The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-01-07
A STATEMENT,
Presidents Attitude in the
Hawaiian Matter.
RoyaIists Not Encouraged Since Con.
gress Recognized New Government.

'NN~r~N'Ne- -
President Cleveland having been called to
hint thrown out in the senate discussion
on Friday that the visits of certain
committee of Royallsts from the Ha-
waiian Islands" were connected in some
way with the departure of the American
ships from that locality, the president said
last night TO a reporter:
"Of course such an insinuation is very
absurd. Its proprioty and the motive be-
hind IL, / am sure, can safely be left TO the
Judgment OF fair and right thinking
American people.
II am entirely willing that all our peo-
pie should know everything / know con-
cerning the visit OF the committee OF
Royalists.'
Last year, in the latter part of July or
early In August, three gentlemen from
Hawaii arrived here, and asked through
the secretary Of state my designation Of a
time when they could hsye an interview
with me and present message from the
deposed Hawaiian queen. Though i could
not with propriety recognize them ofii-
cially, was not disposed TO refuse them
personally the courtesy of an audience.
Therefore, future day and hour were
fixed for the interview.
''In the meantime, at my request, trans
mitted through the secretary Of state, these
gentlemen made known the
Precise Purpose of Their Visit
In the following note:
Aug. IL. 1894
The Hon. w. @. Gresham, Secretary of State.
SIR-We, the undersigned commissioners,
sent by her majesty, Queen Liliuokalani, re-
quest an auoi nee of the President of the
Ir.g. 20 aak his axCQllancy
whether there is any hope for his doing any
thing for the restoration OF the constitutional
government Of the Hawaiian Islands.
j. A. CUMMINGS.
III. A. WEIDEMAS.
SAMUEL PARKER.
"After this had been submitted to me,
prepared in writing, with some care, re-
ply TO the question IL contained, TO be read
by me 20 the commissioners ut our meet
ing / intended to avoid all misunder-
standing and misconception by absolutely
conflning self To such written reply, OF
which the following is copy:
GENTLEMEN-You must permit me to remind
you that this interview is not an official one,
and that instead of receiving you In repre-
sentative capacity meet you as individuals
who have travelled long distance for the pur-
pose of laying certain matter before me.
You ask me IL there Is any hope of my "doing
any thing for the restofa ion OF the constitu-
tional government OF the Hawaiian Islands"
Isuppose that this question Is largely prompted
by the fact that soon after the overturning OF
tho late governm mt of Queen Liliuokalani,
investigated that transaction and was satisfied
that there had been such an unjustifiable in
terference in aid OF that movement on the part
of the representatives of the government Of
the United States in its diplomatic and naval
service as to call for corr. ction, not only to
rectify what so mel to be awrong to others,
but also through that rectification TO ward OF
what al p cared to be
A Danger to American Honor.
Approaching the constitutional limitations
of my executive power and by no means un-
mindful of the hindrancos that might arise
undertook the task Having failed in my
plans, committed the entire subject to the
congress 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 re-
sponsibility in the matter, unless ioJved
thereto by congressional command. The con-
gress has, both by its action and its omission
to act, signihed that nothing need be done
touching American interference with the over
throw of the government Of the queen.
Quite lately n government has been estab-
lished in Hawaii, which Is in full force and
operation In all parts of the islands. 1t is
maintaining its authority and discharging all
ordinary governmental functions. Upon gen.
eral principles, and not losing sight of the
special circumstances surrounding this case.
the new government Is clearly entitled to our
recognition, without regard TO any of the incl
dents which accompanied or preceded its in.
auguration.
This recognition, and the attitude Of con-
gress concerning Hawaiian affairs, of course
lead TO an absolute denial of the least present or
future aid or encouragement ON my part TO an
effort to restore any government heretofore
existing in the Hawaiian Islands.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
''When the day appointed for the meet
ing arrived, was confined to my bed by
illness therefore signed the paper had
expected To read and IL was delivered to
the commissioners, who, believe, re-
turned at once to Hawaii. i never saw
any member of this commission or COM
mittee, nor have never had any communi-
cation or transaction with any of them,
directly or Indirectly, except as / have
a -a~.I ~