Mr. Willis to Mr. Gresham.
Honolulu , November 19, 1893 .
Sir: It will be remembered that in connection with the presentation on the 19th of July, 1893, of a cane to Mr. Claus Spreckels, there was an unwarrantable use of the name of Hon. James H. Blount, late envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary at Honolulu.
On yesterday, November 18, Hon. Sanford B. Dole, minister of foreign affairs, transmitted a letter dated July 24,1893, addressed by him to Mr. Charles Crighton, calling his (Crighton’s) attention to the improper and unauthorized use of Mr. Blount’s name and asking an apology therefor. He also inclosed Mr. Crighton’s answer to the effect that Mr. Blount—
had no Knowledge of the preparation of the said cane nor of the presentation thereof to Col. Spreckels, and it was not the intention of the donors of the same to intimate in any way that he (Mr. Blount) was interested or in any way concerned in or cognizant of the said presentation.
I can further assure your excellency, continues Mr. Crighton, that if Mr. Blount deems that any act of discourtesy to him has been committed that nothing was furtner from our intentions, and at the time we had no idea that such an inference could be drawn from the occurrence, more than could he drawn from Mr. Johnston’s list.
I will file these letters in the Department and presume that the matter will end here.
With high regard, etc.,