Mr. Willis to Mr. Gresham.
Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands , January 6, 1894 .
Sir: I have the honor to call your attention to the following changes in the Provisional Government: Hon. F. M. Hatch resigned yesterday the office of vice-president, assigning as reason that he was “under the necessity of going beyond the limits of the country.” Hon. W. C. Wilder, of the advisory council, was elected to fill the vacancy.
[Page 1294]An act was brought before the executive and advisory council “separating the office of minister of foreign affairs from that of the office of president,” and providing “that hereafter the department of foreign affairs shall be presided over by an officer called the minister of foreign affairs, who shall be chosen by the executive and advisory councils of the Provisional Government of the Hawaiian Islands. The minister of foreign affairs so chosen shall be a member of the executive council of the Governments.” This act was referred to the judiciary committee, but it was understood to be the unanimous judgment of the councils and that Mr. Hatch will be elected to the position. At present the duties of the minister of foreign affairs are discharged by the president, Mr. Dole. The executive committee now consists of four persons. By the above act it will be increased to five.
With assurances, etc.,