The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-05-05
SOME PUBLIC OPINION.
ECHOES FROM THE EVENT OF
APRIL Ist.
Party Feeling Runs High in the Eastern
States Extracts from the
New York Press.

ing the lowering of the American flag
by Commissioner Blount, attracted
wider attention and more general in
terest in Washington than any previous
news from Hawaii since January last,
when the islanders took the first def
mite steps looking to Annexation.
Until the news received to day the
public only knew that the flag which
had been hoisted over the Government
House by Minister Stevens during the
closing days of the Harrison admins
tration had been hauled down by the
navy and the new President In the
brief dispatch from Commissioner
Biount, making the announcement of
his action, no details were given, and
nothing was said about the effects Of
the new policy upon the efforts of the
residents to secure annexation.
A copy of the New York SIN, also
containing the dispatch found its way
early to the Presidents office table this
morning, and Secretary Gresham read
every word while taking lunch. The
interesting account of Hawaiian affairs
was eagerly discussed in the clubs, the
hotel corridors and in private homes
Excepting for Commissioner Blounts
dispatch to the Secretary of State,
tersely informing him that he had
hauled down the American flag that
had been hoisted by the representatives
of the Republican administration, the
Government has had no information
from Honolulu until this morning,
when the dispatches referred to gave
everything that had taken place-the
petition of the Japanese residents to
their Government, setting forth the
importance of protecting Japan's in
terests on the islands and contesting
with the United States the right of
possession; dissatisfaction of a portion
of the annexationists with us; conduct
of Queen Liliuokalani, who is pros.
pectlve pensoner of the United States
Government; the approaching visit of
Claus Spreckels to the islands to use
his influence against annexation, and
the daily life and official habits of
Commissioner Blount all told SO in
terestingly and fully as to afford the
public and the officials of the admins
tration correct idea of the situation
at the islands and the feeling of the
residents with regard to recent events
and the general question of anneXa-
ton.
To the minds Of some public men
ha nf
what has long been thought by many
to be true-that President Cleveland
is opposed to annexation, and means
not only to have Commissioner Blount
study the situation and make full re-
port, but to kill outright the treaty
which was Withdrawn from the Senate.
This inference is not endorsed, how,
ever, by anyone in a position to speak
for the administration. OF one fact,
though, there can be no doubt, this is
that those who criticise the action Of
Commissioner Blount in taking down
the flag hoisted by Minister Stevens
are largely in majority
The Republicans as a single man
speak in the most bitter terms of this,
the first important diplomatic action Of
the Democratic administration, anc
while the Democrats as a rule do moi
care to go on record as CritiCising the
President, many of them say privately
that they regard the act by Commits
sioner Blount as most unpopular anc
hurtful to American patriotism, Amer
lean diplomacy and American interests
A large number of prominent Demo
Gratis, however commend the course O
the President as one of prudence anC
wisdom. All classes, however, Repub
licans, Democrats, Mugwumps, public
officials, and private citizens join il
commentator of the enterprise which
laid before the world a full, truthful
interesting, and exclusive account o
events as they have transpired in Hawai-
up to and including April 9.
Senator Plat, of Connecticut, who
was the Chairman of the Committee or
Territories until its reorganization o
the Senate Committee, thinks Pres
ident Cleveland and Commissioner
Blount have exceeded their legal au
thority. The Senator says he has look
ed through the statues in vain to fine
the act which warrants the President il
sending Mr.. Bount to Hawaii withou
first obtaining the consent of the Senate
II understand" continued the Sen
ator, that Mr.. Blount is empowered t
treat with the authorities at Hawaii
and his decision in all matters relating
TO the questions involved shall be para
mount This is an extraordinary pro
ceeding, in view of the fact that there
is no record of Minister Stevens recall
1t seems to me unusual that Mr.. Boun
should be given commission and cloth
ed with absolutely authority to dea
with such an important subject withou
giving the Senate an opportunity t
pass upon his appointment
st seems that the proper way t
have proceeded would have been t,
recall Minister Stevens and appoint Mr.
Blount in his place. In that case tn,
Senate would have the constitutional
right to pass upon his nomination. !
seems that Mr. Blount was sent It
Hawaii independent of all precedent
and without the sanction of the law,