Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1893-04-22
HAD FULL AUTHORITY.

In Lowering tho Flag at Honolulu and
Ending the Protectorate Commissioners
Blount Simply Carried Out His Instruc-
tions--Annexation Not Abandoned by the
Administration. D
WASHINGTON, April 1b.-The news
from Hawaii Of the pulling down of
the stars and stripes has excited great
interest at the national capital. At the
state department 1t was the main topic
of discussion Friday, although no Off
cial advices had been received to con-
firm the unofficial reports in the news
papers. Early in the day the patriot
spirit which is always latent at the
capital and ready to be famed into
flame was very apparent
Senators and public men generally
were at first disposed to criticise Mr..
Blounts course in ending the protecto-
rate and hauling down the flag. 1t was
soon made clear, however, that Mr..
Blount's course was in no way signifi-
cant of an abandonment of the policy
of annexation. On the contrary, it was
explained by leading state-department
officials that it would be absolutely inn
possible to effect annexation while the
present protectorate existed.
The cabinet met at II o'clock and at
tention was naturally directed to the
Hawaiian subject. There was little
more than random discussion, however,
as the course of Mr.. Blount was in no
way a surprise to Mr.. Cleveland or the
members of the cabinet Mr.. Blount
was not acting on his Independents
Judgment. The administration has
recognized from the first that anneXa-
ton would be subject to much criticism
if it were accomplished while Hawaii
was subject to our protection and under
our flag.
There is diplomatic reticence around
the white house concerning the nature
of the instructions given Commissioner
Blount but it is stated with some posi-
tiveness that he was given authority
for hauling down the stars and stripes
at Honolulu prior to his departure
from Washington. 1t is understood
that Mr.. Blount was given def
mite instructions to withdraw the
protectorate of the United States
over Hawaii in order that this govern
ment might find itself freer in dealing
with the main question of annexation,
but on the day of his departure for San
Francisco he was cautioned to contide
this information to no person in order
that the motives and the intentions of
the administration might not be con-
strued so as to cause trouble among the
Hawaiians.
When Mr.. Blount arrived at Honolulu
| the knowledge of his mission had pre-
ceded him. 1t was not the intention to
| keep secret what that business was,
with the exception of the fact that the
commissioner had authority to declare
the protectorate at an end. The excep-
ton was guarded carefully by Mr..
Blount for the reason given, it is said, by
the president that if the fact that the
American flag was to be hauled down
became known it might create trouble
and bloodshed, and also offer tempta-
ton to foreign nations to step in and
secure the prize before the United
States could offer adequate eXplana-
tions for it's course.
Mr.. Blount followed his instructions
to the letter. He waited until the eX-
citement incident to his arrival had
completely died out and affairs
We're in tranquil state before
making known that the protec.
torate was at an end. He also made
it known at the same time that
the United States would still consider
Hawaii and the Hawaiians under its
guardianship so far as outside interfer
ence was concerned, and in this also
showed the caution which Mr.. Cleve
land and Secretary Gresham had i'm
pressed on him to deprive the announce
ment of any tinge of sensationalism.
1t is contended, in view of the state.
ments from President Dole, that the
provisional government could main
tain and protect itself against assault
from within; that the necessity
for the presence of United States
marines on shore and the fly
ing of the United States flag ha:
passed. Therefore, it is argued, Mr.
Blount was correct in ordering the ma
rines to the boats and the flag to b'
hauled down, especially if the presence
of the flag over the government build
ing in Honolulu, as is stated, tended t,
impede diplomatic relations between