The record-union., 1893-06-01
BOTH SIDES PLEASED.

DlOunLS communication seemed 10 De
apparently comforting TO both sides.
The AnneXationists Interpreted it as an
intimatiOn to the ex-Queen and her sup
porters that Commissioner Blounps err
rand here was not to restore her to her
throne, and that the interests of Ameri-
can citizens here would be protected.
The Royalists admit all this. but glee-
fully call attention to that part of Blounts
letter which says that American citizens
not participating in the conflict would be
protected, and ask: "What about the
American citizens who do participate in a
conflict for supremacy"
The Annexationists answer this ques-
tion by the declaration that there will be
no conflict, and the indications are that
they are right, as the Royalists seem dis
posed to await the decision of the United
States in regard to annexation. In case
that decision is against annexation then
the Royalists will undoubtedly put Mr..
BIounps announcement to test.
The Queens supporters, and even some
OF the AnneXationists, contend that Mr..
Blount has taken this means to give the
Provisional Government notice that in
case of trouble it will have to fight its
own battles and not rely on help from
| the United States. By other Annexa-
tIonlsts it is regarded as plain invita-
ton to their dissatisfied opponents to re-
sist the Provisional Government. Speak
ing of the reasons that led him to make
public his instructions at this time, Mr..
Blount said to the Associated Press rep
resentatve:
81 refraiaed from making my instruc-
tions public until I could fully under
stand the people among whom l was
sent, and give confidence by action rather
than by any formal statement. In this
course l have now the approval of all
parties here. To illustrate: On my ar
rival there was intense fear among the
whites that in the event of the withdrawal
OF the American marines and the hauling
down of the American ensign, the Japan
ese troops would land for the purpose of
| restoring the eX-Queen, Liliuokalani.
My instructions required me to recog-
nize the right of the Japanese Govern
ment or any other foreign Government to
land troops for the protection of the per-
sons and property of its citizens. Such
information at that time would have pro-
duced intense anxiety and possible disor-
der. When l had come to understand
and have free and easy intercourse with
all classes Of people, and became assured
that the publication of my instructions
would be attended with no circumstances
of excitement, and at the same time
would more definitely inform the minds
of the people as to the scope of my mis-
sion, l believed it my duty to publish
them"
BLOUNT AS MINISTER
On May 18th the news of Blounts ap-
| pointment as United States Minister to
Hawaii arrived. Mr.. Blount Immediately
took the oath of Office and entered upon
his new duties. Mr.. Blount, however.
will not accept the position permanently,
but will ask to be relieved as soon as
practicable. Blounts appointment is
apparently satisfactory to both parties
here, as he is regarded as perfectly i'm
partial.
His work as Special Commissioner is
completed and his report has been for
warded to Washington.
By the anneXationists Mr. Blount's ap-
pointment as Minister is considered to be
certain torerunner of annexation. They
argue that Mr.. Biount would not take the
position permanently, nor would the
President think of asking him to, but
the Administration has decided upon an
neXation, and thinks it not advisable to
send new man here but for a few
months.
Claus Spreckels is still vigorously op-
posed to annexation, but says that he is
done with politics; that he has given his
opinion and his advice, and the rival par
| ties can now fight it out among them
selves.
As far as can be learned, Spreckels has
not made much headway in convincing
his brother sugar-planters that annex
alton is not desirable.
The writings of Charles Nordhoff. the
! New York Herdtds correspondent. have
| greatly displeased the annexationists.
| who declared his statements to be untrue.
Nordhotf was threatened with violence.
and was furnished with police protec-
! ton.
The Provisional Government cited him
]
visory Councils and give his authority
! for certain statements. Nordhoff con-
suited Minister Blount, who ordered him
to pay no attention to the demands OF the
! Provisional Government.
Blount takes the stand that the Pro-
| visional Government has no power tC
control correspondents writing to papers
| published in the United States, and cites
! the Cutting case in Mexico as prece-
dent.
Blount is in correspondence with the
Government about the matter and it is
probable that, owing TO his interference,
the Provisional Government will drou
the subject, The affair caused great ex-
element here.
T. c. Porter, Minister of Finance, has
resigned and his place has been taken by
! Vice President Damon. No one vet has
been selected to succeed Damon as Vice
| President.