The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-15
HAWAIIAN IMBR0GLIO.
DTPLOMATIC RETICFNCE OBsERV-
ED By THE AUTHORITIES.
The Matter Before the Cabinet-Comm mis-
sioner Blount's sInstructions-Tho
japanese Incident.

| startling news from Honolulu via San
Francisco Of the hauling down Of the
| United States flag, it is said, was the
subject of animated discussion at the
Cabinet meeting to-day. Before going
into the Cabinet room Secretary Gresham
said TO a reporter that he had received
no information whatever aside from that
further as to the truth of the statements
contained In special dispatches to West
| ern newspapers that Mr.. Blount was con-
| niving at the restoration Of Queen Liliuo-
kalani. and would support her return 10
| the throne, if need be- by the forces of
| the United States ship Boston, he said he
| knew nothing about IT, and declined 10
express any opinion upon the subject.
In regard to the hauling down of the
| United States hag attention is called to
| these passages in the instructions issued
under the previous administration by Sec
| retary John w. Foster to Minister Ste
| Vens under date of February H. 1893:
"The phraseology Of your proclamation
In announcing your action in the assump-
tion Of protection of the Hawaiian Islands
| in the name Of the United States would
appear to be tantamount TO the assump-
tion OF a prOtectOrate over those islands
In behalf Of the United States, with all
the rights and Obligations which the
term implies. To this extent it goes be-
yOnd the necessities Of the situation and
the instructions heretofore given you.
SO far as your action amounts
TO, according 10 the request of the de factO
sovereign Government Of the Hawaiian
Islands. the cooperation of the moral
and material forces Of the United States
for the protection of life and property
from apprehended disorders. your action
is commended But so far as it may ap-
pear 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 capacity
Of protector, or 10 impair in any way
the Independent sovereignty Of the
Hawaiian Government by substituting
the flag and power of the United States
as the symbol and manifestation Of para
mount authority, it is dsavOwed."
IL is cOntended In view Of the state
monts from President Dole that the pro-
viSiOnal government could maintain and
protect itself against assault from with
in. the necessity for the presence Of Uni
ted States marines on shore and the
flying Of the United States flag has passed.
Therefore II is urged. Mr.. BlouNt was
correct in ordering the marines to their
boats and the flag TO be hauled down,
especially if the presence Of the flag over
the Government building in Honolulu.
as stated tended to impede diplomatic
relations between the two countries and
10 embarrass negotiations
Mr.. Charles L. Carter. one Of the Ha-
wdiian annexation commissioners, was
seen at his hotel by a reporter and asked
If he had any news. He replied in the
negative hut stated that he fully ex-
pected 10 hear something in the course
of the day.
Speaking Of the lowering Of the United
States flag by Mr.. Bounts order. Mr..
Carter said: II do not think IT means a
reversal Of the policy Of the Government
as expressed by the late administration.
Secretary Fosters attitude was salts
factory TO the annexatiOnists. and he
promptly disavowed the proteCtorate.
The force of marines was posted on duty
in response to the request of the provis-
ional government TO project persons and
property against assaults and danger
from the natives. The necessity for this
has passed; the annexation movement
has gained strength end numbers. and
President Dole has announced that ii was
able to MAINTAIN itself, if not assailed
from without. Therefore the forces Of
the United States were no longer essen
tial, and with their removal, OF course.
the flag came down. What we regret
is that events have made II necessary 10
pursue that course. What We had hoped.
when it once was hoisted. that annexa-
ton would be accomplished, and that it
might never again be hauled down"
No advices from Honolulu have been re-
ccived at the Navy Department. Officers
on duty there are disappointed and speak
with reluctance about the matter. Navy
officers. as a rule, are strongly in favor
of annexing these islands. and are in
clined 10 consider the bringing TO an end
of lhe protectorate a step backward.
Mr.. Blount Given the Authority.
WASHINGTON, April H.-There is
Diplomatic retcence around the White
House concerning the nature Of the in
structions given Commissioner Biount IN
his mission 10 Hawaii, but II is stated with
some positveness that he was given
authority for hauling down the Stars
and Stripes at Honolulu prior 10 his de-
partlre from Washington. 1t is under
stood that Mr.. Blount was given definite
instructions 10 withdraw the protecto-
rate of the United States over Hawaii
in order that this Government might find
itself free in dealing with the main ques-
tion of annexation. but on the day OF his
departure for San francisco he was eau
toned TO confide this information TO no
persons whatsoever. in order that the
motives and intentions Of the hdministra-
ton might not be construed so as TO
cause trouble among the Hawaiians.
on the afternoon of his departure from
Washington for San Francisco. Mr.. Blount |
spent some time at the White House.
The Cabinet was in session, ana Mr..
Blount was called in and discussed with |
the President and his official family the |
manner Of his course TO be pursued in |
Hawaii. He left for San Francisco that |
night. but the nature Of his mission leak
ed ont before he was a thousand miles |
from Washington, and &c news was |
telegraphed 10 San Francisco. where Mr. |
Bush. Queen Lilioukalani's agent learned |
II and started Immediately for Honolulu. |
SO when Mr.. B1ount arrived at his desti- |
nation the knowledge of his business |
had preceded him. 1t was not the inten-
ton to keep secret what that business |
was. with the exception Of the fact that /
the commission had authority to declare
the protectorate at an end.
This exception was guarded carefully |
by Mr.. Rlount for the reason, given. II |
is said. by the President. that If the fact |
that the American flag was 10 be hauled |
down became known il might create trou-
bic and bloodshed. and also offer tempta-
ton to the foreign nations to step in and |
secure the prize before the United States
could offer adequate explanation for its |
course. Mr.. RlOunt followed his instruc-
tions TO the letter. He waited until the |
excitement incident to his arrival had
completely subsided and affairs were in