Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1893-04-22
"OLD GLORY"


Commissioner Blount Followed Instrue-
lions In Taking Down the American Flag
Mt Honolulu-Hawaiian Protectorato
Ended.
WASHINGTON, April 1.-THE news
from Honolulu of the hauling down Of
the United States flag, it is said, was
the subject of animated discussion at
the cabinet meeting. Before going into
the cabinet room, Secretary Gresham
said to reporter that he had received
no information whatever aside from the
newspapers.
When questioned further as to the
truth of the statements contained in
special dispatches to Western newspa-
pers that Mr.. Blount was conniving ut
the restoration of Queen Liliuokalani
and would support her return to the
throne, if need be, by the forces of the
United States ship Boston, he said he
knew nothing about it and de-
clined to express any opinion upon the
subject. In regard to the hauling
down of the United States flag, atten-
ton is called to these passages in the
instructions issued under the previous
administration by Secretary ]. w. Fos-
ter to Minister Stevens, under date Of
February II, 1893.
The phraseology OF your proclamation in an
nouncing your action In assumption OF protec-
ton OF the Hawaiian Islands in the name Of the
United States would appear to be tantamuunt
to the assumption OF the protectorate over those
islands in behalf OF the United States with all
the rights and obligations which the term i'm
plies To this extent II goes beyond the neces.
stiles OF the situation and instructions rs here.
tofore given you
So far as your action amounts TO according
at the request Of the de facto sovereign govern.
ment OF the Hawaiian Islands, to cooperation
OF the moral and material forces OF the United
States for the protection OF life and property
from apprehended disorders, your action 10
commended. But 80 far rs it may appear to
overstep that limit by setting the authority and
power OF the United States above that OF the
government Of the Hawaiian Islands In the CO.
pacity OF protector or 10 impair In any way the
Independent sovereignty OF the Hawaiian gov.
eminent by substituting the flag and power Of
the United States rs the symbol and NANTES.
tation OF paramount authority, 1t Is dssvowed.
There is diplomatic reticence around
the White house concerning the nature
of the instructions given Blount in his
mission to Hawaii, but it is stated with
some positiveness that he was given
authority for hauling down the
stars and stripes at Honolulu
prior to his departure from Washing
ton. 1t is understood that Mr.. Blount
was given definite instructions
to withdraw the protectorate OF the
United States over Hawaii in order that
this government might find itself freer
in dealing with the main question Of
annexation, but on the day of his de-
parture for San Francisco, he was eau
toned to confide this information to no
person whatever, in order that the mo
tives and the intentions of the admin
istration might not be construed so as
to cause trouble among the Hawaiians.
Mr.. Blount followed his Instructions
to the letter. He waited until the ex-
element incident to his arrival had
completely died out and affairs were in
tranquil state before making known
that the protectorate was at an end
He also made it known at the same
time that the United States would still
consider Hawaii and the Hawaiians I'M
der its guardianship, so far as outside
interference was concerned, and in this
also showed the caution which MIR.
Cleveland and Secretary Gresham had
impressed on him to deprive the an
nouncement of any tinge of sensation
alism. These are said to be the facts
in the matter with reference to the in
structions of Mr.. BIount.