Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-19
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

HAWAII's STORY. By iHawaii's Queen. Li,iuo-
kalan illustrated. Boston: Lee & Shepard.
Washington: William Ballantyne & Sons
It is practically impossible to consider a
book of this kind from a strictly literary
point of view in view of its character as a
political enterprise. Mrs. Dominis' book is
10 more nor less than. her version OF her
overthrow by the people of Hawaii and 1t
must be accepted as such, with all its
statements considered in the light of the
fact that they are addressed only too plain
ly to the consolation of those public
thorities who LEV have in charge the des-
TIMES OF the island republic.
The book is well written, and if it could
be judged solely on its own merits, without
regard TO its political significance and the
prejudices of its author it would be en-
titled to classification as a fairly entertain
ing volume of personal "reminiscences.
Waved political document the most
important part OF the book is that which
relates to the interviews between former
Minister Willis and Mrs. Dominis, in re-
gard to the proposed restoration of the lat
ter through the good offices of President
Cleveland. 1t is to be remembered that it
was publicly charged, when Mr. Willis
mission and its results became known in
this country, that The former queen had
insisted upon the death Of those who We're
instrumental in causing her overthrow Ave
years ago. On this point it would be well,
perhaps, to quote from the book. Mrs.
Don:inis tells of the arrival of Mr.. Willis
November t, 1893, and of his early sum-
moning of her 10 his presence. After de-
scribing the excited condition of the city
and of the watch that had been set upon
her by the members of the new govern
ment, she proceeds follows:
On entering the house of Mr.. Willis,
Mr.. Mills (his secretary directed me into
M h Nt.1.rts no
eX-quecnS chamberlain) entered the oppo-
site room. Japanese screen divided the
apartments. j was seated on the sofa
when Mr.. Willis, entering took a chair and
sat down just in front of me near the
screen. He Informed me that he was the
bearer of the kindest greetings from Presi-
Gent Cleveland. and that the President
would do all in his power to undo the
wrons which had been done. He then
asked me if l would consent to sign a
proclamation of general amnesty, stating
that would grant complete protection and
pardon to those who had overthrow my
government. l told MIN that l would con-
suit my ministers on the matter. | well
knew, and it has been concusively shown
in this history, that my actions could not
&c binding or in any way recognized I'M
less supported by the ministers in cabinet
meeting. This was according to law and
according tc the constitution these very
persons rad forced upon the nation. Per-
haps Mr. Willis thought that all he had to
dc was to propose, and that then my place
was TO acqulesce. But he asked again for
my judgment of the matter as it stood and
seemed determined to obtain an expression
OF opinion from me- 1 told him that as to
granting amnesty it was beyond my pow
efs as a cons ti!utionali sovereign. That it
was matter for the priVyycouIcil and for
the cabinet. But our lawsoread that those
VINO are guilty Of treason should suffer the
peCalty of DEATH y.ta
He then wished to knowiif would carry
out that law. l said would be more in
cined personally to punish them by Danish
ment and contiscation of their property to
the government. He Inquired again If such
was my decision. l regarded the interview
as an informal conversation between two
persons as to the best thing for the future
OF my country, but repeated to him my
wlsh 10 consult my ministers before decid
ing on any definite aetiQn. This terminated
the consultation, excepting that Mr.. Willis
specially requested mt, not to mention any
thing concerning the matter to any person
whomsoever and assured, me he would
scented.
He did &C. 1t was long month before
ne could receive any reply; but when 1t
came he communicated the fact to me and
asked for another interview at his house
So at the stated hour we all met
rms time Mr.. Willis had present as his
stenoerapher Mr.. Ellis c. Mills, afterward
American consul general at Honolulu. He
| first read to me what he said were some
notes OF our former interview. From whence
did these come? By Mr.. Willis own propo-
satlon we were to be entirely alone during
that interview, and to all appearance we
were so. Was there stenographer behind
that Japanese screen? Whatever the paper
was, Mr. Willis finished the reading of it
ana asked me II 1t was correct. replied
YES
Doubtless had I held the document in
my hand and had been permitted to read
ana examine it-for the eye perceives words
thal ran unhecded on the earl should then
have noticed that there was a clause which
declared that was to have my opponents
beheaded. That is a form Of punishment
| Islands, either before or since the coming Of