The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-06-01
TROUBLE AT HONOLULU.
HAWAIIAN MATTERS BECoMINo
MORE COMPLICATED.
Minister BIount Publishes His Instruc-
tons From the United States
Mr.. Stevens Sails.

HONOLULU. VIA SAN FRANCISCO,
May 19-The situation here is at present
more interesting than for several months,
and the whole town is agog with excite
ment over late developments. First came
the arrests OF Bush and Kenyon. editors
Of native papers, on charges Of libeling
the provisional Government and Minister
Stevens; then publication OF Secretary
Gresham's instructions TO Commissioner
Blount, and warning by the latter to
annexationists that they could not depend
on help from the United States In case
the royalists ATTEMPTED to reinstate their
queen; then news of Blounts appoint
ment as United States Minister TO Hawaii,
and, finally, an attempt Of the provisional
Government to silence Charles Nordhon,
correspondent Of a New York paper, and
Minister Blounts interference In MS be-
half. All sorts OF alarming rumors are
sent out. and even Minister Blount, who
all along has predicted that there will be
no trouble is not now so confident.
On May 18th Commissioner Blount gave
out for publication his letter Of instruc-
lions from Secretary Gresham. The in
structions are quite voluminous. They re-
quest Mr.. Blount to investigate the con-
dition OF affairs in the Hawaii Islands,
and says: "Your authority in all matters
touching the relations Of this Government
to existing or other Governments on the
islands and protection OF our citizens is
paramount, and I'm you alone, acting in
cooperation with the commander OF naval
forces. is vested full directions and power
to determine when such forces shall be
landed or withdrawn"
Among other things stated by Secretary
Gresham are that Minister Stevens will be
instructed to furnish Mr. Blount needed
assistance, and would perform the usual
functions of minister; that while the
United States claims no rights TO inter
fere in international conflicts this Gov
eminent will adhere to its consistent and
established policy, and will not acquiesce
In domestic interference by other powers.
At the end of his instructions Mr.. Blount
added the following postscript:
While / shall refrain from interference
between conflicting forces Of whatever
nationality for suprmacy, / will protect
American citizens not participating in
such conflict.
These few lines created great excite
ment, as they were regarded by all
parties as a plain invitation to the Roy
alists to make trouble. The Royalists,
however. say they are not now prepared
to take advantage OF Mr.. BlOunts notice,
but will await the decision of the United
States. If the islands are annexed they
and the Queen will submit TO the inevita-
bic and become good Americans. IL the
islands are not annexed, as the Royalists
firmly believe they will not be, then there
may be trouble. The provisional Govern
ment, although II does not look for any
disturbance, is strengthening its position,
and claims to be able TO hold the ground
for several years, until a new administra-
ton Of annexation is refused by Mr..
Cleveland
on May 18th the news Of Mr.. Blounts
appointment as United States Minister TO
Hawaii arrived. Mr. Blount Immediately
took the oath Of office and entered on
his new duties. Mr. Blount, however will
not accept the position permanently but
will ask 10 be relieved as soon as pracu-
cable. Mr.. Blounts appointment is APP
parently satisfactory TO both parties here
as he is regarded as perfectly impartial
His work as special commissioner is COM
pleted. and a report has been forwarded
to Washington.
Claus Spreckels is still vigorously fight
ing annexation, and is charged by the an
nexationists with working In the interests
Of the sugar trust. Of which he is alleged
20 be a member.
Ex-Minister Stevens sailed to-day for
the United States. His friends here have
raised $1,000 with which 10 purchase him a
silver service as token Of their esteem.