Mr. Wharton to
Mr. Stevens.
No. 74.]
Department of State,
Washington, February 17,
1893.
Sir: I append for your information copy of
an instruction to the consul-general at Honolulu, of this date,
directing him to report fully as to the shipping under Hawaiian
registry on the 17th day of January, 1893, and any transfer of
vessels to the Hawaiian flag which may have been or may be affected
since that date.
You will kindly lend Mr. Severance your counsel and aid in preparing
the indicated report.
I suggest, moreover, for your confidential guidance, that it may be
well for you to make such friendly and discreet intimation to the
present Government as may discourage the placing of foreign shipping
under its flag at this juncture.
I am, etc.,
William F. Wharton,
Acting Secretary.
[Inclosure in No.
74.]
Mr. Wharton
to Mr. Severance.
Department of State,
Washington, February 17, 1893.
Sir: I have to request that you will
prepare at as early a day as may be possible, and forward to the
Department, a table showing all vessels, bona fide, under
Hawaiian registry on the 17th of January last, giving names,
character, tonnage, horse power, if steamers, where and when
built, and how owned at that date, whether by Hawaiian citizens
or foreigners.
[Page 1184]
You will also be expected to report what vessels, if any, nave
been or may be transferred from foreign registry to the Hawaiian
flag since the 17th of January, giving the same particulars.
It is said, but with what positive foundation is not here known,
that a movement is on foot to place a number of foreign vessels
under the Hawaiian registry with a view to eventually obtaining
the benefits of United States registry. Your inquiries, which
should be discreet, and your report should aim to throw light on
this subject.
The minister has been informed of this instruction, and you may
confer with him on the subject.
I am, etc.,
William F.
Wharton,
Acting
Secretary.
