The morning call., 1893-03-21


The offer was Kindly accepted BY the Com
missioner, ard the party moved out 10 the
front of the ferry-house.
Here an amusing incident occurred which
showed the independence and unconven-
tional character of the distinguished gentle
man.
a line Of hacks and hotel cabs was drawn
up by the side of the entrance, and their
drivers were industriouSly crying their
hOuses and soliciting patronage.
As the commissioner and his party ap-
preached, an ambitious runner broke from
the line, and running up to the colonel
asked If he would have carriage.
How far is il to the Chief Wharfnger's
office ?" was asked.
Half a mile" replied the hardy driver.
though as a matter Of fact the office was
within stones throw.
VERY we'll" says the commissioner, I'VE
will foot it."
Al the Wharinger's office the party was
received BIZ Chief Wharfnger BOobar and
Assistant Nharfnger Putnam. Colonel
Blount sent for the dispatches and tele-
grams awaiting him. and looked over their
contents with much eagerness.
a number Of newspaper representatives
were presented to the commissioner, who
received them kindly, adding that he had
many friends among newspaper people in
the East.
With regard to his mission little informa-
ton could be obtained, as the commission
IS secret one. and Mr.. Bount was not at
liberty 10 dIvulge its character.
DE said he would probably be absent from
Washington about three months. During
most OF that time he Will cruise about the
Islands in the Rush. which will be at his
disposal until the mission is accomplished.
This IS Mr.. BlOunPs FIRST trip to Hawaii,
and he looks forward to much pleasure in
connection vita the work of investigations
His wife will accompany him throughout
MS stay, as VIII also the StenOgrapher. Mr..
Mills is not Colonel Blount's private secre-
tarr, but Govern nent official specially
detailed to this work.
While Mr. Biount IS opposed TO any other
country but the United States having Sill
premaey In Hawaii he is also opposed to
annexation When Congress was in SEES
sion and the Harrison treaty was lefore the
Senate Mr.. blOunt was asked his opinion of
the matter. Along with a great number OF
his Democratic colleagues he was diametr-
cRlly opposed TO the United States embrOi-
ing Itself IN a distinctly foreign territory.
HIS utterances were brief, owing to his DO
sItlOn as chairman of the Con- mittee on
Foreign -AfaiIs, but they were none the less
pointed. Mr.. Blount thought that the policy
of the United States should be against the
eDcroachmsQt OF any foreign power, but
be was ofNtle opinion that the United
States had quite enough TO do IN properly
governing tue territory now under the stars
and stripes.
The commissioner severed his connection
with Congress and, he had hoped, with
public life as well, when the last House ad-
Journed. At that time he had been in con-
unuous service for more than twenty years.
DuTlng his lie at W Washington be was in
tlmaieiy associated with such men as Grant
Sherman, Sheridan and Blaine. OF all the
puollc men he ever knew be counted Mr.
Blaine the most wonderful.
Colonel Blounts first chairmans ship was
that OF the Committee on Manufactures It
was given him by Blaine, who was then
Speaker Of tue House. Then followed the
Craftsmanship OF the COMMITTEES on Appro-
prlations at the head Of which Mr. Blount
remained for SIX years.
At the end Of that time he was made
chairman Of the Committee on Foreign Re-
latlons, retaining that post for ten years
when denomination was rendered Mr.
blonnt at the last election he positively re-
fused 1t, wishing TO enjoy a well-earned
rest from public service.
de lett Washington when the House ad-
louTned and returned to his old home In
Macon, Ga. On the Friday following
President Cleyeland's accession a dispatch
was received from the Executive mansion
recalling the Georgian TO Washington,
MI. Cleveland received him at the Waite
House and laid before him his plans for
journey to Hawaii. On the next Tuesday
M. Blount started and has come this far on
bis way.
After delay of an hour at the Wharf
myers Office the revenue launch Hartley
was announced to be IN waiting to convey
the party TO the Rush.
a crowd collected at the wharf to see
them off, and amid much waving Of hand
kercdleis the little boat slipped her moor
iDgs and shot out into the stream.
AT the Rush, Lieutenant j. G. CantweU.
ofheer OF the deck. received them. They
were taken over The graceful little vessel.
anu SHOWN the quarters that had been pre-
pared Tor them. These were daintiIv ar
ranged IN parple and fine linen, as it were.
them. "''"
de was shown the saloon and smoking
apartment, and told that they were entirelY
al his service 'Thank you. Thank Won"
he said jOyfully; I'VE shall do famousIy.
know"
Captain Hooper, who had been delaved
on business uptown, arrived at this time,
ana assuming command, the Rush at once
presented lively scene. Friends made
tnelr adleuX second time aud returned to
the launch, and at fifteen minutes mast
her mission. ' vi
IL Is expected that the Islands will be
reached in eight days.