The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1896-11-03
CABLE OR WHAT?
EX-SGCrGtaTy John v. Foster is
Here on Business.
NOT READY YET FOR PUBLIC EARS
He Will Not Visit Ce1es-
tia1 Friends.
Not READY YET FOR PUBLIC EARS
Talks on Political Situation - Be-
IieVes M'KinIey's Election Means
Annexation of Hawaii.

II eX-Secretdry OF State for the
United States John w. Foster does
nothing else during the balance of his
career, his name will be writ in his
tory as the first man to draw up
treaty Of annexation between the
United States and Hawaii.
Mr.. Foster and wife were passengers
on the Peru to this port yesterday, and
they are domiciled at the Hawaiian
Hotel, having declined for several rea-
sons, to be the guests of any private
gentlemen who had extended invita-
tons to them.
The distinguished visitor has served
the United States as an officer in the
Northern army during the war; as
diplomatic representative to Mexico,
Russia and Spain, and as Secretary
of State in President Harrison's Cabi-
net after the death of James G.. Blaine.
Two years ago he was selected by the
Chinese Government to negotiate
treaty of peace with Japan, another
honor, which anyone but man of Mr..
Fosters temperament would consider
almost too much for one mortal to bear
without having occasion to puff him
self up.
Mr.. Foster was seen by a reporter
for the Advertiser yesterday, and ques-
toned regarding his mission to the
Islands.
81 have no mission" promptly an
swered the ex-Secretary, because [ do
not belong to the present administra-
ton, and l am quite sure the Govern
ment would not make me any PROPOSE
ton. [ mean the Hawaiian Gov
eminent. l merely wanted to come
here and look over the country
''And you will remain until the next
steamer for China and JAPAN was
asked.
81 am not going to the Orient. I had
all 1 wanted of that country when L
was there two years ago"
'tBut the San Francisco papers state
that you are to visit China at the ur-
gent request of the Chinese Govern
ment.'
Il know, but the statement was not
upon any authority from me. [ was
once in the newspaper business my
self, but I tried, generally, to get such
things authentic. When [ was in the
East last time l wanted to return
home this way, but the steamers were
not running so that we could arrange
the trip to suit us. This time the OPP
portunity was ripe, and we came down
to remain until the steamer returns,
about three weeks hence
Then your visit has no political sig
nificance?'
None whatever AS 1 have already
stated, I am not in the Government at
this time. The administration and l
are friendly, of course, but I am not
consulted by it in any matters. l be-
lieve the Government here was notified
of my intention to visit the Islands,
but not by me. l presume, some one
heard of it and wrote down."
Have you anything to say regard
ing the cable question? Perhaps
your visit has some connection with
that, most important matter?"
mo, sir, I do not think [ care to
say anything about it. I was asked to
speak to Mr.. Thurston on matters per-
tanning to Mr.. Spalding's scheme. Mr..
Thurston is here now, and we we're
just talking it over, when you came
in"
May I ask if, in your opinion, there
is possibility or probability of a line
being built from the United States to
Hawaii in the near future?'
ION that subject said Mr.. Foster,
my opinion would not be worth any
thing. What l know gather from the
newspaper reports.
But are you not Mr.. Spalding's at
torney in the United States?''
Il cannot say that l am. 1 have new
er seen him, though, of course,
know OF him.
CAS- we know it here Mr. Foster,
the plan proposed by Mr.. Spalding
failed for the reason that other persons
proposed plans and Congress did not
know which company to support.
ut was rather that other parties
presented themselves and partly con-
WINGED the committee that they could
build line better than Mr.. Spalding,
but the difficulty was that they had no
concession from the Hawaiian Govern
men. Mr.. Spalding had, and your peo-