The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1893-04-19
THE FLAG HAULED DOWN.
AMERICAN PROTECTORATE OVER HA-
WA1I ISLANDS DECLARED OFF.
Mr.. Blount Sees No Necessity for 1t and
Orders the Marines Back to the
ser-Representatives Of All
Elements Gre Active.
[Corre spondence Associated Press. :

and stripes, which for two months
floated from the government. building
were hauled down on April 6, and the
forces from the United States cruiser
Boston sent aboard. Nothing indica-
tive of American authority remains in
Honolulu save Minister Evans and
Commissioner James II. Blount of
Georgia, On April l, in the presence
of crowd numbering probably 1000
persons, Lieutenant Draper, marine
officer of the Boston, blew notes of re-
treat from the bugie and "Old Glory"
sank from sight of the throng and
was replaced by the colors of the
Hawaiian monarchy, which still re-
mains the flag on this island.
Mr.. Blount has maintained a Chi.
nese wall about the purpose of his
mission here and will satisfy neither
side as to whether he came to inveOti-
gate or to minister in a matter of vital
importance to thom. On the afternoon
f March 81 the commissioner held q
lengthy secret conference with Presi-
dent Dale and his ministry, at which
he notified them of his intention to
declare off the protectorate established
by Minister Stevens on Feb. l, Ii is
understood that he gave as his reason
there that the Washington admins
tration did not regard the protectorate
as necessary, and further that it was
Incompatible with any diplomatic
negotiations that might be arranged
between the two countries. This I'M
looked for action of the American COM.
mission it was at first feared would
have the effect of making the natives
openly arrogant and hostile. This
subsequently proved unfounded.
Commissioner BlOunt is good ques-
toner, but is not ready to impart in
formation. About the only public
knowledge had of him here is con-
tanned in the letter of the president to
President Dole of date March II, in
which Cleveland says: ~ have made
q choice of Hon. James III. Blount, one
of our distinguished citizens, as my
special commissioner to visit the Ha-
waiian islands and make report to
me concerning the present status of
affairs in that country. He is well in
formed of our sincese desire to Guilt
vate and maintain to it's fullest extent
the friendship which has so long ex-
listed between the two countries, and
in all matters affecting the relations
with the government of the Hawaiian
islands has full authority. My
knowledge of his high char
acter and ability gives me
entire confidence that he
will use every endeavor to advance
the interests and prosperity of both
governments and render himself ac-
ceptable to your eycellency."
The royalty, in view of Mr.. Blount's
first official act, which was unaccom-
panied by any word of explanation, is
greatly encouraged. 1t is known that
Minister Stevens was not informed OF
the commissioners intention to lower
the flag, and the provisional govern
ment had less than twenty-four hours
notice. Members of the provisional
government called on Mr.. Blount on
April 3, returning his official visit OF
March 80, when he was introduced by
Minister Stevens and presented
his credential The conference
at Mr.. Bount's cottage lasted
over an hour. Attorney General
Smith, speaking of it, said that while
the commissioner gave them no direct
assurances of any kind beyond that
the United States would allow no
foreign interference here, the govern
ment was well pleased with the man
ner of the commissioner and did not
think their interests would suffer at
| his hands.
The chief danger apprehended here
is japanese interference either in be-
halt of or at the application of Japa.
nese subjects or the Hawaiians thenA-
selves. Honolulu, always town OF
rumOrs, was started the same night
on which the proposed hauling down
of the stars aud stripes became known
| by report that the queen feared such
action and would apply to the captain
of the Japanese cruiser NOnOla for pro-
lection against the provisional gov
ernmenG and assistance to restore her
to her throne. Minister Stevens, Com.
missioner BlOunt and Admiral Ster-
rett consulted over the matter, and it
is stated, agreed that Japenese inter
ference would be an act of hostility TO
the United States, and American in-
terests demand that such be repealed.
No hostile demonstration, however,
has been made by any party up to
this writing.
So many rumors have been circu-
lated regarding the intention of the
Mikado's requisition that officers of
cruiser and counsel have been led to
make deniais of reports. Officers OF
the Japenese cruiser called on Admir-
al Sterrett a few days ago and assur'
red him that no hostile
intentions were entertained
The admiral responded good
naturally but dryly inviting the at
tenton of his visitors to the Official
data containing comparative state
ment of guns of the NOnola and the
Boston, nonchalently remarking, as
was said by another naval officer OF
some similar occasion, that "tht
United States was making some of the
best guns in the world"
The consul in newspaper interview
denied that he received communica
ton from Commissioner BlOunt re
garding the attitude of the United
States, and claimed that there was II