Mr. Willis to
Mr. Gresham.
No. 5.]
Legation of the United States,
Honolulu, November 18, 1893.
Sir: In the forenoon of last Wednesday,
November 15, Hon. S. M. Damon, Minister of Finance, notified me in
person that there were rumors of an attack that night or the ensuing
night upon the Government building, in consequence of which the
regular guard would be increased and one of the volunteer companies
would be ordered under arms for the night. On the royalist side
apprehensions for the safety of the Queen were expressed. The next
day was King Kalakaua’s birthday, an event which generally attracts
a large crowd here, and is celebrated with various festivities. A
concert in honor of the occasion was advertised under the auspices
of the native Hawaiians.
In view of these facts, I thought it proper in an informal way to
make public the fact that there would be no decisive action taken by
our Government for three or four weeks, or until I heard from
Washington. I also thought it proper, with the private knowledge and
consent of all factions, to say that mob violence would not be
allowed during this interval.
The effect of these announcements was to reassure the people and to
stop active military preparations. Many representatives of foreign
governments and prominent citizens, officially representing both
parties, have called to express their gratification at the
result.
The excitement has been continuous for so long that the slightest
circumstances are magnified, and rumors fill the air, both night and
day.
It is impossible to exaggerate the unhappy condition of this people,
nor can I, in words, picture their pathetic surroundings. Almost
every movement is under espionage, the most meaningless expression
is
[Page 436]
given an important
significance, and speeches are quoted which were never delivered or
thought of. In my dispatch No. 4, of November 11, I referred to the
visit of a committee from the American League, to whose address I
made a brief formal response, not having even the remotest bearing
upon the question pending here. In yesterday’s Star, a paper whose
life began with the so-called revolution, was my alleged reply,
which I inclose to you. This is a fair sample of the prevailing
spirit of misrepresentation. I inclose, also, an extract from the
Pacific Commercial Advertiser, also an annexation organ, upon the
same subject.
I send this by a sailing vessel which leaves to-day. The next steamer
leaves here December 9. The next steamer arriving from San
Francisco, the Monowai, due December 23.
With high regard, I am, etc.,
newspaper
clippings.
[Hawaiian Star, November 17, 1893.]
willis for the flag—his reply
to the american league—he will do nothing here to conflict
with his ardent american principles.
The Star has obtained with much difficulty a complete and
authentic report of the remarks made by Minister Willis to a
delegation of the American League which presented him with a
memorial some days ago. After a few words of welcome to his
visiting countrymen, he said:
“Gentlemen: I am an ardent American. I
would like to see the stars and stripes waving, under proper
conditions, not only over the Pacific islands, but over any
other territory which would be beneficial to the United States.
I have my instructions, which I can not divulge. You will
understand this. But this much I can say, that the policy of the
United States is already formulated regarding these islands, and
that nothing which can be said or done either here or there can
avail anything now. I do not come here as did Mr. Blount. I come
here as an executive officer. I come to act. When the proper
time arrives I shall act. I am sorry that I can not tell you
when or how. I wish you to understand that, knowing the policy
of the United States, I could not have accepted the position of
an executive officer had it been in conflict with the principles
I hold. While performing my duties in carrying out the United
States policy I shall have no need of aid from you or other
resident Americans. I wish to state positively that any outside
interference will not be tolerated by the United States.”
[The Daily Pacific Commercial Advertiser,
Saturday, November 18, 1893.]
- Be just and fear not;
- Let all the ends thou aim’st at be
- Thy country’s, thy God’s, and truth’s.
A reporter who willfully and purposely falsifies the language of
a diplomatic representative, as was done by the Star reporter,
on Thursday last, in an interview with Minister Willis, as shown
by his published statements, deserves to be branded as unworthy
of public credence. Minister Willis may be thus compelled in
future, for self-protection, to follow Mr. Blount’s example and
refuse all press interviews.
This paper is now, as it always has been, since the day when the
monarchy was forever banished from Hawaii, the firm and
unflinching advocate of annexation to the United States, without
any compromise in any shape or form whatever. Nor can one word
be produced to show a contrary determination. To this paper more
than to any other is due the credit of firmly standing by and
defending the Provisional Government and the cause it
represents. It yields to no other paper a firmer allegianeo to
the principles which the Government and its supporters
represent.
