07/08/2024
Henry Berger recorded in his daily journal about the July 2, 1894 protest by the people of Hawaii against the new constitution and the Republic led by Mr. Dole. This gathering aimed to protest the proclamation of the Republic, which was seen as an infamous outrage perpetrated by filibusters and supported by the temporary provisional government through deceitful means. Berger noted, "Royalist Mass Meeting many there."
On July 2, 1894, over five thousand loyal Hawaiian citizens gathered at Palace Square. The protest aimed to denounce the formation of a republic that did not represent the people and was established for the benefit of a small and insignificant clique supported by J.L. Stevens and American troops, rather than the masses. During the protest, J.O. Carter, a well-known and respected citizen, read a resolution condemning the so-called republic. Eloquent speakers, including Bush, Nawahi, and Kaulia, addressed the crowd, translating the resolution and receiving tremendous cheering. The resolution declared that the Hui Aloha Aina and other patriotic leagues, along with loyal subjects of the Hawaiian Kingdom, opposed the new constitution formed without the consent and participation of the people. They protested against changing the form of government from the one under which they had lived peacefully and prosperously for many years. The protesters asserted that the will of the majority of legitimate Hawaiian voters should be the supreme power in the land, as recognized and accepted in all civilized countries and enlightened governments worldwide.
Berger, Henry. Daily Journal, 1894. Berger collection, M11-1-13, Hawai‘i State Archives.
Hawaii Holomua, Volume III, Number 153, Page 2. July 2, 1894.
Hawaii Holomua, Volume III, Number 154, Page 2. July 3, 1894.
