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- that Liliuokalani was likely at any time to attempt the promulgation of a new constitution. If she tended toward absolutism, we proposed to seek annexation to the United States, provided it would entertain the proposal. A nucleus had been formed in Honolulu to bring the plan to a focus, should occasion arise; that nucleus had sent me to Washington to ascertain the attitude of the authorities there. Mr. Blaine asked: Have you talked to anyone else in Washington on this subject? I answered that I had, mentioning Senator Davis and Mr. Blount.
- Mr. Blaine said that he considered the subject of the utmost importance, and continued: "I am somewhat unwell, but I wish you would call on B. F. Tracy, secretary of the navy, and tell him what you have told me, and say to him that I think you should see the President. Do not see Mr. Blount again. I will attend to him. Come to me after you have seen President Harrison." In accordance with the request, I immediately met Secretary Tracy and reported my conversation with Mr. Blaine. Said Mr. Tracy: I do not know whether you had better see the President or not. But come with me, and we will learn what he thinks. We went to the White House. Mr. Tracy had me wait in an outer room while he spoke with the President. After about a half-hour, the secretary reappeared and beckoned me to accompany him outdoors. Then he spoke: I have explained fully to the President what you have said to me, and have this to say to you: the President does not think he should see you, but he authorizes me to say to you that, if conditions in Hawaii compel you people to act as you have indicated, and you come to Washington with an annexation proposition, you will find an exceedingly sympathetic administration here. That was all I wanted to know. 178/
Before he left the United States, Thurston wrote a letter to Secretary of State Blaine concerning the subject of "Annexation of Hawaii to the United States." Thurston not only described the current situation in Hawaii, but also the plan of action that would be pursued by the Annexation Club. This plan included: "securing the appointment of a Cabinet at the Islands, committed to annexation, and educating the people in favor of annexation; then, if sentiment in Washington was favorable when Congress assembled in December, proceeding to bring about annexation by action of the Hawaiian legislature." 179/ This letter, coupled with United States Minister Stevens' pro-annexation views, leaves little question that the United States Government became increasingly aware of impending annexation movements in Hawaii during 1892.
B. THE FALL OF THE MONARCHY AND ANNEXATION OF HAWAII*
Memorandum from William Dudley, Research Branch, Naval Historical Center, to Carol E. Dinkins, Chair, Native Hawaiians Study Commission Committee on Federal, State, and Local Relationships (Dated March 2, 1983)
*/ This section of the Report was prepared by William Dudley and Lt. Donna Nelson of the Naval Historical Center. See above, page 265.
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