He applied to me for passport, but the question of his citizenship being
a matter that is still pending before the Department, I told him to make
out a statement of the facts and I would forward it to the
Department.
A reference to my dispatch, No. 10, of February 12, 1895, and No. 12, of
February 26, 1895, and No. 13, of March 13, 1895, and the inclosures
will show the facts as to his situation in reference to his troubles at
Honolulu.
[Inclosure in No. 18.]
Mr. Cranstoun to
Mr. Peterson.
Vancouver, British Columbia, August 3, 1895.
Dear Sir: In connection with my suit
brought in the courts of British Columbia against the captain and
owners of the steamship Warrimoo for forcibly
bringing me away from Honolulu against my will on the 2d day of
February, 1895, at the time of the alleged revolution in the
Hawaiian Islands, the defense have had a commission appointed to
take testimony on their behalf at the city of Honolulu during the
present month. An application has been made at the courts, and is
now pending, for a postponement, on my behalf, of such commission,
on the grounds that the present Government of Hawaii had passed a
law on the 6th day of March, 1895 (thirty days after my forcible and
unlawful deportation), making it a criminal offense, punishable by
two years’ imprisonment or $5,000 fine, or both such fine and
imprisonment, for anyone to return to the Hawaiian Islands who had
been convicted of any offense by the court-martial, and who had
escaped or who had been deported by authority of the President,
without such person first obtaining permission from the minister of
foreign affairs to return.
From the names of some of the witnesses they propose to examine, I
know the attempt will be made to produce perjured testimony, and it
is absolutely necessary that I return to Honolulu in order to
protect my interests from the result of such testimony, and the
application for postponement of the commission is made for the
purpose of sending a request to the minister of foreign affairs at
Honolulu, by my coansel, for permission for my return to Honolulu in
order to attend the session of the commission and to obtain
testimony on my own behalf.
I now wish to ask, if in the event of such permission being granted,
will the United States, to whose Government I claim allegiance,
furnish me protection while in Honolulu and all necessary aid to
enable me to
[Page 863]
obtain
testimony on my own behalf. I ask this, knowing fully the
unscrupulous character of the men who are in control of the
Government of Honolulu, and am fully advised by affidavit that they
have offered men the paltry sum of $20 apiece and to be taken care
of to give false testimony against me. Men who will stoop to suborn
a witness will offer larger sums for the commission of greater
crimes. I feel that without the protection of the United States my
life and liberty will be endangered, yet I must be present to face
my accusers.
I am asking this protection in advance of knowing whether permission
will be granted me to return or not, for the purpose of avoiding
delay should the reply be favorable, and to have all necessary
documents ready to start for Honolulu as soon as possible
thereafter.
Will you kindly lay this matter before the Government of the United
States, my forcible deportation and the facts of my citizenship
being already in its hands for action thereon by affidavits taken
before you.
I take this opportunity to lay before the Government you have the
honor to represent, both on behalf of the other two gentlemen who
were deported at the same time and myself, the rare kindliness of
heart and sympathy shown us by you on our arrival, friendless and
alone, at Vancouver, and to thank you with all our hearts for the
many kindnesses shown us. Words can not convey our feelings of
gratitude.
I am, etc.,
