Home: The Annexation Of Hawaii: A Collection Of Document
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300 HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. population tends to complicate the political situation, and the most intelligent and thoughtful citizens are anxious about the immediate future. The past of these islands, since 1835, has shown the usefulness of American naval vessels in the harbor of Honolulu. The revolutionary outbreak of July 30 strongly illustrated this. It is the opinion of the best-informed American residents here that one or more of our naval vessels should be constantly at Honolulu, at least until after the Feb- ruary election and the result of it has been fully tested, and with this view I fully agree, after mature investigation and deliberation. I think the probabilities are against any serious outbreak and that the crisis will be passed safely, but there are possibilities of riot and loss of life, unless prevented by a naval force in the harbor, of which the agitator and the unruly of the natives and of the foreign nationalities have salutary fear. I presume the necessary instructions have already been given to our naval commanders in the Pacific, and so far as I have observed, Admiral Kimberly is alive to any contingency of danger and duty. None the less do I regard it my duty to report the facts to the Secretary of State, and to urge strongly that there be no possible failure of the retention here of one or more of our vessels of war, with the usual instruction to the officers in command as to an emergency of need. I have, etc., JOHN L. STEVENS. Mr. Adee to Mr. Stevens. [Confidential.] No. 11.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, November 16, 1889. SIR : I herewith inclose for your confidential information a copy of the instructions addressed by the Secretary of the Navy (and received with his letter of the 13th instant) to the commanding officer of the United States naval force on the Pacific station, relative to the reten- tion of a sufficient number of vessels of his fleet in Hawaiian waters during the approaching February elections for the prompt protection of American interests, should occasion arise. I am, etc., ALVEY A. ADEE, Acting Secretary. [Inclosure No. 11.] Mr. Tracy to Mr. Blaine. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, November 13, 1889. SIR: Referring to your letter of the 6th instant concurring in the opinion of Rear- Admiral Kimberly that security to our citizens there would be promoted if at the February elections the United States had a force in Hawaiian waters competent to preserve order, should necessity arise. The Department incloses herewith for your information a copy of its instructions issued this day to that officer for his guidance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. TRACY, Secretary of the Navy.