The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1897-01-07
MINISTER WILLIS.

in the diplomatic history OF this
country. Seldom indeed has the
circle Of foreign representatives
been broken by the hand Of the
Grim Reaper, but never have the
circumstances attending the ill
ness and death of public official
appealed more kecnly 10 the sym
pathies Of the citizens Of this
country. or brought ont more sin
cere expressions of honest. heart
felt sorrow.
Minister Willis came TO Homo
lulu at Il time when political feel
ing was at the highest tension,
and was the prominent figure in
the early dealings Of the Republic
of Hawaii with the Cleveland adj
ministratiOn. The task which he
had mapped out for him to per
form was at best an unpleasant
one. and one which must surely
subject him to the sharpest criti-
cism from the people to whose
government he was accredited. He
was the trusted agent of the Chief
Executive of the United States,
and undoubtedly came to the
country believing that it had fal-
len to his lot to undo grieyous
wrongs committed by his prede
cessor. The history of President
CIeveland's policy is we'll known,
and as an agent in influencing a
withdrawal from the original mo-
tives and accepting conditions as
they were we believe that Minis
ter Willis has never been given
the credit that is his due. That he
gave positive suggestions is not
known. but that he had it within
his power to pursue a far more
radical policy is admitted.
The situation in which Minister
Willis has been placed during his
three wears service at this post
was such as TO fax the ablest
diplomatic mind, and wear upon
the strongest constitution. Mr..
Willis undoubtedly felt himself
giving way under the nervous and
mental strain resulting from the
first wears of his residence here.
and sought hy few months va
cation at his old home TO recu-
perate sufficiently to carry him
through the remaining months of
his stay in Hawaii. His fatal mis-
take was in his attempt to remain
at his post of duty. He returned
ONLY TO fall a victim to a lingering
illness Immediately he resumed the
cares and hard work of his posi-
ton.
During the last two years when
political feeling has become a dis
turbing element IN our social life
the people of Hawaii had come to
know and appreciate the brilliant
personality of the American Minis
ter. Able in the administration of
diplomatic affairs, he possessed the
dignity, graceful oratory and the
attractive social culture of the typi-
cal Southern gentleman. As the
official representative of the great
American Republic he recognized
the responsibilities of his high call
ing, and was careful to a nicely
that every detail in his social rela-
tons with the community and his
associations with fellow members
of the diplomatic corps should be
in strict keeping with the high
rank of his office. Mr.. Willis, al
though not an active churchman,
was a thorough Christian, prompt
ed in all his dealings by the high
est motives, and his integrity and |
steadfast determination TO do his
duty a became a man of high |
moral character can never be |
brought into question. The charm
ING, elevating refinement Of his |
home, which many citizens here |
and many visiting Americans have |
been favored 70 know and enjoy, |
was typical Of the moral. political |