The Hawaiian gazette., 1878-11-27

Taking Possession of Cyprus.

A correspondent of the London Telegraph
sent by TELEGRAM from Mocha, the following ac-
count of the ceremonies observed at the formal
surrender of Cyprus to Lord John Hay, the rep
reseutative OF the British government
A Turkish guard of honor drawn up in front
of the gates OF the Government House presented
arms Lord John and his staff approached
Samih Pasta and the members of the local coun-
ell were already with the Governor, and as on
the proceeding occasion, the principal Musselman
and Christian notables had been summoned to
give their sanction to the proceedings. Follow
ing invariable custom, coffee was first served
round to all present. and then some of the local
authorities opened the business by expressions
OF kindly welcome to the visitors In answer to
these addresses. the Admiral made brief speech
the essential points OF which | will endeavOr to
reproduce in his own words. He said ia &C.
cordance with u convention that has been con-
cluded between Her Majesty Queen Victoria
and the Sultan, and enforced by un Imperial fir
man, | am commanded by Her Majesty's Gov
eminent to occupy the Island of Cyprus 10 the
name of the Queen and to assume its temporary
administration until the Governor duly appointed
by Her Majesty arrives. | understand the In
perial frman was read yesterday in the presence
Of the notables. and that you are now prepared
TO transfer the administration into my hands. On
my part, l have to request that the Government
employees shall remain in their present Offices
Any changes that may hereafter be found advi-
sable must be left for my successor to carry out.
The police will continue to perform their duties
as heretofore. They will remain under the CON-
mand OF their present officers, who / shall hold
responsible for the maintenance of order. shall
require all taxes and contributions to the Gov
ernment revenue to be paid into the public
treasury, on behalf OF the Queen, and | shall hold
the proper officials responsible for all MONEYS due
to the Government This address spoken in
English, was repeated in the vernacular by Mr.
Barring. The notables thanked the Admiral for
hi= statement. Endorsed his observation that they
were fully cOgnlZ4nt Of the nature OF the CONVEX
ton concluded by their Government with that of
Great Britain and rendered him. as the repre-
sentative of Her Majesty. the assurance Of their
hearty allegiance. All this was indoors A
crowd mean~hile had collected outside and as
Lord John Hay and his slaff emerged on their
way TO the flag staff they were followed by as
many people as could squeeze themselves into
the narrow thoroughfare. The marines had been
drawn up 10 line on the platform on which the
flag staff is erected, aud as the Union jack vas
hOisted they sauted. Il take possession 0 this
island in the name Of QIeen Victoria" said the
Admiral. and as the people recognized the well.
known name of Queen Victoria. they responded
Justify in more dialects that one, Live the Brit
ish Queen" The cheers we're kept up for some
minutes, and crowd remained about the staff
until sunset. when the flag was hauled down
The apparent ease with which two British Adj
mral went through all these formalilIes parlicu-
larry Impressed The CyporiIes. -One would
think" remarked native, "that be had been ac-
eustomed to take possession of new territory ell
his liie."