Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-14

IN the instructions issued under the previous
administration by Secretary John W. Foster TO
Minister Stevens under date Of February IL,
1898:
The phraseology Of your proclamation in
announcing your action in the assumption Of pro-
lection Of the Hawaiian Islands in the name
OF the United States would appear to be
tantamount to the assumption Of q pro-
tectorate over those islands in behalf
OF the United States. with all the rights and
obligations which the term implies. To this
extent it goes beyond the necessities
Of the situation and the instructions
heretofore given you. So
far as your action amounts to, according
70 the request of the de facto sovereign
government Of the Hawaiian Islands, the
forces OF the United States for the pro-
lection Of life and property from appre-
hended disorders, your action is commended
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 the SYM
Dol and manifestation of paramount authority,
il is dissvowed."
1t is contcnded, in view Of the statements
from President Dole that the provisional gov
eFumeut COulu MAINTAIN anu project Itself
against assault from within, the necessity for
the presence OF United States ma
rines on shore and the fying Of
the United States flag has passed. Therefore,
it is argued, Mr.. Blount was correct in order
ing the marines to their boats and the flag to
be bauled down. especially il the presence of
the flag over the government building in
Honolulu, as stated, tended to impede diplo-
matte relations between the two countries and
to embarrass negotiations.
WHAT COMMISSIONERS CARTER SAYS
Mr.. Chas L. Carter, one Of the Hawaiian an
nexation commissioners. was seen at his hotel
by q reporter and asked il he had any news
He replied in the negative, but stated that he
fully expected to hear something in the course
Of the day.
Speaking Of the lowering Of the United States
flag by Mr.. Blounts order Mr.. Carter said:
Il do not think ii means reversal Of
the policy Of the government as eK-
pressed by the late administration.
factory to the annexstionists. and he promptly
disavowed the protectorate. The force of
marines was posted on duty in response
TO the request Of the provisional gov
ernment to protect persons and property
against assaults and danger from the
natives. The necessity for this has passed; the
annexation movement has gained strength and
members, and President Dole has announced
that it was able to maintain itself,
if not asssiled from without. There
fore, the forces Of the United
States were no longer essential, and with their
removal, Of course, the flag came down. What
we all regret Ii that events have made II neces-
sary to pursue that course. We had hoped
when 1t once hoisted, that annexation
would be accomplished and that it might never
again be hauled down"
No advices from Honolulu have been re-
ceived at the Navy Department Officers on
duty there are disappointed and speak with re-
luctsnce about the matter. Navy officers, as
rule. are strongly in favor OF annexing these
islands and are inclined to consider the bring
ing to an end OF the protectorate as a step back
ward.
Mr.. BLouNT's ALLEGED INSTRUCTIONS.
There is diplomatic reticence around the
White House concerning the nature of the in
structions given Commissioner Blount in
his mission to Hawaii, but it IL stated
with some positiveness that he was
given authority for hauling down the
stars and stripes at Honolulu prior to his de-
parture from Washington. 1t is understood
that Mr.. Blount was given definite in
structions to Withdraw the protectorate
Of the United States over Hawaii in
order that this government might find
itself free in dealing with the main question OF
annexation. but on the day of his departure
for San Francisco he was cautioned to
confde this information to no person
whatsoever, in order that the mo-
tives and the intentions OF the admins
tration might not be construed so as to cause
trouble among the Hawaiians. On the after
noon of his departure from Washington
for San Francisco Mr.. Blount spent some
time at the White Honse. The cab
met was in session and Mr.. 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 Mr.. Bush. Queen Liioukalani's agent,
Honolulu So when MIR. Blount arrived
at his destination the knowledge Of his
business had preceded him. 1t was not
the intention to keep secret what that business
was with the exception of the fact that the
commissioner had authority to declare the
ton was guarded careful lily by Mr.. Blount,
for the reason given, it is said, by
the President that il the fact that the American
flag was to be hauled down became known II
might create trouble and bloocshed and also offer
temptation to foreign nations to step In and Sc
cure the prize before the United States could
offer adequate explanation for its course.
Mr.. Blount followed his instructions to the
letter. He waited until the excitement
incident to his arrival had completely
died out and affairs were in tranquil
state before making known that the
protectorate was a. an end. He also made il
known at the same time that the United States
would still consider Hawaii and the Hawaiians
under its guardianship so far a. OUT
side interference was concerned, and
in this also shared the caution
which Mr.. Cleveland and Secretary Gresham
had impressed on him to deprive the announce
mept Of auy tinge of sensationalism.
These are said to be the facts in the matter
with reference to the instructions Of Mr..
Blount.
coNGREssMAN sPRINaER's WE'VE.
Congressman Springer was . White House
caller this morning, and before he left the
mansion he said to = STAR reporter that Mr..
Blount's action in hauling down the American
flag at Honolulu was in accordance with in
structions and was undoubtedly the proper
thing to do under the circumstances He sale that
il this government desires to treat with
Hawaii on q plane OF equality, the first step
would be to remove the protectorate. Presi-
dent Harrison's administration had disavowsd
the protectorate and the present administrs-
ton simply carries the dissvowal into eject
WHAT M. STEVENS rHrSKA
Congressman Stevens Of Massachusetts, was
one Of the callers at the White House this morn
ing and was asked BY TIE STAR reporter what
he thought Of Mr.. Blount's action in hauling
down the United States flag ct Honolulu
"At first blush IL seemed like step back
ward" be replied. "but upon thinking IL over