The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-04-14
HAULED down THE FLAG
The American Protectorate Over the
Hawaiian Islands Declared
at an End.
The Flag Taken Down and the
Mariners Sent Back to
Their Ship.
No Demonstration Attended the Transfer
Of Nationality -Blounrs Letter to
President Dole.

President Dole.
Honolulu, April 6.-The stars and
stripes. which for two months have foated
from the governments building, have been
hauled down and the remaining forces
from the United States cruiser Boston sent
aboard tho ship. Nothing indicative of
American authority remains in Honolulu
save Minister Stevens and Commis issioner
Blount. The report that Commissioner
Blount would order the flag down and the
protectorate abolished got abroad the
night Of March 81, and the occurrence ore
ated among the American party a feeling
OF CONSERVATION, not altogether unmixed
with indignation. This was due to the
fact. perhaps. that Blount maintained
Chinese wall about the purposes of his
mission and satisfied neither side as to
whether he came a. an envoy TO investi-
gate or minister to negotiate. On the
afternoon of March 81 Blount had .
lengthy and secret conference with Presi-
dent Dole and the cabinet. after which he
notified them of his intention to declare
of the protsctorate established by Minis
ter Stevens Feb. /. 1t is understood he
gave az q reason that the Washington adj
ministration did mot regard pI otection as
necessary, and, further, it IL incompatible
with any diplomatic negotiations between
the two countries. The United States, how
ever, would brook no hostile interference
in Hawaiin affairs by any foreign lower.
Conscious of their strength. in view of the
latter assurance. the provisional govern
ment, though somewhat reluctantly, &C
t. Ah@ A~s ~s-s-
and prepared to order out the forces to
maintain peace and quiet, which had con-
tinusd almost unbroken during the pro-
tectorate.
On the morning Of April l. President
Dole and the cabinet inspected the troops;
ing, with the regulars about 400 in all.
The hour for. hauling down the American
flag was fixed for II O'Clock. Az
early az eight the streets began
to fill and the residents discussed. not with
out some heat, the unlooked-for action of
square the natives, Chinese. Japanese, half
castles. Portuguese and whites, on foot,
horseback and in carriages, waited TO Hee
the flag come down. On the faces of the
American residents were looks Of ohaGrin,
while broad 2rins overspread the faces of
| the natives. A minority of the onlookers,
however. preserved a stolid silence. just
before II the regular troops of the provision
al government marched into the inolosurs
before the government building. They
were followed by the volunteers. The gat-
ling guns and two hotchkiss field pieces
were placed in position to silence hostile
demonstrations. Other troops were sta
toned about the city. Inside the govern
ment yard were President Dole and the
members of his cabinet, Chief Justice Judd
and other officials; officers from the naval
vessels in the harbor; prominent residents
M utat Sr,ff A
Lieut.. Draper, U. S. n. stepped forth amid
the sudden hush of the throng and. facing
the government building, raised his bugle
and sounded call in clear and distinct
notes. Drawn by unseen agencies the flag
sank from sight and minute later the
Hawaiian emblem was hoisted in its place.
Not cheer. scarce o sound, accompanied
the transformation.
The troops were then stationed about the
building and Lieut.. Draper and his squad
of marines then proceeded to camp Boston,
which they immediately evacuated and
marched to the boat landing and embarked
to 90 aboard the Boston. The lack of
demonstration is attributed to the fact that
the queen requested her people to instruct
the natives to make no outburst.
Commissioner Bount remains good
deal of an American sphinx. About the
only public knowledge had of him here 10
contained in a letter from President Cleve-
land to President Dole which says: II
have made the choice of James H. Blount
as special commissioner to visit
the Hawaiian islands and make report con-
CO ming the present status of affairs in that
country. He is we'll informed OF our sin
core desire to cultivate and maintain to the
fullest extent the friendship which has so
long existed between the two countries.
and in all matters affecting relations with
the government of the Hawaiian islands
his authority is paramount. My knowleRe
nf hva r. irh Ohoro ro0kne o1t vr,;S,
entire confidence that he would use every
endeavor to advance the interests and
prosperity of both governments, and render
himself acceptable to your sxoslienoy."
Blount was introduced by Minister
Stevens and presented his credentials from
speaking Of the meeting, said while the
commissioner gave no direct assur ance
beyond that the United States would allow
no foreign interference here. the Hawaiian
government is we'll pleased with the man
ner of the commissioner and he did not
think their interests would suffer at his
hands. The chief danger apprehended here
10 of the Japanese interfering. The day be-
fore the flag was hauled down q rumor WAS
started that the queen anticipated that
event and would apply to the captian of the
Japanese cruiser for protection against the
proyisinal government and assistance to
restore her to the throne.
Minister stevens, Commissioner Blount |
and Admiral Skerrett consulted over the |
mattsr, and IL 10 stated, agreed that Japa- |
nese interference would be az act of hostil- |
ity to the United States. and be Tepelled. |
No hostile demonstration, however, has
been mac de by any party up to the present |
time. The officers OF the Japanese cruiser |
called on Admiral Skerrett a few days ago |
and assured him that no hostile intentions |
were entertained by the Japanese. Consul
Fugy denied the report that his govern
ment would interfere in Hawaiian affairs.
Commissioner Blount has been receiving
and is loaded down with expressions Of
good will. A delegate from the annex alton
club presented an address setting forth the |
satisfaction Of the association at ths Ap-
pointment OF Blount and expressing conf |
dence that tho most searching examination
will disclose the faot that tho present gov
ernment was established az matter of
necessity and duty TO interest, to humanity |
and civilization, aud not as n scheme to |
promote the selfish object of any clique. |
B.ount. III replying. said: 'You will very |
readily understand that can make no re- |
ply to this address. My negotiations will |
be conducted entirely with your govern |
mens; l am pleased. however, to meet
you." |
Tho committee from the HnwRiin Pa |
triotic league cHlled on tho Commissioner |
on the afternoon following tho withdi avail |
of the proteetorate and presented memo |
rial reciting that while tho Hawaiian peo-
plo are anxious TO promote the CLOSEST and |
most intimate political aud commsroinl re-
II rtiona viAh thu IIniIad ktnlsa thsv do n M L