Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1894, With the Annual Message of the President, Transmitted to Congress, December 3, 1894

Mr. Willis to Mr. Gresham.

Legation of the United States,
Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, August 27, 1894.

No. 67.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the autograph letter of President Cleveland, recognizing the Republic of Hawaii, was delivered to President Dole at 11 o’clock this morning at the executive building in the presence of the members of his cabinet and Minister Thurston.

I inclose copies of the remarks submitted upon the occasion.

I am, etc.,

Albert S. Willis.

[Inclosnre No. 1 in No. 67.]

Remarks of Mr. Willis to President Dole.

Mr. President: The right of the people of the Hawaiian Islands to establish their own form of government has been formally acknowledged both by the executive and legislative departments of the United States.

It seemed proper, therefore, so far as I, the diplomatic agent, had the right to extend recognition to the “Republic of Hawaii,” it having been created under the forms of law and existing without effective opposition.

The action thus taken has, I am glad to state, been fully approved by the proper authorities at Washington. As the highest evidence of that fact I have received an autograph letter from the President of the United States addressed to you as the President of this Republic.

In delivering this letter as instructed, permit me to join in its friendly sentiments and to express the hope that through the Government now inaugurated, peace, prosperity, and happiness will be secured to all the people of these islands.

[Inclosure No. 2 in No. 67.]

Remarks of President Dole to Mr. Willis.

Mr. Minister: It is with sincere gratification that I have received the information that the President of the United States has confirmed the recognition so promptly extended by your excellency to the Republic of Hawaii.

Permit me on behalf of the Hawaiian people to reciprocate the friendly sentiments expressed by you toward this Government and to assure you of our desire that relations of comity and of commercial intercourse which shall be mutually advantageous, may ever exist between the two countries.