The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1908-01-05

, Motto du Pont received the money. but
his worry was increased when the sec
ond ship to arrive from the United
States did not bring the promised ship
u1ent He continued his purchases,
storing the supply of saltpeter in
great warehouse in readiness to ship.
On the third steamer the gold ar
rived from America, and, just as he
saw his mission about complete, the
London Times came out opposing the
shipment. So vigorous was the opposi-
ton that La Motto du Pont chartered
ship and quickly recruited a crew.
Many of the men he secured were from
vessels captured by the Confederate war
ship Alabama. AS the last of the car
go was being taken aboard, preparatory
to leaving at high tide at ) o'clock on
the following morning. a customs Of
f1cer reached the wharf with orders
to stop the shipment. Young du Pont
demanded to know his authority,
agreeing to accompany him to the Gus
tom house to secure his information.
Before leaving his ship he stepped in
to the cabin and whispered to the cap
tain: Load every pound of saltpeter
as quickly as possible, and be ready
to sail at a moments notice" The
captain nodded and La Motto 1u Pont
pro, aeded with the customs officer. On
the way du Poat suggested that they
have lunch together before going to
see the officers superior, and the
Britisher heartily approved the idea.
They lunched, and as every minute OF
delay meant so much more saltpeter
aboard the ship, the repast was
stretched out by interesting stories and
the recounting of old experiences.
When finally they arrived at the GUS
tom house all the saltpeter had been
placed aboard the vessel. Young du
Pont was told that the order to stop
shipment came from Lord Palmerston,
the British premier. Despite this. the
direction 70 the captain, as soon as
the American returned to the ship,
was: I'VE will sail at 1 tomorrow
morning, order or no order. I will be
here at precisely that hour.9
He arranged with the wharfmaster
to open the locks. and retired. Before
dawn the next morning the wharf
masters men manned the capstan, and
We're opening the locks when a file of
British soldiers approached. The men
We're ordered to reverse their direc-
ton, and the partly opened locks We're
closed. That ended all chance of get
ting the ship out of port, and La
Motto du Pont took the first steamer
for New York. Going direct to Wash
ingtcn, he reported to Secretary
Seward. who gave him two letters, one
to Lord Palmerston and the other to
Minister Adams at the court of St.
James. The first set forth in short
sentences that if permission to ship
the saltpeter was not given immedi-
ately, it would be considered as a dec
laration of war. The other letter di-
rected Minister Adams to return to
Washington at once if the shipment
was not permitted.
La Motto du Pont reached England
by the next steamer, and on his ar
rival in London conferred with Min
lister Adams, later calling upon Lord
Palmerston for permission to ship the
saltpeter. Lord Palmerston is en-
gagged said the fIunky, and du Pont
called at later time Receiving the
same reply. he called third and then
a fourth time, but Lord Palmerston
still was engaged. Inquiring whether
the premier was in and receiving the
answer that he was. La Motto du Pont
approached the door of his office. The
attendant sprang upon him. attempt
ing to choke him, but the American
threw his weight upon him and the
attendant lost his balance and reeled.
Freed for the moment du Pont walk
ed quickly into Lord Palmerston's Of
fee and laid his card upon the desk
in front of the premier. His lordship
appeared confused, but said hurriedly,
II am glad to see you, Mr.. du Point
st wish permission TO ship the salt
peter said the American. This is
an important natter was the reply.
II can not decide without a confer
ence." 1t then was agreed that du
Pont should call at o'clock that af-
ternoon for the decision of the confer
enee. When he called he was told that
permission would not be granted.
Lord Palmerston,' said du Pont. II
am under orders from my govern
ment; Mr.. Adams and I leave this
evening for Liverpool to catch tomor-
rows steamer Turning, he abruptly
left the room.
That evening, shortly after o'clock,
| as La Motto du Pont SAT- at dinner in
/ Norley's hotel the landlord hustled in
and announced exeitedly that Lord
Palmerston was at the door and that
! he wished 10 see Mr.. du Pont. ASK
Lord PaImerston in" was the reply.
Il have nearly finished my dinner and
I win be with him in a few minutes"
The landlord returned a moment
later. displaying greater excitement,
and saying that Lord Palmerston
would remain in his carriage. His
f; dinner finished, du Pont went to the
i carriage and was greeted with the an
/ nouneement, Mr. du Pont. we have
| concluded to permit the shipment of
=. the saItpeter.'' Have you an order?''
; he asked.
/ NO" replied Lord Palmerston.
you can get that tomorrow s'Ail
/ arrangements. said du Point, have
4 been made for Us to ra this evening