The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-03-29
THE RUSH ARRIVES.
AND BRINGS COMMISSIONER
BLoUNT AND SUITE.
Honolulu Has an Eruption of Flags and
Badges -Preparation for Public
Reception.

At o:I5 this morning the telephones
announced a United States steamer off
Coco Head, which was believed by
the lookout to the Revenue cutter
Rush. The news spread like wildire
in an August clearing and in a few
moments there was flame Of excite
ment throughout the business streets,
BY halfpast nine o'clock Fort and
Merchant streets presented lively
scene, and the Annexation Clubs head
quarters became the local center where
information was sought. The Clubs
telephone was in constant use and kept
Secretary Jones busy replying to such
questions as "Is that the Rush ?" care
the Commissioners coming ?" "Has
the Rush passed Diamond2" and
hundred other eager interrogations.
The news of the cutters arrival
caused the principal streets to assume
a gala appearance long before ten
o'clock, and glance along Fort street
showed that almost every business
house was flying the stars and stripes
from poles and windows, while many
of the stores were speedily covered
with the bunting and small flags until
it seemed as if the Fourth of July had
Unexpectedly arrived.
Jack Lucas was the first citizen to
throw the American flag to the breeze
and before halfpast nine it was
floating over the Honolulu Planning
Mill on Fort street. /" L couldn't
resist" said Jack to STAR. reporter,
"when l heard the Rush was coming
and l got her up first, you bet "
1t was nearly II o'clock when the
Rush entered the channel. A crowd
had already gathered on the wharves
along the water front, and annexation
badges were as thick as blackberres
among the throng. Shortly before the
Rush entered the harbor, deputation
of about fifty members of the womens
branch of the Hawaiian Patriotic
League, marched down Fort street and
took up their station on the Inter
Island wharf They carried, alter
nately, American and Hawaiian flags
and large Hawaiian banner, trimmed
with male was borne at the head of
the procession, which was under the
charge and direction Of Mrs. George
Beckley. 1t was the intention of the
deputation to meet and welcome the
Commission as soon as they landed,
and much disappointment was felt
when it was learned they would be a
delay in landing.
Eager faces scanned the vessel from
the wharves as she came to anchor
and swung around into naval row be-
tween the U. S. S. BostC2 and the
Naniwa. Many attempted to recog-
nize and locate Admiral Brown or Gen
eral Schofeld, who we're expected to
be of the Commission, but the at
tempt failed as it was soon learned
that neither of these gentlemen we're
aboard.
Arrangements had previously been
made by the Executive Committee of the
Annexation Club for the occasion and a
Reception Committee had been ap
pointed, consisting of General Alfred
S. Hartwell, Prof. M. M. Scott and DR.
John S. McGrew.
The committee went on board the
Mohican about ten o'clock, with the
American Minister, Hon. John l.
Stevens; and by Admiral Skenett''
kind permission were taken in his
steam launch, accompanied by hi
aide, Lieut.. Fox, on board the Rush
almost as soon as she dropped hel
anchor.
1t was at once learned that Colone
Blount, of Georgia, lately chairman o
the House Committee on Foreign
Affairs, was on board as the sole
Commissioner from the United States
accompanied by Mrs. Blount and b,
his private secretary, Ellis Mills.
Commissioner Blount informed thu
American Minister of his desire t
proceed quietly to hotel and t
receive no demonstrations. Upol
being informed by the r ception Com
mittee that they were authorized to Sc,
that everything was done which coulc
be performed for the comfort anC
pleasure of the Commissioner and hi
party, and that the Wilder mansion
was placed at their disposal, they wer
informed by the Commissioner tina
while he desired to express his yer
siAcere thanks for the attentions offere'
and already shown, he would first g
to a hotel, and after short res
which both he and Mrs. Blount wer
greatly in need of he would be please
to meet the Reception Committe
either this afternoon or tomorrow
The Reception Committee after a
introduction to Mrs. Blount, and FEY
moments of agreeable conversation wit
that lady, shook hand with the Con
missioner and came ashore.
Colonel Blount of Georgia is fin
looking Southern gentleman of the oil
school and does not look to be owe
fifty years of age, although his hair
almost white. He is about five fee
nine or ten inches in height, straight a
an arrow, with his hair cropped clos