Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 6, 1 June 1993 — July fourth event recalls theft of sovereignty [ARTICLE]

July fourth event recalls theft of sovereignty

A gathering on the grounds of 'Ioiani Palaee is being cailed by the institute for the Advancement of Hawaiian A(Tairs, Sunday, July 4 from 1 1 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Institute director Poka Laenui notes the gathering is intended to reflect on "another step in the most flagrant theft of a nation's sovereignty," when on July 4, 1894, the constitution of the new Republic of Hawai'i was prociaimed from the steps of the palaee by provisional government head Sanford B. Dole. The general puhlie is invited to attend and organizations wishing to coordinate their activities tnay eall Laenui at 696-5157. Following the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in January 1893, a provisional govemment was formed in plaee of the native governtnent of Queen Lili'uokalani. The provisional government sought a treaty of annexation with the U.S. but was unable to get one before President Harrison, a supporter of annexation, teft offtce. His successor, Grover Cleveland, withdrew the treaty and questioned the legitimacy of the provisional govemment's rule, whieh he also criticized for its laek of aconstitution. Sanford Dole, president of the provisionai government called a constitutionaI convention of 37 delegates. Thte majority of 19 were appointed by himself and the remainder chosen by the general publie in a jury-rigged eleeliop. Eligibility for voting and candidacy required disavowing any kjyalty to Queen Lili'uokalani and swearing allegiance to Dole 's provisional government.