Grover cleveland called hawaiian islands

What some called manifest destiny others, including Grover Cleveland, called imperialism, since none of the territories acquired by the United States were likely to become states. Hawaii finally did, after years of heavy American military presence altered the demographic makeup of the islands.

Within a few years of seizing the former Spanish territories, the United States acquired the Canal Zone, a step in the completion of the Panama Canal begun by France, which they had failed to complete. The great empires of Europe, the Russian, German, French, and of course the global British Empire, viewed this expression of manifest destiny, if that is what it was, with increasing alarm.

The Germans, British, and Dutch competed for the wealth of the Southwest Pacific, with its reserves of oil, rubber, and coal. So did the emerging Japanese empire. For the record, I think Cleveland established a dangerous precedent by sending in the troops especially under the "deliving the mail" pretext but his actions need to be put in some context.

If a necessary requirement of a great president is that he not do anything seriously bad as president, then I think we've had no great presidents.

Who would qualify? I like Jefferson, but even if we leave aside his slave-owning as not being something he did qua president, he was guilty of some rather nasty civil liberties violations.

Jackson did some great stuff, but he also did the Trail of Tears. Better than most presidents, but not necessarily great. He did send federal troops to suppress the Pullman strike. A great man Cleveland would have put the Queen back on the Throne, but she threatened to behead all of those who had created the "Republic. A corrupt Congress, now isn't that news? I suspect that the pro-indepdence people wouldn't be interested because it unduly "complicates" the story they want to tell.

This was one of Cleveland's finest moments, little remembered today. I do wonder if Hawaiians note this. I should think that he would be regarded highly for this. Certainly can't even imagine the current Prez acting similarly. Just a thought. Wiltse, commander of the U. Stevens for their accommodation. The reason for thus locating the military will presently appear.

The governor of the Island immediately addressed to Mr. Stevens a communication protesting against the act as an unwarranted invasion of Hawaiian soil and reminding him that the proper authorities had never denied permission to the naval forces of the United States to land for drill or any other proper purpose. Stevens asking why the troops had been landed and informing him that the proper authorities were able and willing to afford full protection to the American legation and all American interests in Honolulu.

Only evasive replies were sent to these communications. The executive and advisory councils mentioned in the proclamation at once addressed a communication to Mr. Stevens, informing him that the monarchy had been abrogated and a provisional government established. This communication concluded:. Such Provisional Government has been proclaimed, is now in possession of the Government departmental buildings, the archives, and the treasury, and is in control of the city.

We hereby request that you will, on behalf of the United States, recognize it as the existing de facto Government of the Hawaiian Islands and afford to it the moral support of your Government, and, if necessary, the support of American troops to assist in preserving the public peace.

On receipt of this communication, Mr. Stevens immediately recognized the new Government, and, in a letter addressed to Sanford B. Dole, its President, informed him that he had done so. Dole replied:. Government Building,. Sir : I acknowledge receipt of your valued communication of this day, recognizing the Hawaiian Provisional Government, and express deep appreciation of the same. We have conferred with the ministers of the late Government, and have made demand upon the marshal to surrender the station house.

We are not actually yet in possession of the station house, but as night is approaching and our forces may be insufficient to maintain order, we request the immediate support of the United States forces, and would request that the commander of the United States forces take command of our military forces, so that they may act together for the protection of the city.

Respectfully, yours,. Sanford B. Chaiman Executive Council. His Excellency John L. United States Minister Resident. Note of Mr. Stevens at the end of the above communication.

The above request not complied with. The station house was occupied by a well armed force, under the command of a resolute capable, officer.