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true facts relating to this matter will be laid before you, and I live in the hope that you will judge uprightly and justly between myself and my enemies.
This appeal is not made for myself personally, but for my people, who have hitherto always enjoyed the friendship and protection of the United States.
My opponents have taken the only vessel which could be obtained here for the purpose; and hearing of their intention to send a delegation of their number to present their side of the conflict before you, I requested the favor of sending by the same vessel an envoy to you to lay before you my statement as the facts appear to myself and my loyal subjects.
This request has been refused; and I now ask you, in justice to myself and to my people, that no steps be taken by the Government of the United States until my cause can be heard by you. I shall be able to despatch an envoy about the second day of February, as that will be the first available opportunity hence; and he will reach you with every possible haste, that there may be no delay in the settlement of this matter.
I pray you, therefore, my good friend, that you will not allow any conclusions to be reached by you until my envoy arrives.
I beg to assure you of the continuation of my highest consideration.
(Signed) Liliuokalani R.
It appears that President Harrison could not have taken notice of my appeal; for the 16th of February I find he sent a message to the Senate transmitting the treaty, with a view to its ratification, without having first investigated or inquired into all the conditions or points of our situation, or that of the United States itself. I will not attempt to write the President’s message, as you are already aware of its text.
I also wrote a letter to Mr. Cleveland.
Grover Cleveland,
President-elect of the United States.
My great and good Friend,— In the vicissitudes which happened in the Hawaiian Islands, and which affect my people, myself, and my house so seriously, I feel comforted the more that, besides the friendly relation of the United States, I have the boon of your personal friendship and good will.
The changes which occurred here need not be stated in this letter. You will have, at the time at which it reaches you, the official information;