The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1895-03-23
MINISTER THURsToN IN HOT WATER
Friction Between Hawaii's Representa-
tive and Secretary Gresham

Friction Between Hawaii's Represents
tive and Secretary Gresham
Washington, March LIT was re-
ported here this afternoon that Secre-
tary Gresham had demanded the recall
of Hawaiian Minister Thurston on the
ground that hc was persona non grata.
When Secretary Gresham's attention
was called to it, he refused to say any
thing in confirmation or denial. 1t is
known, however, that there has been
much friction between the minister and
the state department on transactions
dating back to Thurston's appointment.
Probably because he was aware of the
state of feeling toward him, the min
lister has always been guarded in his ut
terances. AS far as can be recalled
now, every effort has been made to dis
guise the real state of affairs. The min
lister has been scrupulously included in
all state functions in which the diplo-
matte corps plays part and on at least
one occasion he has been rendered
special dinner by Secretary Gresham,
but it is known that there has been
stormy interviews between them. Min
lister Thurston positively declined to
discuss the report. He said it was of
such a character that he would MAIN
tain silence. He did not want this taken
as an intimation of affirmation or de-
NAL. He was asked specifically if he
had been recalled and declined to an
swer. He was also asked as to the clos
ing of the state department against him
and made no response. 1t is recalled
now that Thurston has not been at the
department in person recently although
Hastings, bis secretary, has been fire.
quent visitor, though on no diplomatic
errands so far as can be ascertained.
While IT Is doubtful If Gresham has
gone nj far ~ 10 demand the minister's
recall, It Il believed probable that ne at
least allowed come hint to reach the
Hawaiian government through our min
lister. At any rate the Hawaiian news
papers up to March 5, which reached
Washington today, make no mention of
the reported rupture in any shape, and
while it is true that the Hawaiian gov
eminent may have observed secrecy,
still it would be in duty bound to make
public an event of such Importance as
the recall Of it's principal minister.
RUMOR OF HIS RECALL.
Chicago, March ia special to the
Daily News from Washington says:
Secretary Gresham has demanded the
recall of L. A. Thurston, Hawaiian min
lister at Washington. At the same time
the doors of the state department have
been closed against the representative
of the new republic and he has been
told he must communicate in writing with
the secretary. Gresham requested
Minister Willis to formally communi-
/ cate to the Hawaiian minister of for
! eign affairs the fact that Minister
| Thurston was persona non grata. The
communication was sent by mail, and
news regarding its reception may now
| be on the American steamer on the way
to San Francisco.
Gossips are busy with rumor late this
afternoon that the Spanish minister's
recall will be demanded. His offense is
alleged to be similar to Thurstons 5, who
gave an interview to the newspapers a
few days ago criticising Secretary
! Gresham
A New York newspaper Of February
Is contained a Washington dispatch.
stating that Minister Thurston had re-
ceived official advices of the sentence
! passed upon alleged conspirators in the
late instruction. The names and other
important data were given. Two days
later Secretary Gresham sent for Min
lister Thurston. He took Thurston into
a private room, and in a white rage, ac-
cused him Of giving official information
to an American newspaper before com
municating it to the department. Sec
rotary Gresham says the Hawaiian min
lister admitted that his act had been
"undiplomatic" The entry of the oc-
currence on the state departments rec
ords states such fact, and it is import
ant, as the records will form an oficia
history of the occurrence.
Minister Thurston today declined tc
say whether he admitted it was undip
lomatic IT was a remarkable admis
sion for him to make, if he made it, un
der the spell Of Secretary Gresham
sweat box. Old diplomats say such ar
admission from a diplomat would for
ever disqualify him for future service il
his chosen field, and cover him witt
everlasting disgrace. The records Of
the state department show that the Ia
waiian minister admitted that he haC
been guilty of an undiplomatic act. bu
declined to comply with Secretary
Gresham's request to put the fact il
writing.