Mr. Blaine to Mr. Stevens.

No. 8.]

Sir: I transmit for your confidential information a copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, and its inclosure, relating to the political situation in Hawaii; also, a copy of the reply of this Department.

I am, etc.,

James G. Blaine.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 8.]

Mr. Tracy to Mr. Blaine.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for the information of the Department of State, a copy of a report dated the 18th instant, from Rear-Admiral L. A. Kimberly, commanding the United States naval force on the Pacific station, with reference to the political situation in-the Hawaiian Islands.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. Tracy,
Secretary of the Navy.

The Secretary of State.

[Page 299]
[Inclosure in Inclosure 1 in No. 8.]

Rear-Admiral Kimberly to Mr. Tracy.

No. 165.]

Sir: I have to report that, politically speaking, quietness prevails at present. There is an agitation quietly working as to the race question, which no doubt will become a prominent factor in the elections that come off in February.

The natives seem to have an uneasy feeling as to their rights being usurped by the whites and their gradual loss of prestige and power in the Government as laid down in the principles of the present constitution, which, to their ideas, circumscribes too much the kingly power.

It would promote a feeling of security to our own people, and, I think, other foreigners, if at the February elections we had a force here competent to preserve order should necessity arise.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. A. Kimberly,
Rear-Admiral U. S. Nuvy,
Commanding U. S. Naval Force on Pacific Station
.

The Secretary of the Navy.

[Inclosure 2 in No. 8.]

Mr. Blaine to Mr. Tracy.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 1st instant and of the copy of Rear-Admiral Kimberly’s report of the 18th ultimo, which you inclose, on the political situation in Hawaii. In view of his opinion that the security of our citizens there would be promoted “if, at the February elections,” the United States had a force in those waters competent to preserve order should the necessity arise, I trust that your Department may find it convenient to make such disposition in that quarter as will subserve the desired object.

I am, etc.,

James G. Blaine.