Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1893-02-10
OUR FLAG is THERE
1t Floats Over the Capital of
Queen Liliuokalani.
STEVENS MAKES A COUP DETAT,

And at the Request of the Provisional
Government Declares Your Uncle Sam
Protector of the Islands-The American
Flag Raised Over the Government Build
ings-what Secretary Foster Says of the
News-Anti-AnnexersE En- Route to Wash
ington-The Annexers Reply to Colburn
Comment.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10-The important
news was received from San Francisco
yesterday that United States Minister
Stevens, at the request of the Hawaiian
provisional government, had issued q pro-
clamation declaring a United States pro-
tectorate over the Sandwich islands and
raised the United States flag over the
buildings held by the revolutionary rulers.
The Hawaiian flag still floats at one point
In Honolulu called the yard" The provi-
sional government has formulated an oath
of allegiance to the new rulers which has
been taken by many. The Boston's crew
IS on guard in the city and the revolution
airy "army" has been increased. This news
was brought by the steamship Australia
and is undoubtedly correct.
Purpose of the Protectorate.
Minister Stevens says in his proclama-
ton that the protectorate is only for the
purpose of protecting life and property and
will not interfere with the present gov
eminent This government has pro-
claimed a sort of martial law and natives
are not allowed abroad after night with
out passess. They have prohibited the
purchase of arms by any one except the
themselves treason, with the object of pre-
venting any act in favor of the queen.
The British consul has recognized the gov
eminent as de facto until he receives in
structions from home.
Drowning of Miss Stevens.
A sad accident occurred on Jan. 81, the
day before the protectorate was declared.
Miss Stevens daughter of the United States
minister, was drowned while being trans
ferred from shore to steamer at one of the
islands. The rope by which the transfer
was made broke and she was dashed on
the rocks. AS natives were employed in
pulling the chair along all particulars were
hushed up for fear her death might be con-
strued as an act of revenge on the minister
for his part in the revolution.
Stevens Reports to Foster.
Late last night Secretary of State Foster
received the following dispatch from Min
lister Stevens, dated Honolulu, Feb. l, via
San Francisco, Feb. 9, 1893:
provisional government of Hawaii gain
ing power and respect. Everything is
quiet. Annexation sentiment is increasing.
Dead monarchy and opposition to annexa-
ton is supported chiefly by lottery and
opium ring. Today at 8 a. m. W accord
ance with the request of the provisional
government Of Hawaii, 1 have placed gov
-ernment of Hawaii under United States
protection during negotiations not inter
fering with the execution Of public affairs
Dispatches by mail with full details.
(Signedl STEVENS"
Acted Without Instructions.
Speaking Of the dispatch and the devel
opments of the day in the Hawaiian situa
ton Secretary Foster said that the action
OF Minister Stevens in declaring the Ha
waiian islands under the protectorate Of
the United States was taken without In
structions from the department of state
In fact, the movement for the change OF
government was unexpected, and had moi
been anticipated by instructions from
Washington. Stevens had, therefore, been
compelled to act Independently and upon
qis best judgment as the emergency haC
arisen.
Justification for Recent Events.
The only instructions given by the depart
ment was the telegram of the 18th ult., al
ready published, approving Stevens recog
milton of the provisional government. He
had been further instructed to protect
American citizens and property. Secretar,
Foster stated that American citizens wer'
the owners of at least three-fourths Of thu
entire real and personal property Of tn
Islands, and they were more interested thai
all other residents in the preservation o
peace and good government.