sitv of the times but you cannot ina
| sucb n warrant for such an action in any
| settled civilized or Christian land.
Gan who uphold you in this unlawful
| ,roeeodinp may scorn and despise my
word hut the offence of breaking ana
setting aside the specific purpose OF the
lows Of your own nation and disregardlng
all iustice and fairness may be to them
and You a source of unhappy and much
| to be regretted legacy.
| uJ would ask YOU to consider that your
government is on trial before the whole
civilized world and in accordance with
vour actions ana decisions will you your
selves Inc Judged. The happiness and pros
noritv If Hawaii are henceforth in your
bhards alone as its rulers. You are COM
,,,orciny a new era in its history. May
nivine Providence grant you the wisdom
70 load the nation into paths of forbear-
an.o forgiveness and peace and create
md consolidate a united people ever
an~ious TO advance in the way of civiliza.
49,, outlined by the American fathers OF
liberty aud religion,
ssIn concluding my statement thank
Gov tho courtesy you have shown me
humble citizen of this land, rs wo-
-, assure YOU who believe that you
ar, faithfully fulfilling public duty that
"a, all ,,ever harbor any resentment or
cherish any ill-feeiing to"af'i sou "i'''
ever may be your decision.
ON the 9Th the cases OF ',onn a. Gum
mings and Captain Davies OF Maillau .,p,
were taken up together, by coiire-iiat1i i y
They were charged with misprlsion % q
, treason. Both contribntea ole%aii. ~
timony in the other trials. cumming. !. !,
counsel made n long pea for onis ~, q .lnr
: for the old man who had oeen ieu away a,
by his intimate Seward anu SOU -
law, Walker. - I;,;uotalani,s
: commission to Washington, Ias' summer I'M
ia confessed to have assisted IN tne az,
rangements for landing rn ARMS 1n naa,'
nayies and he pleaded guli.y' 1uuge
Advocate Kinney thought ina. ou I'm,
mings age and previous ,t pos the E 70 snt
country would weigh Win 'ne hAeeu-