Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-21
IN CONGRESS TODAY.
Mr.. Boutelle Wants to Know Why
Mr.. Blount Was Given Authority
TO ISSUE ORDERS TO TIE HAVY.
A Lively Little Episode in the
House Today.
MATTERS IN THE SENATE:

MATTERS IN THE SEN ATE.
The last legislative day OF 1893 opened
with a very slim attendance on the floor.
The democratic side looked particularly
desolate. but the republican side was very
little better. 1t seemed that many of the
members. anticipating the recess Of Con-
gress today and not expecting that any i'm
portant business would come up. had slipped
quietly away to their homes in advance OF
the formal recess. The galleries also wore
deserted appearance Immediately after
the reading Of yesterdays journal. Mr..
Foutelle Me) arose and asked immediate
consideration for a privileged resolution
which he sent to the desk to be read
Mr. Blount and the Navy.
1t was as follows: Whereas, It appears
by certain papers transmitted by the Pres
ident in response to a resolution Of the
House that the Secretary of the Navy. on
the l1th day OF March. 1898. issued instruc-
! tion to the admiral commanding the naval
forces of the Unite, States at the Hawaiian
Islands to hold and employ such armed ma
val forces subject to the orders Of one Jas.
II. Blount, said instructions containing the
following words: You will consult freely
with Mr.. Blount and will obey any instruc-
tions you may receive from him regarding
| the course to be pursued at said islands by
| the force under your command.
And, whereas 1t appears by the same pa
pers that said Blount did assume to exer-
! else military command over such armed ma
val forces OF the United States, on the Slst
day of March. 1888. by issuing the follow
| ing orders: Haul down the United States
ensign" and Ito embark the troops OF
the United States" to wit:
HONOLULU, March 81 1898.
Sir-You are directed to haul down the
Cd rof fror sf.
| building, anc TO embark the troops now on
shore to the ships TO which they belong.
This will be executed at IL O'Clock on the
first day Of April
am, sir, YOUR obedient servant
JAS. H BLOUNT,
Special Commissioner Of the United
States.
And. whereas 1t appears by the papers re-
ferred TO that the said admiral command
ing the United States naval forces on the
Pacific station. acting under said instruc-
tions. did obey the military orders Of said
Blount by lowering the United States en-
sign and moving the armed forces of the
United States, in obedience TO his (said
Blountsl directions. as is shown by the fol-
lowing official communication:
u. s. MOHICAN. FLAGSHIP OF THE
PACIFIC,
HONOLULU, HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
April 4, lsB.
Sir: have the honor to inform Special
Commissioner Blount that in obedience to
his directions the United States ensign over
the government building was lowered at IL
a. m OF this date, and the force withdra wn
from the building and the place designated
at Camp Boston at the same hour. 1 learn
that quite a number of people congregated
about the government building at the time
The force Of marines stationed there were
relieved by force of the provisional gov
ernment. There was no demonstration made
by the populace present. No cheering. nor
any other signs of either joy or grief
i went on shore this afternoon and saw
quite an access in numbers OF those who
were wearing the annexation club badge
There has been no evidence shown OF un-
ruly or riotous characters. Absolutely there
appears to be peace and quiet
Very respectfully. your obedient servant.
J. s. SKERRETT.
Rear Admiral, United States Navy, Com
manding United States Naval Forces.
i Pacific Station.
Blount Had No Military Status.
And. whereas it does not appear that
said Blount, at the time of the issuance OF
said instructions by the Secretary OF the
Navy, or at the time of said Blount's is
suance of said military orders to the COM
mander OF the armed naval forces Of the
United States to haul down the United
States ensign" and to embark the troops"
of the United States. or at the time of the
execution Of said order held any military
rank or authority officer of the navy
Of the United States. or that he held any
constitutional authority by appointment or
commission by and with the advice and
| consent of the Senate" by virtue OF which
! he could lawfully assume command OF the
: armed forces of the United States. or order
{ its ensign hauled down. from the place
where IL had been raised for the protec-
| ton of the United States legation and the
Crited States consulate, and 10 secure the
: safety Of American life and property; there
fore:
Why Was He Given Such Authority
Resolved. That the Secretary OF the Navy
ha nj h. xe
House Of Representatives by what authori-
ty Instructions were issued placing the
armed forces Of the United States and the
, use Of its ensign under the orders and con-
troll OF said Blount; and that the Secretary
, Of the NavS is further directed to furnish
, the House Of Representatives with copies
Of all orders. directions. instructions OF
/. official suggestions issued by him or any
officer of the Navy Department or OF the
{ ing the use IT movements OF the armed
o naval forces of the United States at the
Hawaiian Islands.
Considerable Excitement.
: As soon as the reading was completed Q
q dozen members on both sides were instantly
e on their feet clamoring for recognition. The
: Speaker refused TO recognize any one ana
5 ruled that the resolution would have to be
b submitted to the committee on foreign af-
Q tition OF the disorder which was precipitated
: !, a few days ago on the same subject. Above
the storm could be heard the voices Of Nc
Creary (kyD, Dockery (Mo) and Talbot
Md calling for the regular order. Finally
! Mr.. McCreary entered his objection TO the
present consideration OF the resolution. and
: IL was referred.
Mr.. McCreary's Substitute.
Mr.. McCreary CKy.). chairman of the com.
mittee on foreign affairs, was recognized Il
: offer a resolution In lieu OF those submitted
= some days ago by Messrs. Hit and Bou.
n telle- 1t was reported, with a recommenda.
: tion that IL pass. The resolution was sen,
Z TO the desk. Mr.. Boutelle asked to have the
report read but the Speaker ruled that 1,
was not in order to read IL.
Mr.. McCreary-"Mr. Speaker, / ask per.
mission to make an explanation of thii
resolution
l. The Speaker-"Explanations are not In
= order"
: Mr.. Boutelle here took a hand In the dis
cussion with the ironical remark. Il thought
the gentleman from Kentucky was always
In order"
. Great Confusion.
There was great confusion, and the
Speaker pounded violently on his desk. but
the hubbub continued and above the tumulr