The morning call., 1893-04-15
HAD HIS ORDERS.
Blount Obeyed Cleveland's
Instructions
To HAUL DOWN THE FLAG.
The Envoy of the President Knew
That Was What He Was Sent
Out For.
Special to THE MORNING CALL.

WASHINGTON, April 1.-THE startling
news from Honolulu via San Francisco OF
the hauling down OF the United States flag.
it Is saic, was the subject of animated dis
cussion at the Cabinet meeting to-day.
Before going into the Cabinet room Secre-
tary Gresham said to reporter that lie had
received no information whatever aside
from that printed in the papers. When
questioned further as 10 the truth of the
statements contained in the special dis
patches to the Western newspapers that
Blount was cOnniving at the restoration of
Queen LiliuOkalani, and would support her
return TO the throne, if need be, by the
United States steamer Boston. he said he
knew nothing about 1t and declined to ex-
press any opinion upon the subject.
In regard to the hauling down of the
American flag, attention is called to these
passages in the instructions issued under
the preVlons administration by Secretary
Foster to Minister Stevens under date of
February IL. 1898:
The phraseOiogy of your proclamation in
announcing your action In the assumption of
the protection of the Hawaiian Islands in
the name of the United States would ap-
pear to be tantamOunt to the assumption OF
a prOtectorate over those Islands. in behalf
OF the United States, with all the rights and
obligations which the term implies.
ITO this extent it goes beyond the neces-
stiles of the situation and the instructions
heretofore given you. So far as your action
amounts to according, ct the request of the
de facto sovereign Government of the Ha-
waian Islands, the cooperation Of the moral
aud material forces of the United States
for the protection OF life and property from
apprehended disorders. your action is com
mended. but so far as it may appear 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 to impair in
any way the independent sovereignty of
the Hawaiian Government by substituting
the flag and power of the United States as
a symbol and manifestation of paramount
authority, 1t is disavowed."
There was diplomatic retIcence around
the White House concerning the nature of
the instructions given Commissioner Blount
in his mission to Hawaii, but it is stated
with some postiyeness that he was given
authority for hauling down the stars and
stripes Mt Honolulu prior to his departure
from Washington. II is understood that
Blount was given definite instructions to
withdraw the protectorate of the United
States over Hawaii in order that this Gov
eminent might find itself freer in dealing
with the main question Of annexation. but
on the day of his departure for San Fran
cisco he was cautioned to cOntide this in
formation TO no person whatever, in order
that the motives aud intentions of the ad-
mnistratiOn might not be construed so as
to cause trouble among the Hawaiians.
On the afternoon OF his departure from
Washington for San Francisco Blount spent
some time at the White House. The Cabi-
net was in session and 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 leaked out before he was thousand
miles from Washington, and the news was
telegraphed to San Francisco. where Bush.
Queen Llliuokalanfs agent, learned it and
started Immediately for Honolulu. So
when Blount arrived at his destin alton the
knowledge OF his business had preceded
him.
It was not the Intention 10 keep secret
what that business was. with the exception
Of the fact that the commissioner had the
authority to declare the protectorate at an
end. The exception was guarded carefully
by Biount for the reason, given. it is said,
by the President. that If the fact that the
American flag would be hauled down be-
came known it might create trouble ard
blOodsbed, and also offer temptation to for
elgD nations to step In and secure the prize
before the United States could offer an
adequate explanation for its course.
BlOunt followed his instructions to the
lpftpF a xvoita1 n n ba oif
eident to his arrival had completely died out
and affairs were in tranquil state before
making known the protectorate was at an
end. De also made 1t known at a safe time
that the United States would still consider
Hawaii and the Hawaians under its
guardianship, as far as outside interference
was concerned, and in this also showed the
caution which Cleveland and Gresham had
Impressed on him 10 deprive the announce
ment of any tinge Of sensatonallsm. These
are said to be the facts in the matter with
referen ce to the instructions of Bount
Congressman Springer was White House
caller this morning, and before he left the
mansion he said that Mr.. Blounts action in
hauling down the American flag at Homo
lulu was in accordance with instructions.
and was undoubtedly the proper thing to do
under the circumstances. He said that if
this Government desires to treat with Ha-
wall on the plane of equality the first step
would be to remove the protectorate. Pres
dent Harrison's administration had disa-
avowed the protectorate. and the present
administration simply carries the disayowal
into effect.
Congressman Stevens of Massachusetts,
was one OF the callers at the White House
this morning, and he was asked what he
thought Of Mr.. Blounts action In hauling
down the flag.
''At first blush 1t seemed like step back
ward" he replied. but upon thinking It
over it would seem to be the proper thing
if we are to negotiate with the Hawaiians
for annexation. You don't want TO tie a
man hand and foot and then negotiate with
him, but let him be free to move II you are
treating on fair basis"
HIS MIND MADE up.
Is Cleveland Determined to Defeat
Annexation?