Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-01-08
q future day and hour we're Fixed for


precise purpose OF their visit In the fol-
lowing note:
August II. is9i-The Hon. W. @.
Gresham, Secretary of state: Sir.-We,
the undersigned commissioners. sent by
her Majesty, Queen Lilluokalani, request
an audience OF the President or the
United States. We desire TO ask his
Excellency whether there is any nope
for his doing anything for the restora-
ton OF the Constitutional Government or
the Hawaiian Island.
AZ. A. CUMMINGS.
"'H. A. VILLAIN,
SAMUEL PARKER"
after this had been submitted 10 me.
I prepared In writing with some care
reply to the question II contained TO
be read by me to the commissioners at
our meeting. I intended TO avoid all
misunderstanding and misconception by
absolutely confirming myself to such
written reply, OF which the following Is a
COPY:
Z" 'Gentlemen.-You must permit me TO
remind you that this interview IL not an
official one. and that lr-'e"i OF receiving
you In any representative capacity.
meet you as individuals who have ira
yelled long distance for the purpose OF
laying A certain matter before me.
fOu ask me III lueEt - any i'P' u
my doing anything for the restoration
OF the Constitutional Government OF the
Hawaiian islands" I suppose that this
question Is largely prompted by the fact
that soon after the overturnlng OF the
late government OF the Queen, | inyesti-
gated that transaction, and was satisfied
that there had been such an unjustifable
interference In aid Of that movement on
the part Of the representatives. or the
Government OF the United States In its
diplomatic and naval service as 10 call
for correction, not only TO rectlfy what
seemed to be a wrong done 10 others. but
also through that rectifcatlon 10 ward
off what appeared TO be danger to
American honor and probity.
Fully approaching the constitutional
limitations Of my executive power and
by no means unmlndful Of the hind
rarces that might arise. | undertook the
task. Having failed in my plans. | COM
mitted the entire subject 10 the Con.
gress OF the United States, which had
abundant power and authority In the
premises. The executive branch OF the
government was thereby discharged
from further duty and responsibility In
the matter. unless moved thereto by
congressional command The Congress
has. both by its action and its COM
mission to act, signihed that nothing
need be done touching American inter-
ference with the overthrow or the gov
eminent OF the Queen.
"'Quite lately a government has been
established in Hawaii which is In full
force and operation in all parts OF the
islands. 1t is maintaining its authority
and discharging all ordinary govern
mental functions Upon general prncl-
pies. and not losing sight OF the special
circumstances surrounding this case, the
rev government Is clearly entitled to
our recognition without regard 10 any
OF the Incidents which accompanied or
preceded its inauguration.
This recognition and the attitude
Of the Congress concerning Hawaiian
affairs OF course lead to an absolute
denial OF the present or future aid or
encouragement on my part Of an effort
10 restore any government heretofore
existing in the Hawaiian Islands.
GROVER CLEVELAND
when the day appointed for.the meet
ing arrived, I was confined 10 my bed
by illness, and unable to keep my en-
gagement | therefore signed the paper
I had expected TO read, and 1t was de-
livered TO the commissioners, who,
believe, returned at once TO Hawaii. l
never saw any member OF this com
mission or committee. or have never had
any communication or transaction with
them, directly or Indirectly, except as
/ have here stated"