HAWAIIAN   ISLANDS.	         413 
Mr. Stevens to Mr. Gresham.
No. 89.]	UNITED STATES LEGATION,
Honolulu, March 7, 1893.
SIR: Believing it to be proper and just for the administration of 
President Cleveland to have the appointment of a United States min- 
ister abroad who fully represents its views as to foreign policy, I hereby 
tender my resignation as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipo- 
tentiary in Honolulu. It is not improper for me to say that I should 
have ottered my resignation about this date had President Harrison 
been reflected, it having been my firm resolution when I came here in 
1889 not to remain longer than four years at most. I am aware that 
the present Hawaiian Government and most of the Americans and 
friends of the United States in these islands have a strong desire that 
I should continue to hold my official position here at present, owing to 
my thorough acquaintance with Hawaiian affairs.
But if annexation is near being accomplished, I think by the 1st of 
May I can leave here without detriment to public interests, and that 
whatever further duties may be required of a diplomatic official can be 
safely intrusted to Hon. H. W. Severance, the present consul-general. 
He is well informed as to the history of recent political events here. 
In addition to his four years of consular service in Honolulu he had 
had in former years an extensive acquaintance with these islands. He 
is a gentleman of correct life and has the confidence of the best men 
here, being about 64 years of age. As neither a United States minister 
nor consul is likely to be needed here long, I would advise that Mr. 
Severance be continued in office so long as his official services may be 
necessary.
If annexation is not at present to become an accomplished fact, and 
a minister should be needed here, you will allow the suggestion that he 
should be a superior man of tact, firmness, integrity, and correct life, 
and American to the core. To avoid risks I would advise he be not a 
Californian politician of any party, for owing to contiguity and near 
commercial association a Californian might not be entirely unbiased on 
some questions and interests. 
I am, etc.,
JOHN L. STEVENS.
Mr. Stevens to Mr. Gresham.
No. 90.]	UNITED STATUS LEGATION,
Honolulu, March 7, 1893.
SIR: The political situation here at this time is much the same as it 
was at the dates of my two preceding dispatches. There is general quiet 
throughout the islands and the Provisional Government is getting 
along exceedingly well, all circumstances considered. It is giving sat- 
isfaction to all the better and more responsible citizens. Of course, all 
are awaiting with deep anxiety the result of the action of the Senate 
on the annexation treaty. Mr. Wodehouse, the British minister, is 
trying to embarass it in several particulars, especially its freedom of 
action in respect to its negotiations with the United States. He has 
tried to induce it to request the return to their ship of the marines and 
sailors of the Boston, about 120 in all. He is assuming to urge that the

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