The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1899-12-29

this hint from Stevens was received
there we're present among others S.
b. Dole and A. S. Hartwell, Mr..
Dole being at the time one OF the
Associate Justices OF the Supreme
Court. He (Dole) was not yet pre-
pared to take part in the movement,
but fell in line the day following.
SECURING AN EXCUSE
The next act in the drama was
most naturally an awkward attempt.
to forearm Stevens with the neces
sary excuse for protecting the lives
and property Of Americans" and the
following was constructed and duly
placed in the hand of the Minister:
\"HoNoLULu, Jan. 16, 1898
"To His Excellency, John L.
Stevens, American Minister Resident
Sir: We, the undersigned, citizens
and residents OF Honolulu, respect
fully represent that in view of recent
public events in this kingdom, cul-
minatiug iu the revolutionary acts Of
Queen Liliuokslani on Saturday last.
the public safety is mensced and life
and property are in peril, and we
appeal to you and the United States
forces at your command for assist
ance. The Queen, with the aid OF
armed force and accompanied by
threats OF violence and bloodshed
from those with whom she was act
ing, attempted to proclaim a new
constitution, and while prevented
for the time from accomplishing her
object, declared publicly that she
would only defer her action. This
action and conduct was upon an
occasion and under circumstances
which have created general alarm
and terror. We are unable to pro-
tect ourselves without aid, and there
fore pray for the protection of the
United States forces"
(Signed by Il. E. Cooper and II
others).
At 5 p. m. force of 1872 officers
and men, having one gatling gun
and one 37-millimeter revolving gun,
and eighty rounds Of ammunition,
were landed from the Boston They
we're quartered in Arion Hall, stu
ated upon street ending directly
opposite the gates OF the palace, and
leading to them, in range aud with
in less than 100 yards OF the palace.
While thus engaged in mencing the
Queen, it would have been impossi-
BILE for these troops to have render
ed the slightest assistance had any
American life or property been in
peril. While their guns we're train
ed on the palace, ITO protect Ame-
rican life and property" band CON
cert was in progress in front OF the
Hawaiian Hotel, the principal home
OF Americans.
For purposes other than assuring
the Queen OF the friendly nature Of
the landing OF the troops, they we're
drilled directly in front of the
palace; the accompanying illustra-
tion OF Captain Wiltse, commander
OF the Boston, reviewing his men,
with Dole at his side, needs little
comment. He was there. aud it was,
under all the circumstances, signific-
ant; it proves in part the relations
OF the men; and this is one bit of
evidence that is most conclusive.
The following day, January II,
there was a meeting OF the Queens
Cabinet to confer. with the diploma
tic corps. Mr. Stevens declined to
attend, but the representatives OF
Great Britain, France, Portugual
and Japan met with the Cabinet.
subsequently the Queen wrote to
Mr.. Stevens; 1t is my de-
sire to give to your excellency, as
the diplomatic representative Of the
United States OF America at my