Office of the Historian

Capt. Wiltse to the Secretary of the Navy.

U. S. S. Boston (second rate),
Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, November 9, 1892.

The Secretary of the Navy,
Navy Department, Washington, D. C.:

Sir: I have the honor to report that the danger of a political crisis in the Hawaiian Kingdom seems to have passed.

The Queen has appointed a cabinet, after much pressure had been brought to bear, that is strong financially and favorable to American interests. The new ministry will probably be supported by the legislature, although much opposition has been aroused among the native members because they are not represented. It is doubtful, however, if the natives can secure enough votes to vote the cabinet out, though they would do so if possible.

I am informed, from reliable sources, that the Queen had been strongly advised to dissolve the legislature and order a new election, which would have been unconstitutional, and which would probably have caused a revolution; but she was deterred by the presence of United States vessels of war.

I inclose paper containing editorials on the situation.

Very respectfully,

G. C. Wiltse,
Captain, Commanding U. S. S. Boston.