Queen Liliuokalani | Page 9 | Images of Old Hawaiʻi

February 8, 2017 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

John Leavitt Stevens

“That I yield to the superior force of the United States of America, whose minister plenipotentiary, His Excellency John L Stevens, has caused United States troops to be landed at Honolulu, and declared that he would support the said provisional government.” (Lili‘uokalani, January 17, 1893)

In 1893, “[a] so-called Committee of Safety, a group of professionals and businessmen, with the active assistance of John Stevens, the United States Minister to Hawai‘i, acting with the United States Armed Forces, replaced the [Hawaiian] monarchy with a provisional government.” (US Supreme Court; Hawaii v OHA, 2008)

John Leavitt Stevens, journalist, author and diplomat, was born in Mount Vernon, Maine, August 1, 1820. By his own efforts he was educated at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary and the Waterville Liberal Institute for the Universalist ministry.

After ten years in the service of this denomination, he was attracted by the intensely interesting condition of national affairs, of which he was always a keen observer, into newspaper work, entering into partnership in 1855 with the late James G. Blaine in conducting The Kennebec Journal.

There he remained for nearly fourteen years, and it was during this period that he obtained that influence in the political world that was afterward recognized by his foreign appointments from the Government. He was repeatedly sent to the State Legislature and Senate, and was one of the chief movers in the formation of the Republican Party in Maine.

In 1870, Stevens accepted the position of United States Minister to Uruguay and Paraguay under President Grant. He resigned after remaining in Montevideo about three years.

He took a very active part in the Presidential campaign of 1876, acting as Chairman of the Republican State Committee of his native State,

He was rewarded with an appointment as Minister to Sweden and Norway in 1877, which position he held until 1883. In June, 1889, Stevens was appointed Minister to the Hawaiian Islands, his title soon after being changed to Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary. (NY Times, February 9, 1895)

“Although Stevens exaggerated the threatening situation in Hawai‘i, there was indeed some cause for American uneasiness. After the constitutional reforms of 1887, the split between foreigners and native nationalists had widened”

“British capitalists, stimulated by the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, sought new investments; a rumor circulated that Britain would welcome a protectorate.” (Pletcher)

“When the long-expected revolution finally began in January 1893, it was brought about by two interacting and partly indistinguishable groups, one wanting an independent Hawaiian republic and another seeking annexation to the US.”

“The immediate cause lay in two actions by Queen Liliuokalani. First she replaced a pro-American cabinet with a group of ill-qualified timeservers on whom she could rely.”

“Then, and more important, she revealed her determination to proclaim a new constitution, increasing the royal power and requiring all voters to be naturalized and take an oath of loyalty to her.”

“The course of the revolution was considerably simpler than its causes; it lasted two days and was almost entirely bloodless. (With) the queen’s announcement that the new constitution would be introduced …”

“… the Annexation Club carried out plans already discussed with Stevens and Captain GC Wiltse of the American Cruiser Boston, then in port. Wiltse landed 154 marines to restore order”. (Pletcher)

Stevens supported annexation by the US and in December 1893, he wrote ‘A Plea for Annexation’ in The North American Review where he concluded, “To say that we do not need the Hawaiian Islands as a security to our immense future interests is but the babble of children or of incompetent men.”

“It is blindly and recklessly to ignore the logic of irresistible circumstances, and to scoff at the plainest teachings of history. No! America cannot get rid of her future responsibilities if she would, and all attempts to do so will be at the cost of her future generations.”

“In the light of these inexorable truths, in the name of what is most sacred in Christian civilization, in behalf of a noble American colony, holding the advanced post of America’s progress …”

“… I cherish the faith that the American people, the American statesmen, and the American government, thoughtful of America’s great future, will settle the Hawaiian question wisely and well will see to it that the flag of the United States floats unmolested over the Hawaiian Islands.” (Stevens, The North American Review, December 1893)

“President Cleveland, directly after his inauguration, sent a message to the Senate withdrawing the question of annexation from further consideration; and a Commissioner, Mr. Blount, was sent to report on the situation. He ordered the protectorate withdrawn as unnecessary.”

“Mr. Stevens immediately resigned and returned home. He then devoted himself, in the public prints and on the platform, to a denunciation of the Administration’s Hawaiian policy.” Stevens died February 8, 1895 at his home in Augusta Maine. (NY Times, February 9, 1895)

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John Leavitt Stevens

January 24, 2017 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Abdication

On the afternoon of January 24, 1895, the members of the Cabinet were informed that the ex-Queen Lili‘uokalani had an official document which it was desired should be presented to the Executive. (Alexander)

Lili‘uokalani then read and signed a letter addressed to The Honorable Sanford Ballard Dole, President of the Republic of Hawai‘i, which stated, in part:

“After full and free consultation with my personal friends and with my legal advisors, both before and since my detention by military order in. the Executive building, and acting in conformity with their advice, and also upon my own free volition, and in pursuance of my unalterable belief and understanding of my duty to the people of Hawai‘i …”

“… and to their highest and best interests, and also for the sake of those misguided Hawaiians and others who have recently engaged in rebellion against the Republic, and in an attempt to restore me to the position of queen, which I held prior to the 17th day of January, AD 1893 …”

“… and without any claim that shall become entitled, by reason of anything that I may now say or do, to any other or different treatment or consideration at the hands of the Government than I otherwise could and might legally receive …”

“… I now desire to express and make known, and do hereby express and make known, to yourself, as the only lawful and recognized head of the Government, and to all the people of the Hawaiian Islands …”

“… whether or not they have yet become citizens of the Republic, or are or have been adherents of the late monarchy, and also to all diplomatic and other foreign representatives in the Hawaiian Islands, to all of whom I respectfully request you to cause this statement and action of mine to be made known as soon as may be, as follows, namely:”

“First. In order to avoid any possibility of doubt or misunderstanding, although I do not think that any doubt or misunderstanding is either proper or possible, I hereby do fully and unequivocally admit and declare that the Government of the Republic of Hawai‘i is the only lawful Government of the Hawaiian Islands …”

“… and that the late Hawaiian monarchy is finally and forever ended, and no longer of any legal or actual validity, force or effect whatsoever …”

“… and I do hereby forever absolve all persons whomsoever, whether in the Hawaiian Islands or elsewhere, from all and every manner of allegiance, or official obligation or duty, to me and my heirs and successors forever …”

“… and I hereby declare to all such persons in the Hawaiian Islands that I consider them as bound in duty and honor henceforth to support and sustain the Government of the Republic of Hawaii.”

“Second. For myself, my heirs and successors, I do hereby and without any mental reservation or modification, and fully, finally, unequivocally, irrevocably, and forever abdicate, renounce and release unto the Government of the Republic of Hawai‘i and the legitimate successors forever all claims or pretensions whatsoever to the late throne of Hawai‘i …”

“Third. I do hereby respectfully implore for such misguided Hawaiians and others as have been concerned in the late rebellion against the Republic of Hawai‘i, such degree of executive clemency as the Government may deem to be consistent with its duty to the community, and such as a due regard for its violated laws may permit.”

“Fourth. It is my sincere desire henceforth to live in absolute privacy and retirement from all publicity, or even appearance of being concerned in the public affairs of the Hawaiian islands, further than to express, as I now do and shall always continue to do, my most sincere hope for the welfare and prosperity of its people, under and subject to the Government of the Republic of Hawaii.”

“Fifth. I hereby offer and present my duly certified oath of allegiance to the Republic of Hawai‘i.”

“Sixth. I have caused the foregoing statement to be prepared and drawn, and have signed the same without having received the slightest suggestion from the President of Hawai‘i, or from any member of the Government of Hawai‘i, concerning the same or any part thereof, or concerning any action or course of my own in the premises. …”

“On the 24th day of January, AD 1895, the foregoing was in our presence read over and considered carefully and deliberately by Liliuokalani Dominis, and she, the said Liliuokalani Dominis, thereupon in our presence declared that the same was a correct, exact and full statement of her wishes and acts in the premise …”

“… which statement she declared to us that she desired to sign and acknowledge in our presence as her own free act and deed, and she thereupon signed the same in our presence, and declared the same to be her free act and deed …”

“… in witness whereof we have at the request of the said Liliuokalani Dominis, and in her presence, hereunto subscribed our names is attesting witnesses, at the Executive building, in Honolulu on the Island of Oahu, this 24th day of January, A. D. 1893. (Signed), Wm G Irwin, HA Widemann, Samuel Parker J. Kalua Kahookano, CB Wilson, Paul Neumann”

Three years later (1898,) Lili‘uokalani, in her book ‘Hawai‘i’s Story by Hawai‘i’s Queen,’ stated, “The idea of abdicating never originated with me. I knew nothing at all about such a transaction until they sent to me, by the bands of Mr. Wilson, the insulting proposition written in abject terms.”

“For myself, I would have chosen death rather than to have signed it; but it was represented to me that by my signing this paper all the persons who had been arrested, all my people now in trouble by reason of their love and loyalty towards me, would be immediately released.”

“Think of my position, sick, a lone woman in prison, scarcely knowing who was my friend, or who listened to my words only to betray me, without legal advice or friendly counsel, and the stream of blood ready to flow unless it was stayed by my pen.”

“My persecutors have stated, and at that time compelled me to state, that this paper was signed and acknowledged by me after consultation with my friends whose names appear at the foot of it as witnesses.”

“Not the least opportunity was given to me to confer with anyone; but for the purpose of making it appear to the outside world that I was under the guidance of others, friends who had known me well in better days were brought into the place of my imprisonment, and stood around to see a signature affixed by me.”

Contrary to these last statements, there is consistent information that Lili‘uokalani abdication statement was correct and, through her advisors, Wilson, Widemann and Parker, Alfred Stedman Hartwell prepared the abdication statement for her and she signed it “upon (her) own free volition”.

Several reports, including Lili‘uokalani’s own statements 2-weeks following the abdication and signing of the loyalty oath, show the latter to be true. On February 21, 1895, The Independent noted, “Already before her arrest, she had been planning to throw herself on the mercy of the Executive, and make every possible submission.”

“The President and his associates did not encourage her in doing so; in fact, they declined to listen at all to advances which she sought to make to them.”

“She was permitted, however, to consult with Widemann, Wilson, Newmann, Parker and others of her friends, by whose advice she employed Judge AS Hartwell to draw up in the strongest and completest possible form her renunciation of the monarchy and acceptance of the Republic.”

“This she formally executed on the morning of the 24th, in the presence of several witnesses, and took oath of allegiance to the Republic. The documents were then sent to the President’s room across the hall, with the request to communicate them to the foreign diplomatic representatives and to the public.” (The Independent, February 21, 1895)

Local and mainland papers consistently said the same thing, “Between 10:35 and 11:20 on Thursday morning, in the Executive Building, there took place a ceremony that will form an interesting page in Hawaiian history.”

“It was neither more or less than the formal abdication and renunciation, absolutely and forever, of all claims to the throne of Hawai‘i, on behalf of herself, her heirs and successors, of Liliuokalani Dominis, late Queen of the Hawaiian Islands.”

“There were present, besides the ex Queen, William G Irwin, HA Widemann, Samuel Parker, JK Kahookano, Chas B Wilson, Mrs Wilson, Paul Neumann, AS Hartwell and WL Stanley.”

“Mrs Dominis offered her abdication in the form of a letter to President Dole …. This action was taken on the advice of Mr Wilson, who had been acknowledged by the Government as the ex Queen’s business representative, as well as that of Mr Neumann and Mr Hartwell, her legal advisers.”

“Mr Hartwell had prepared the document and Mr Neumann read it aloud before all present. Then her ex majesty also read it aloud and then signed both the abdication and the oath of allegiance.” (Evening Bulletin, January 25, 1895)

“The ex-Queen has relinquished all her rights to the throne of Hawai‘i. Following her arrest the ex-Queen was allowed frequent interviews with Charles B Wilson, ex-Marshal under the monarchy, HA Widemann, who recently visited the United States and Europe on her behalf … and her attorney, Paul Neumann, but no one connected with the Government saw her.”

“The result of these frequent interviews became apparent last Thursday, when she requested that some person connected with the Government be sent to her, as she had an important official communication to make. …”

“Mrs. Dominis in a few words stated that she desired to surrender all her claims to the throne, and offered her formal abdication to President Dole in the shape of a document drawn up by Judge AS Hartwell, who was consulted by Mr. Wilson, Mr. Parker and Mr. Neumann about the matter and acted as advising counsel for them, but not strictly as attorney for Liliuokalani.” (San Francisco Call, February 7, 1895)

When Lili‘uokalani went to trial two weeks after signing the abdication document and loyalty oath (February 8, 1895,) she told the tribunal prosecuting her involvement in the counter revolution, “Before the 24th of January, 1895, the day upon which I formally abdicated, and called upon my people to recognize the Republic of Hawai‘i as the only lawful government of these Islands, and to support that government …”

“I was not intimidated into abdicating, but followed the counsel of able and generous friends and well-wishers, who advised me that such an act would restore peace and good-will among my people, vitalize the progress and prosperity of the Islands …”

“… and induce the actual government to deal leniently, mercifully, charitably, and impassionately with those who resorted to arms for the purpose of displacing a government in the formation of which they had no voice or control, and which they themselves had seen established by force of arms.”

“I acted of my own free will, and wish the world to know that I have asked no immunity or favor myself, nor plead my abdication as a petition for mercy.”

“My actions were dictated by the sole aim of doing good to my beloved country, and of alleviating the positions and pains of those who unhappily and unwisely resorted to arms to regain an independence which they thought had been unjustly wrested from them.”

Hartwell confirms that he secretly wrote the abdication statement and that Lili‘uokalani and her advisors had participated in the drafting and editing of it, noting, …

“While the queen was under arrest by the Provisional Government, Paul Neumann, Sam Parker, her last foreign minister, and Charles Wilson, the ex-marshal, came to my office with a request, which they said was by her authority, that I draw her abdication.”

“I did this and had three separate drafts made with changes to meet suggestions they brought to me from her. No one else but Stanley, my confidential clerk, knew of this until she formally acknowledged the instrument before a notary, in the presence of Neumann, Parker, Irwin, Widemann, Iaukea and myself.”

“I took a lot of trouble in the matter, and gratuitously, and yet the queen in her Hawai‘i book says that she was deceived and that I was acting as the attorney for the other side.”

Hartwell suspects the misinformation about the abdication statement in Lili‘uokalani’s Book was made by the American journalist who helped her with her book, noting, “I think, however, that this was said for her by (Julius) Palmer, who got up her book, for she knew better.” (Hartwell; HHS)

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January 14, 2017 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Timing

Scorning the opinions and advice of all the best men of the Islands, both of her own race and the whites, she finally united her political fortunes with the opium ring and those who were leagued to carry through the Legislature a sweeping lottery charter of the Louisiana type …”

“This was Saturday, January 14, 1893. From that hour the Hawaiian monarchy was dead, and no restoration is possible, except by the exercise of some outside and foreign force. At the date of her downfall Lili‘uokalani was without the sympathy and aid of the best of the native Hawaiians and of nearly all the respectable and responsible white residents of the Islands.”

“Amid the exciting events in Honolulu following the revolutionary attempts of Lili‘uokalani to proclaim a despotic constitution, by which she flung away her crown …”

“… a small force of marines and sailors was landed from the United States ship Boston, as a precautionary step for the protection of American life and property, and as a safeguard against night incendiarism stimulated by the hope of plunder, greatly feared by many of the best citizens.” (Stevens, The North American Review, December 1893)

“The cabinet was voted out on January 12 (by a vote of 25 to 16;) another was appointed on January 14, on which date the Queen prorogued the legislature and attempted to proclaim new constitution. At 2 pm on January 16 the citizens met and organized a committee of safety.”

“On Monday, January 16, there was a large and enthusiastic mass meeting, composed of the representative men of Honolulu, held in the largest hall in the city, at 2 pm. On the same day I received from the United States minister a request to land the sailors and marines of the Boston to protect the United States legation, consulate, and the lives and property of American citizens. … At 4:30 pm landed force in accordance with the request of the United States minister plenipotentiary.” (Wiltse, January 18, 1893, Blount Report)

“At the time the Provisional Government took possession of the Government buildings, no troops or officers of the United States were present or took any part whatever in the proceedings.”

“No public recognition was accorded to the Provisional Government by the United States minister until after the Queen’s abdication and when they were in effective possession of the Government buildings, the archives, the treasury, the barracks, the police station, and all the potential machinery of the Government.”

“Then, and not until then, when the Provisional Government had obtained full de facto control, was the new order of things recognized by the United States minister, whose formal letter of recognition was promptly followed by like action on the part of the representatives of all foreign governments resident on the Hawaiian Islands.” (John Foster, State Department, February 15, 1893, Blount Report)

“As soon as the Provisional Government was in possession, it sent notifications of the situation to all the representatives of the foreign powers. Recognitions began to pour in as soon as it became clear that the Government was a genuine de facto one, until all the powers had accepted the situation.”

“The list includes Sweden, Germany, the United States, Austro-Hungary, Belgium, Russia, Peru, Italy, the Netherlands, France, England, Japan, China, Portugal, Chile, Denmark, Spain, and Mexico.” (Wiltse, February 1, 1893, Blount Report)

“(T)he cabinet came to the conclusion that it was absurd to think of resisting the United States, and waited only until Mr. Stevens formally notified them of his recognition of the Provisional Government, which he sent us in answer to a letter from us. This letter in answer to ours reached us before 4 o’clock and less than an hour after the issuing of the proclamation by the Provisional Government.” (AP Peterson, July 13, 1893, Blount Report)

US recognition of the Provisional Government was made in a statement on United States Legation stationary dated January 17, 1893; it states, “A Provisional Government having been duly constituted in the place of the recent Government of Queen Liliuokalani …”

“… and said Provisional Government being in full possession of the Government Buildings, the Archives, and the Treasury and in control of the capital of the Hawaiian Islands, I hereby recognize said Provisional Government as the de facto Government of the Hawaiian Islands.” (Stevens, January 17 1893)

“As to the precise time when the letter of recognition was received from American Minister Stevens I can not be positive. My recollection is that it was about the time that Messrs. Damon and Bolte returned from the police station with the four ex-ministers …”

“… but the records of our proceedings at the time, kept by the secretary, place it after the return of Mr. Damon and the ex-ministers from their visit to the Queen. In any event it was very late in the day, and long after Messrs. Wodehouse and Walker had called. (James H Blount, July 15, 1893, Blount Report)

However, a recent revelation (part of the Provisional Government Papers at the Hawaiian Mission Houses Archives and Historic Site) notes a January 17, 1893 ‘Private’ correspondence between Stevens and Dole that suggests that the US de facto recognition of the Provisional Government had been prepared prior to the takeover of the Government Buildings.

That note from Stevens to Dole states: “I would advise not to make known of my recognition of the de facto Provisional Government until said Government is in possession of the Police Station.” (Stevens, January 17, 1893)

Later reports note, “Then, on the 17th day of January, according to the recognition of the United States, from which there has been no dissent or departure, the interregnum ceased, and the executive head of the Government of Hawaii was established.” (Morgan Report)

“The recognition of the Provisional Government was lawful and authoritative, and has continued without interruption or modification up to the present time. It may be justly claimed for this act of recognition that it has contributed greatly to the maintenance of peace and order in Hawai‘i and to the promotion of the establishment of free, permanent, constitutional government in Hawaii, based upon the consent of the people.” (Morgan Report)

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Provisional Government – Letter from United States Minister, John L. Stevens to Sanford B. Dole – January 17, 1893-1

Provisional Government – Letter of recognition from United States Minister, John L. Stevens – January 17, 1893

November 12, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Schooling of Red Fish

“The ancient superstition (tells) that visits of red fish in large numbers to the Islands portend the death of some member of the royal family … “

“A few months ago there started running into and around the harbors of the Islands such schools of alalaua as had not been seen before in five years or more, if not in many years prior to that; and the schools of aweoweo, or grown alalaua, are still here.”

“When the little red fish first started coming in months ago, the older natives shook their heads and declared that one of their aliis must go.”

“It has so turned out.” (Maui News, November 16, 1917)

“The former Queen had been in bad health for many months. A week ago she began to fail rapidly and last Thursday physicians announced that the end was near.” (Richmond Times-Dispatch, November 12, 1917))

“Death came to Hawaii’s queen, Liliuokalani, at 8:30 o’clock Sunday morning – a quiet, sunny, pleasant Sunday morning as calm and as peaceful as was the ending of her eventful life.” (Honolulu Star-Bulletin, November 12, 1917)

“’The queen is dead,’ went the word throughout Hawaii as soon as the bells began their solemn proclamation. It was flashed by wireless from island to island of the group over which she had once ruled …”

“Thousands of newspapers today all over the world have told their readers of the passing of Liliuokalani, last queen of Hawaiʻi.”

“The queen’s last hours were as peaceful as her life had been eventful.” (Honolulu Star-Bulletin, November 12, 1917)

“During the time the Queen’s body was in state in the throne room of the palace and at the Kawaiahaʻo Church, the first church built in Honolulu, and during the wonderful procession from the palace to the mausoleum it was the evident aim of those in charge to display the most wonderful panorama and glare of gorgeous colors that was possible.”

“You understand, the skies, the water and the landscape of this tropical land is a perfect rainbow of beautiful color at all times. Considering this fact it is not strange that the desire for color display should manifest itself on such an occasion.” (Mid-Pacific, August 1919)

“The Royal Hawaiian Band, the United States Military Bands, the Hawaiian Cathedral Church Choir, the members of various Hawaiian clubs and organizations of Hawaiian origin, dressed in uniforms unique and unusual …”

“… the sailors from the Japanese man-of-war lying in the harbor, and American soldiers and sailors, the consular families of the different consuls from foreign lands, and all the mixed heterogeneous mass of all nationalities which thronged the streets for miles, made the funeral procession to the mausoleum a scene never to be forgotten.” (Mid-Pacific, August 1919)

“(N)o one who was fortunate enough to be present early on this notable Tuesday morning is likely to ever forget one of the first, and perhaps the simplest, bits of homage paid the beloved Queen: The singing, by the ladies of one of the kahili-watches, of the Queen’s own ‘Aloha Oe.’”

“The tender rendition of this now famous refrain from Liliuokalani’s prolific pen, seemingly brought home to the somewhat dazed consciousness of the assemblage the fact that, indeed, was Liliʻu departed forever, and that the time of the final aloha was come.” (Hodges)

“Knowing that this would be the last royal funeral and that a funeral of royalty on these islands was always a remarkably spectacular affair …”

“… the streets of Honolulu were crowded during the week from the day of her death to the day her body was placed in the royal mausoleum on the side of the mountain in beautiful Nuʻuanu valley, just on the edge of the city of Honolulu.” (Mid-Pacific, August 1919)

At the time, the world was at war (WWI.) “In recent weeks, Queen Liliuokalani had shown striking patriotism for the United States. She subscribed liberally for the Red Cross fund and the Liberty Loan.”

“When news first came that a state of war had been declared, she hoisted the Stars and Stripes over her residence in Washington Place, advising her former subjects to support the government of the United States to the fullest.” (The Morning Oregonian, November 12, 1917)

“Liliuokalani, former queen of Hawaiʻi, accomplished writer, song composer and hostess, was born near Honolulu (September 2) 1838. She was christened Lydia (Kamakaeha) and was the daughter of a noble family.”

“Following a native custom, the object of which was to cement friendships, she was given to (Paki) and his wife Konia, of another noble family, to raise. Her name Liliuokalani, “Lily of Heaven,” was given her, several years later.”

“As a girl she attended the royal school at Honolulu and received a fair education, which she supplemented by much reading. She was a gifted musician. Later in life she composed hundreds of Hawaiian songs; some of which are now known all over the world. “

“At school the future queen met John O Dominis, son of an American sea captain to whom she was afterwards married.” (Baltimore American, November 12, 1917; Coughlin) She died November 11, 1917 at the age of 79.

“After the death of the Queen the red fish vanished.” (Mid-Pacific, August 1919)

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October 11, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

William Ansel Kinney

William Ansel Kinney was born October 16, 1860 in Honolulu. His parents were born in Canada, lived a while in Calais, Maine, then moved to Hawai‘i.

William first attended the Royal School at Honolulu, afterwards at O‘ahu College (Punahou – (1874–1877.)) During his boyhood, when out of school, he has been a clerk in a law office. He graduated from Michigan University Law School in 1883. (Michigan University)

He returned to the Islands; his first law partner was Arthur P Peterson. Then, in 1887 he became partners with William Owen Smith and Lorrin A. Thurston. (Kuykendall) From 1887-1888, he was a member of the House of Representatives, representing Hawai‘i Island.

Kinney was part of the team that drafted the 1887 Constitution of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i (‘Bayonet Constitution.’) Other reforms to the government included replacement of the Kings cabinet. (Forbes)

He moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, about 1890 and practiced law there. “After several visits to the states about 1891 (his mother) came to live for a time at Salt Lake with her second son William A Kinney, then and for several years after a well-known attorney of this city. (Salt Lake Herald, April 9, 1897)

Following the overthrow of the Hawai‘i constitutional monarchy, “William A. Kinney, now a lawyer in Salt Lake City, but a former resident of the Sandwich Islands and one of the leading participants in the revolution of 1887…”

“… met the members of the committee (seeking Hawai‘i annexation to the US) at Ogden for the purpose of renewing old acquaintance, and was induced to accompany the body to Washington in an unofficial capacity as legal adviser.” (NY Times, February 4, 1893)

Kinney moved back to the Islands in 1893 and on August 16, 1893 he married Alice Vaughan McBryde in Honolulu. McBryde was the daughter of Judge Duncan McBryde, who laid the foundation for what later was to become McBryde Sugar Company. Not a planter himself (but encouraged by Kinney and Dillingham,) McBryde hired a few men to obtain seed, plow the land and haul cane.

The original plantation lands extended from Kōloa to the Hanapepe River giving the newly formed McBryde Sugar Company access to a port. At first, the ʻEleʻele sugar mill was used to grind the cane, but within a couple of year, the Directors knew that another mill would have to be built.

As fortune would have it, McBryde bought the large Cuban type mill originally destined for Molokai’s American Sugar Company, whose plans for a plantation had to be abandoned. (HSPA)

Following Queen Lili‘uokalani’s arrest in 1895, “Mr William A. Kinney … Without military experience, he was commissioned a captain, and afterward charged with the duty of Judge Advocate in attacking me, and those of my people who sought liberty from the foreign oppressor.” (Lili‘uokalani)

While critical of Kinney related to the trials in 1895, in 1909, Lili‘uokalani retained Kinney and others in her claim to Crown Lands.

“Mr Kinney was judge advocate for the United States in the trial of Queen Lili‘uokalani and as he says ‘I tried her, prosecuted her, and convicted her, and I am now her attorney. Of course there was never anything personal in the matter.’” (Hawaiian Gazette, July 26, 1910)

Queen Lili‘uokalani made a claim to Crown Lands as her personal property. Noting, “Her cause of action is predicated upon an alleged ‘vested equitable life interest’ to certain lands described in the petition, known as ‘crown lands,’ of which interest she was divested by the defendants.”

However, the US Court of Claims noted, “It may not be unworthy of remark that it is very unusual, even in cases of conquest, for the conqueror to do more than to displace the sovereign and assume dominion over the country.”

The Court concluded, “The crown lands were the resourceful methods of income to sustain, in part at least, the dignity of the office to which they were inseparably attached. When the office ceased to exist they became as other lands of the Sovereignty and passed to the defendants as part and parcel of the public domain.”

The Court further noted, “The constitution of the Republic of Hawai‘i, as respects the crown lands, provided as follows: ‘That portion of the public domain heretofore known as crown land is hereby declared to have been heretofore, and now to be, the property of the Hawaiian Government …” (Lili‘uokalani v The United States, 1910)

Later, Kinney joined forces with Prince Kūhiō in fighting Governor Frear (and the Big 5’s hold on the Islands,) noting, “Simply that the plantations, finding Gov. Frear under fire on their account, have been trying to fix things up …”

“… for they do not propose to lose control of the governorship and the local Territorial government; and when they do, however justly, a determined cry will be raised by them for commission government.”

“(I)nsistent retention of medieval ideas on land and labor, is merely an illustration of the recognized principle that things are apt to move along the lines of least resistance.”

“When the plantations of Hawaii have either got to do the right thing in regard to homesteading or go to the wall, they will come to time, and they should be forced to that position, not by way of retaliation nor in a spirit of hostility but because it is right and just to Hawaii and to the mainland that this be done.” (Kinney, Testimony before US House of Representatives, 1912)

The matter related to appointment of the next Territorial Governor of Hawai‘i. Kinney wanted someone without ties to the Plantations.

Lucius Pinkham, from the mainland, but had prior Island business interests and noted by Kūhiō that the Hawaiians “are very fond of Pinkham and … believe he is their best friend,” got the appointment.

Kinney left the Islands shortly thereafter and lived in California, continuing with his legal profession; he died sometime after 1930 in California.

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