The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1917-11-15

determination to abolish restrictions
on the power of the crown. Her first
move was to appoint a new cabinet
with the members of which she made
the condition that she should contend
all appointments. Immediate dissat
iSfaction on the part of the white res
ldents was caused by the manner in
which this power was used.
One thing that led directly to the
downfall of the monarchy, was the
passage of an act granting a fran
chlse to establish lottery, and of
another act licensing the sale of
opium. Later the queen caused to be
drawn up new constitution, in Sc
cret, striking at the rights of the nom
Hawaiian residents of the Islands. By
this document some of the principal
checks upon the power of the crown
were to be removed, the existing
guarantees of the independence of the
supreme court were to be eliminated
and only native Hawaiian subjects
were to be allowed to vote.
The queen had made preparation
10 proclaim the new constitution Jan
uary Ia, 1898, Immediately after the
legislature had been prorogued. The
government troops had been drawn up
and a large crowd of those who SYM
pathized with the queen were assem-
bled when, at the last moment, the
CABINET refused to sign the document
and appealed to leading citizens for
advice and support. After a long and
exciting argument, Liliuokalani par
TALLY yielded. From the BALCONY of
tie palace she addressed the people.
denounced the cabinet and said that.
with deep regret, she had been
ophged to postpone for the present
the proclamation of the new constitu-
tion.
The queens bold attempt to de-
prlVe the white residents of any voice
IN the affairs of government led to
prompt retaliatory measures.
The business men of the commun-
lty named "Committee of Safety"
which proceeded Immediately with the
formation of a provisional govern
ment and the reorganization of the
volunteer military companies which
had been disbanded in 1890.
The committee of safety called y
mass meeting for the afternoon of
January 16. This meeting. disrepard-
ing statement by the queen that
thenceforth changes in the constitu-
ton would be sought "only by meth
DDS provided in the constitution it.
SELF ratified the action of the COM
mlttee and authorized it to take all
necessary steps to carry it's objects
into effect.
The United States cruiser Boston
was IN the harbor, having arrived two
days before. At the request of United
states Minister j. l.. Stevens. this
vessel landed force of marines IN
the evening of the 10th, avowedly to
protect the lives of American citizens
ana to guard their property in case Of
rloting or incendiarism.
Inc next day, January II. the or
ganlZatlon of the Provisional govern
menu was completed, with Sanford r
Doie at Its head as president of the
executive council and minister of for
elgn affairs. An advisory council of
Ia members was also appointed. That
same afternoon the two councils took
-. L
possession of the government build
ing, and TIP reign of Diliuokalani wac
at an end.
Two daY after her detbronono,.
iVe coinmisloners Of the Provisional
government, armed with authority to
neeo'ia'e featy Of union with the
ohi'eu otatel sailed from Honolulu
/, They were followed IN +ho .1.
steamer by eHssaries of the queen to
protest againt the interference ~
United Statesl VI
. The commissioners Of tho do foo.o
government VFe favorably received
by President harrison and troat..
VI aniieNaCion 1raWn up, and finally
ra''ieu. but oe OF the first acts of
ie'iueh1 CleVAnd was to withdraw
it and to despash Colonel H. Bloun-
as his special chmissioner r. ;nuaa
tigate the situa&n.
4; Meanwhile, thu United States fon
had been raised N Minister stouo
"ho hao' at the fquest of the Pro-
visional governr spt, proclaimed a
nroUia ainnal