The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1896-08-07
Returns After Sixty Day Va
cation Spent Abroad.
VIEWS ON POLITICAL AFFAIRS.
President Cleveland Endorsed His
Actions Internationally to This
communicated for the Best.
Annexation Was Not Mentioned.

Albert S. Willis, United States Min
lister to these Islands, accompanied by
his wife and son and Miss Dulaney, his
wife's sister, arrived on the China yes
terday and are domiciled at the Ha-
waiian Hotel. While showing the eff
fects of his severe illness in San Fran
cisco, Minister Willis stated that he
really felt better than he had for some
time. Since leaving Louisville he has
taken on flesh and is gradually recover
ing the avoirdupois he lost through his
illness while away. Mrs. Willis and
their son are in excellent health and
are evidently glad to get back to Homo
lulu
Asked about the political situation
in the United States, Mr.. Willis said:
AS Minister you must know that l
represent all parties and it would not
be proper for me to express any views
on the coming election"
Then let us talk in an undertone
Mr.. Willis, so that the United States
Minister to Hawaii will not overhear
us and you, as an advocate of the prin-
ciples of the democracy in the United
States, can tell the people here just
what you think the result would be.
1T would be difficult, almost useless
for me to prophecy. l will say, how
ever, that the situation is something to
marvel at. There has been such an
upheaval and change of sentiment that
one can compare it only to the cru
sades. l have no doubt if the election
n talyn Mo hnr
would be elected, but with several
months campaigning one can hardly
tell what changes may take place"
will it be clean or muddy fight be-
tween opposing factions?'
Clean, absolutely clean Major Nc
Kinley's record is one upon which
there is not single unclean spot; l
served with him two terms in Congress
and he never did an act in private or
public life that he can be ashamed Of
MIR. Bryan is of course younger man
and with less experience as a public
man. l am but slightly acquainted
with him, and as far as know his pri-
vate life has been a clean one
Do you believe that the nomination
of Mr. Bryan by the Populists will have
tendency to cause a split in that
party?"
Hardly split, but it may put it out
of existence in some sections of the
country. In the South, for instance,
where the Populists, since the organic
alton of the party have fought the
Democrats there may be a difference,
but | doubt if it will be noticeable to
any extent. In the West 1 have no
doubt there will be harmony"
What of Kentucky?"
Louisville, my home, being largely a
mercantile city is rather strong for
gold, but the state is overwhelmingly
for silver and Will support Bryan. But
as l have said the situation is such that
nothing would surprise me-"
DO you think the Democrats can
count on solid South?"
Il have no doubt OF it as it stands
now. The West is solidly Democratic
even in States which have formerly
gone Republican. California is doubt
full. yet when one considers the local
issues it seems as though there can be |
little doubt as to the result The fight
against Huntington and the Southern
Pacific strengthens the chances of the |
party there
Referring to a solid South, Mr.. !
Willis, you do not think Louisiana will
go Democratic after the protection of |
the sugar interests plank was inserted |
in the platform"
oh yesi The people there are not |
strong McKinleyites because the plan
tiers down there have not forgotten the |
effect of the bounty clause in the Nc
Kinley bill. That, you will remember,
brought them into competition with the
planters here. My belief is that while |
Louisiana is counted as a Republican |
State in this instance the majority will
be exceedingly small if there is any.
But let me repeat: / will not be sur
prised at anything when election day IS |
over. The excitement is intense and |
people just now have their minds made
up; it is impossible to get them out to
they will not listen to reason
Or arguments; their faith is strong. l
that tickets are planned to
throw over Congressman for electors.
So far as the two Presidential
are concerned it really
to nothing. While an elector
IS expected to vote according to the
wishes of his constituents it is not OBJ
igatory and he may vote as he pleases
n the electoral college. 1t is probable
he electors will unite on one man and
vote for him."
Referring TO his trip abroad Mr..
Willis said he spent some days in Chi
ago on his way East and then went to
to call at the State Depart
nent before going to Louisville After
leaving his family at their Kentucky
home he returned to Washington and
;alled at the White House to arrange
or meeting with President Cleveland
Il was surprised" said Mr.. Willis,
to have Mr.. Thurber. the private sec
'etary, tell me that the President would
zee me then. l found him busily en-
gagged writing his veto message to the
River and Harbor bill He inquired !
lnxiously regarding physical conditions
iere as well as of other matters, and ,
When he had the required information ,
lie remarked that my position had been ,
! peculiar one situated as | was in q
country where there were no cable !
communications and where conse-
Iuently could not have advice from the