The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1893-04-14
AMERICAN FLAG HAULED DOWN
United States Forces Sent Aboard the
Boston at Honolulu.
INDIGNATION AMONG AMERICANS
Commissions. Blount Holds Secret Con-
ference with President Dole and
Ministers.
Associated Press.

Associated Press.
Honolulu, April 6.-The Stars and
Stripes, which for two months have
fioated from the government building
have been hauled down, and the re-
naming forces from the United States
cruiser Boston, have been sent aboard.
Nothing indicative of American author
ity remains in Honolulu save Minister
Stevens and Commissioner James II.
Blount, of Georgia, the latter of whom
sits in his easy chair at his cottage at
the Hawaiian Hotel, cogitation on no
one knows what Probably no more
distasteful task ever fell to the lot of
gallant American seaman than was
imposed upon Lieutenant Draper of the
United States Marine Corps of the Bos-
ton, who has been stationed at the
government house since the provisional
government assumed power, when on
April 1st, in the presence of a crowd
numbering probably two thousand per-
sons, he blew the notes of retreat from
his bugle and "Old Glory" sank from
sight Of the throng and was replaced
by the hybrid colors which still remains
the flag of this land. The report that
Commissioner Blount would order the
American flag down and the protecto-
rate abolished got abroad on the night
of March 31st, preceding the day of the
occurrence, but did not become gener-
al. 1t created at first among the Amer
lean party a feeling of CONSERVATION
not altogether unmixed with indigna>
ton. This was due to the fact perhaps,
that Blount has maintained a Chinese
wall about the purposes of his mission
here and has satisfied neither side as to
whether he came as minister to re-
gotiate or an envoy to investigate in a
matter of vital Importance to them. On
the afternoon of March 31st, the COM
missioner held a long and secret confer
ence President Dole and his ministry,
at which he notified them of his inten-
tion to declare off, the protectorate es-
tablished by Minister Stevens on Feb
ruary 1st.
1t is understood that he gave as a
reason therefor that the Washington
did not regard pro-
tectorate as necessary, and further that
it was incompatible with any diplomat
ic negotiations that might be arranged |
between the two countries. The United
States, however, would brook no inter-
ference in Hawaiian affairs by any for
eign power.
After the ceremony OF hauling down
the Stars and Stripes and hoisting the
Hawaiian flag, some of the Mohican's
officers said as they turned slowly
away, that while the withdrawal of the
flag might be the proper thing in in
law, they personally felt
as though I'VE had no right to be here"
and witness the act. AS the crowd dis
Lersed from the palace square 1t was
remarked by many of the whites with
that no demonstrations OF
any kind had been made when the
Hawaiian flag was raised, beyond the
present arms of the provisional
troops. It was afterwards ascertained
hat the queen had requested some of
her people to instruct the natives to
make no demonstration or outburst on
he occasion. Commissioner Blount re-
mains good deal as an American
sphynx to a majority of the people
lere. He is a good questioner but Is
lot so ready at imparting information.
About the only information had of him
lere is contained in the letter of Pres
dent Cleveland to President Dole, dat
d March 18th, in which Cleveland says
'I have made choiCe of James H.
3lount, one OF our distinguished citi-
ems as my special commissioner to
isit the Hawaiian Islands and make
report to me concerning the present
tatus of affairs in that country. He is
yell informed of our sincere desire to
ultivate and maintain to the fullest
xtent this friendship which has so
JnS eXlSteu DelWSen IhS lWo SouhHiSS
nd in all matters affecting our rela-
ions with the government Of the Haw-
iian Islands his authority is para
loun.' IA
President Dole said he was satisfied
Ir. Blount was proceeding in a proper
manner and he would regard as hurtful
0 Hawaiian interest to have the ques- /
lon made a partisan political one in
he United States. The provisional gov I
rnment was strong enough to main
hin itself against any internal disturb =
nee. The chief danger to be apprehend- !
here is Japanese interference either !
/ behalf or at the application of Jap :
nese subjects or the Hawaiians them I
elves.
DISCUSSING MINISTER EGAN.