The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-04-15
LOWERING OF THEFLAG.
FEARS OF JAPANESE INTER
FERENCE AT HONOLULU.

The Mikado's Consul and the Officers OF
One of His Werships Deny That They
Have ANY Such Intention-It Would
Be Considered An Act of Hostility
to This Country-Blount Acting
Under Instructions.
HONOLULU, April Con April /, as
stated in last nights dispatches, the Ameri-
can flag was hauled down and the Haw aian
flag run up, and the American marines
went aboard their ship. This action was
taken pursuant to instructions carried by
Commissioner Blount. The royallsts, ia
view Of this, Mr.. Blounts frat official act.
which was unaccompanied by any word or
explanation, are greatly encouraged
Munster Stevens was not informed OF the
commissioners intention to lower the flag,
and the provisional government had less
than twenty-four hours notice. The members
of the provisional government called on Mr.
Blount on April 3. returning his visit Of
March 80, when he was introduced by Min
ister Stevens and presented bis credentials
The conference lasted over au hour. Ats
torney General Smith said that while the
commissioner gave them no direct assur.
ance Of any kind beyond that the United
States would allow no foreign interference,
the government was we'll pleased with the
manner OF the commissioner and did not
think their interests would suffer in his
hands.
JAPANESE INTERFERENCE FEARED.
Since the unexpected withdrawafof the
United States flag the chief danger apprs-
hended here is that of Japanese interference
either on behalf of or at the application of
Japanese subjects, or the HawaIans them
selves Honolulu, always town of rumors,
was started on ths same night on which the
proposed hauling down of the stars and
stripes became known by report that the
queen anticipated such action and would
apply to the captain Of the Japanese cruiser
Naniwa for protection against the
provisional government and assistance
to restore her to the throne. Minister
Stevens, Commissioner Blouut and Admiral
Skel rott consulted over the matter, and, it
was stated, agreed that Japanese interfer-
enoe would be an act Of hostility to the
United States, and that American interests
demanded that such be repelled. No hostile
demonstration, however, has been made by
any party Up to this writing. So many
rumors have been circulated regarding the
intentions Of the mikado's representatives
that the officers OF the cruiser and
the consul have been led to make deniAls
of the reports. The officers OF the Japanese
cruiser called on Admiral Skerrett a few
days ago and assured him that no hostile
intentions were entertained. The Japanese
consul in newspaper interview makes a
similar disclaimer.
BLOUNT'S INSTRUCTIONS.
WAsHINGroN, April 14.-There is diplo-
matic reticeDce around the white house
concerning the nature of the instructions
given Commissioner Blouut in his mission
to Hawaii, but it is stated with some pos
itiveness that he was given authority for
hauling down the stare aud stripes at Hon
olulu prior to his departure from Washing
ton 1t is understood that MIR. Blount was
given definite instructions TO withdraw the
protectorate of the United States over
Hawaii 10 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 be
was cautioned to confide this information to
no person whatsoever, in order that the
motives and intentions of the administra-
ton might not be construed so as to cause
trouble among the Haw0iians.
THE VISIT TO THE WHITE HOUSE.
On the afternoon of his departure from
Washington for San Francisco, Mr. Blount
spent some time at the white house. The
cabinet was in session and Mr.. Bl0unt was
called In and discussed with the President
aud 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 900 miles
from Washington, and the news was tele-
graphed to San Francisco, where Mr..
Bush. Queen LIlioukaani's agent. learned it
and started Immediately for Honolulu. 50
when Mr.. 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 ex-
ception Of the fact ths5 the commissioner
had authority to declare the protectorate
at an end.
REASON FOR THE SECRECY.
This exception was guarded carefully by
Mr.. Blount for the reason given, it is said,
by the President that II the fact that the
American flag was 20 be hauled down be-
came known 1t might create trouble and
bloodshed, and also offer temptation to for
eign nations to step in and secure the
prize before the United States
could offer adequate explanation for
its course. Mr. Blount followed his instruc-
tions to the letter. He waited until the ex.
element incident TO his arrival had COM
pletely died out and affairs we're in u tran
quill state before making known that the
protectorate was at an end. He also
made it known at the same
time that the United States would
still consider Hawaii and the Hswaiians
under its guardianship, 30 far as outside in-
terference was concerned, and In this also
shared the caution which Mr.. Cleveland and
Secretary Gresham had impressed on him
OF sensationalism. These are said 60 be the
F,r .,,gNL 80 et.-