Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-03-13
WILLIS TO LEAVE HAWAII.
Comment at Honolulu ON the Minis
ter's Intention.

Comment at Honolulu ON the Minis
ter's Intention.
SAN FRANCISCO. March 13.-A special
from Honolulu to local paper says:
United States Minister Willis has an
nounced his Intention Of leaving Hawaii
April 10. This statement. made in the face
of the minister's recent denunciation Of
similar report, is construed and generally
believed to mean that he will not return.
Many people are of the opinion that the
American legation will be closed for the
remainder of President Cleveland's term,
In order to get even with the Dole regime
for Criticising the action of Minister Willis
In refusing to acknowledge the January
celebration. Mr.. Willis departure is looked
been persona non grata from the moment
of his arrival. There has been more or less
talk of the possibility of the Hawaiian gov
eminent giving Minister Willis his pass
ports, and it is fair to Surmise that Willis
is leaving to prevent such a contingency.
What is Said at the State Department
1t is said at the State Department that
there is no special significance in the home
coming of Minister Willis. He has been
at his post constantly for two years and
desires to come home to look after his
private business affairs. He made appli-
cation for leave of absence for that pur-
pcSe SOIHe tlHe ago, anu MS dppllCat1On
was granted. No one at the State De-
partment will discuss the question as to
Mr.. Willis personal relations with the
Hawaiian government or the prospect of
his return to that country further than to
say that there is no known reason why
he should not go back unless he prefers
to return to private life. The intimation
that the United States legation will be
Clevelands administration is not credited
in official circles. On the departure of
Minister Willis Consul General Mills will
undoubtedly be made charge daffaires.
and he can continue to act in that capacity,
in the event that Minister Willis does not
return to Honolulu. until his successor
shall have been appointed.
Mr.. Willis is probably no more persona
non grata' just at this particular time
than he has been ever since he asked Pres
ldent Dole to resign his Office at the head
OF the government, and replace the dis.
reputable queen on her opera bouffe throne
While his presence in Honolulu is hardly
agreeable to the government he tried to
destroy, at the bidding of President Cleye-
land, 1t is not considered likely that he will
be given his passports inasmuch as the
government has no desire to further strain
the relations with the United States
Ire statement that Minister Willis has
been granted leave of absence is confirmed
by the following special dispatch from
Honolulu:
United States Minister Willis and FAM
lily will leave April Is for the United States
Ii. munster VIII go nrSt TO w Washington,
anG from there to his old home in Louis
vile. With regard to the matter of his 6e-
parture Mr.. Willis said: I have been grant
ed sixty days leave of absence. This is
accorded to every American representative
OF the United States each year. Hereto
fore have been kept so busy that 1 have
been unable to avail myself of the fur
Tough. My departure from Honolulu has no
political significance whatever
When asked If circumstances might not
arise which would prevent his return, the
minister said: OF course such Is not i'm
possible. However, I expect to return in
two months. 1 am going for rest, which
feel l greatly need