Admiral Brown to the Secretary of the Navy.
Flagship of the Pacific Station,
San Francisco, Cal., September 6, 1892.
Hon. Secretary of the
Navy,
Navy Department, Washington, D.
C.:
Sir: At the time this ship sailed from Honolulu, on the 27 th ultimo, everything was extremely quiet.
There is a strong sentiment existing in Hawaii, among the native Hawaiians as well as among the Americans and Germans, in favor of a change in the form of government, looking toward the ultimate annexation of the islands to the United States.
This subject of annexation has been freely discussed by individuals for a long time, but until very recently there has been no combined concert of action. There now exists in Honolulu an organization comprising the most prominent annexationists, which has for its object the formulation of some plan by which a change of government can be affected quietly, and with the consent and coöperation of the Queen and the members of her cabinet and staff.
It is thought that the Queen will consent to abdicate in favor of a republican form of government if she can be assured that a suitable provision will be made for her in the way of a permanent pecuniary settlement.
The organization I refer to will not countenance anything of a revolutionary character in the way of force, but expects to be aided by the majority of the Hawaiians who now favor annexation without having any ideas of how such an event can be reached.
A change in the present cabinet will certainly be made before the present legislature adjourns. There is trouble in obtaining a new cabinet, because the reform parties can not agree on the men to go into the different positions. The liberal party is in the majority, and will not be allowed to have any voice in the question of the new ministry.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Rear-Admiral U. S. Navy,
Commanding U. S. Naval Force, Pacific Station.