The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1893-11-25
ELKTON. NOVEMBER 25, 1898.
MIR, BLOUNT's REPORT.

When Mr.. Blount was sent to HAWAII
for the ostensible purpose of ascertain
ing why the du sky and licentious
queen of those Islands was dethroned,
the public was not taken into the
confidence OF the Administration at
Washington, as to the definite character
of his instructions.
From sources close to the President
and Secretary of State, however, it was
soon learned that he had gone to find
evidence against ex-Minister Stevens
and the previous administration. The
mystery with which his mission was
shrouded, like that which enveloped
his return, was aptly calculated to catch
the unwary. Men who look only
upon the surface of things felt that
nothing less than a great national
scandal of some kind could possibly
need such secrecy, and the official re-
port of the Commissioner was awaited
with feverish interest. On that report,
it was felt, the subject would finally
turn, and this feeling was in part cor.
rect. On Blount's report the Hawaiian
question has turned-against the
administration.
Wading through the mass of detail
with which his assertions are enveloped
we find the essence of the Commiss-
toner's report. 1t can be briefly gwen.
But for the American Minister, says
Mr.. Blount substantially, there would
have been no mass meeting of citizens
bent on overturning the monarchy
but for the presence of American
marines the overt act of revolution
would not have been committed. We
come here to question of veracity
between the two men, one of whom at
what we claim was an opportune
moment unfurled the flag of his republic
over territory which may yet become
the key to peace on the Pacific the
other hauled down that flag amid the
acclaim of royalists. The first was
then on the spot the accredited repre-
sentative or a nation with no instruct
ons, SAVE, 10 guard that nations
interests. The second was a special
advocate, a testimony seeking peri
patetic, hired detective with orders to
work up case. Both acted under
their instructions, and the public must
judge between them.
1t is high tribute to the patriotism
of many American people that their
conclusion on this issue was reached
long ago and that it is adverse to the
administration. For days the apologists
of the latter have been frantically
pleading that politics should stop at
the oceans edge. The sentiment was
theoretically beautiful; but it was no
less grossly inconsis tent, since Blount
sr would have been commissioned
- 60 to Honolulu and hunt for evid-
ace against previous administration
n President observed the Gus
III is now invoked in his behalf
fiction of the people will not
d in any vital respect by
which Mr.. Blount has
His special pleading is cor
IS gagged. Put forth at this time
because the wave of disapproval of
Secretary Gresham's report was bear
ing everything before it, it leaves
untouched the fact that the American
Minister was not at Honolulu when the
revolution was being forced by the
conduct of the Queen and that the
marines took no part in the proceedings
except to stand guard over American
property and life.
1t has been apparent that what the
administration sought was not abstract
justice for licentious and unpopular
Queen so much as chance to arraign
the policy of the last administration.
With faulty which it is hard to
credit, it passed by the errors which
President Harrison actually made and
seized upon an act which ninetenths of
the people approve. Public interest
will now centre in the course yet to be
pursued rather than in what has been
done. That cannot be changed by any
popular act. After this report, how
ever, the administration Of this great
republic must direct its force to the
rehabilition OF rotten monarchy or
back down ANONYMOUSLY and cover
itself with deserved contempt. The
first will lead to proceedings which may
yet terminate IN impeachment. The
second can end in nothing but public
derision or scorn.