Template:Nhsc-v1-275

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and stated "the truth of which...no one hardly doubts... Great indignation is felt at the transaction." 76/ Wodehouse had written even earlier: "In view of the widespread and deeply seated feeling of dissatisfaction, amounting almost to hostility, with the manner in which the Government of this country is now carried on, it seems to me that a crisis must arrive before long." 77/

Against this backdrop, U.S. Minister Merrill forwarded, on May 31, a complete set of the affidavits of Aki and others to the Secretary of State in Washington. Minister Merrill also reported:

public feeling has been intense against the King while the daily press has been outspoken in denouncing the King, the Ministry and nearly all officials throughout the Kingdom. Among the people, foreign residents especially, there has been aroused a feeling that a change must soon occur from the highest to lowest official. Of late I have heard it remarked that no change would be satisfactory unless it was one deposing the King, changing the Constitution and adopting a republican form of government. 78/

Merrill wrote shortly afterwards though that he had "quietly counseled [to Americans] moderation and the adoption of peaceful measures as the best method of bringing about a proper administration of affairs." 79/

On June 27, 1887, the day before Kalakaua dismissed his cabinet in hopes of heading off further trouble with the opposition, he made a request to see American Minister Merrill. Kalakaua proceeded to explain to the minister that he had sent for him, "to ask your advice, unofficially but as a friend, concerning the present political situation and I desire you to acquaint me with your ideas of the cause of excitement and what is best to be done." 80/ In his report back to Washington, Merrill stated that:

I at once informed him that there were loud complaints against the manner in which the public funds were being expended, that instead of being expended on necessary internal improvements, such as dredging the harbor, repairing roads and bridges, they were being expended in the purchase and repair of a training ship and equiping her for an unnecessary expedition, the sending of a Mission to Samoa and maintaining unnecessary agents in foreign countries.
I also informed him that from my observation, of late, there was great unanimity in the demand for the removal of his present Cabinet and the substitution of men well known in the Community and in whom the people had confidence, that there was much complaint among the people on account of the belief which was prevalent that His Majesty interfered with the actions of his Cabinet in all matters directly or indirectly affecting the revenues— especially in political elections, appointments and Legislative action, therefore there was much unanimity among the taxpayers that the Cabinet should be left to act independently and made responsible to the people direct.
I informed him that I believed the retention of the present Ministry was daily intensifying the people and that, since he had
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