Capt. Wiltse to the Secretary of the Navy.
Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands. , October 12, 1892 .
The Secretary of the
Navy,
Navy Department, Washington, D.
C.:
Sir: I have the honor to report that on the 14th of September the introduction in the Hawaiian legislature of a want of confidence resolution in the new ministry resulted in a vote of 24 to 21 in favor of the resolution.
The opposition claimed that the resolution had passed, but the ministry declared it required a vote of 25 to pass, and the chair sustained them. As the question hinged on an interpretation of the constitution, the matter was referred to the supreme court, which decided in favor of the ministry.
On October 4 an election was held to fill the vacant seats of two members. The ministerial party raised the cry of anti-annexation and were ardently supported by the British and other foreigners. Unwarranted attacks were made (in my opinion for political purposes) up [Page 185] on the United States representatives by anonymous writers in the official organ of the Government. The election resulted in a victory for the ministry.
The British representatives manifest the most unusual interest, publicly, in all political proceedings. The action of the ministry, with possibly one exception, and of the English element, is plainly in opposition to the United States.
There is a large and growing sentiment, particularly among the planters, in favor of annexation to the United States, but I am informed that the leaders do not think an opportune moment will arrive for some time to come. However, everything seems to point toward an eventual request for annexation.
The political situation at present is more quiet and will probably re-main so until another resolution of want of confidence is passed, which is not likely in the immediate future.
The financial question is the most important question to be met by the ministry.
Very respectfully,
Captain, Commanding.