After very careful thought, and consultations with the best lawyers in the Sandwich Islands, the Hawaiians absolutely refused to agree to Japan's demands. They denied absolutely that the treaty had been broken, and refused to admit Japanese emigrants unless the laws were properly complied with, stating very clearly that any Japanese who attempted to enter Hawaii on fraudulent contracts would be at once sent back to Japan.
This answer was sent to the Japanese Minister.
This gentleman is, however, very indignant with the Hawaiian Government, and refuses to accept the
answer, because of the form in which, it reached him.
It seems that it was given to the afternoon papers at the same time it was sent to him, and that he actually read it in the Hawaiian newspapers before the official document reached him.
He says he shall not regard this as an answer, but will renew his demands for a money recompense, and will keep on renewing them until Hawaii agrees, or gives a good reason for refusing.
Should Hawaii refuse, he declares that he shall leave the islands, and, returning to Japan, cut off all diplomatic relations with the Sandwich Islands.
If he is driven to this action, he declares that there is only one course open to his Government; and he darkly hints that this will be to declare war.
Great preparations are being made in London for the celebration of Queen Victoria's Jubilee.