The herald., 1893-06-01
AFFAIRS IN THE ISLANDS.

Great Excitement in Honolulu Over Re-
cent Developments.
Honolulu, May 24.--[Psr the steamer
Australia via San Francisco, May 3l.l-
The situation here is at present more
interesting than for several months.
The whole town 10 agog with excitement
over late developments. First came the
arrest of Measrs. Rush and Kenyon.
editors Of native papers, on charges Of
hbeling the provisional government and
Minister Stevens, then the publication
of Secretary Gresham's instructions to
Commissioner Blount and the latter's
warning to the eannexationists, that they
could not depend on help from the
United States in case the Royalsts
attempted to reinstate their queen;
then the news of Blount's appointment
as United States minister to Hawaii,
and finally the attempt of the provis-
ional government to silence Charles
Nordhoff, correspondent Of the New
York Herald, and Minister Blount's
interference in his behalf All sorts of
alarming rumors are ahoat, and even
Mininter Blount who all elong mas pre-
| ulCtcQ LnAb thOiO WAL w AAO eAN0bAN3 40
not now so confident.
On May 10Th Commissioner Blount
gave out for publication his letter of In
structions from Secretary Gresham.
The instructions are quite yoluminous
and request Blount to investigate the
condition of affairs in the Hawaiian is-
lands, saying: "Your authority in all
matters touching the relations Of this
government to the existing or other
government of the islands for protec-
tion OF our citizens, is paramount, and
on you alone, acting in cooperation with
the commander of the naval forces, is
vested full discretion and power to de-
termine when such forces should be
| landed or withdrawn"
Among other things stated by Ores.
ham were that Minister Stevens had
been instructed to furnish Blount need
ed assistance, and would perform the
usual functions OF minister; that while
the United States claims no right to in
terfere in internal conflicts, this gov
ernment will adhere to it's consistent
and established policy, and it 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 the conflicting forces of Ha
waiian nationality for supremacy, will
protect American citizens not participate
ing in such conflict"
These few lines created great excite
ment, as they were regerded by all par
ties as plain invitation to Royalists L
make trouble. The Royalists, however
say that they are not now prepared Il
take advantage of Blount's notice, bu
will await the decision Of the United
States. II the islands are annexed the.
and the queen will submit to the inevi
table and become good American cit
zens. II the islands are not annexed
! and the royal family believe they Wi
, not be, then there may be trouble.
The provisional government, although
, it does not look for any disturbance,
l strengthening its position, and claim
to be able to hold together for sewers
? years, until new administration, il ar
J nexation is refused by Mr.. Cleveland.
On May 18th the news of Blount
+ appointment as United States ministe
3 to Hawaii arrived. Mr.. Blount imme
+ diately took the oath of office and or
D tered upon his new duties He, how
ever, will not accept the position pei
? msnently, but will ask to be relieved q
= soon as possible.
k Blount's appointment is apparentl
It satisfactory to both parties here, as b
q ie regarded as perfectly impartial. Hi
d work as special commissioner is con
d pleted, and his report has been 10
@ wsrded to Washington.
a Claus Spreckels is still vigorousI
|. fighting annexation, and is charged b
s the annexationists with working i'll I'll
y interests of the augsr trust, OF which !
y is alleged to be member.
& Ex-Minister Stevens sails today II
d the United States. His friends he
Is have raised $1,000 with which to pu
chase him a silver service as token
ID their esteem.
IA Although Minister Blount did n
!. formally enter upon his new duties un
is May 23d, he has already come into ct
j. lission with the provisional governmsT
o. The writings of Charles Notdhoh, I
10 New York Hersld's correspondent, hs
greatly displease6 the annexationis
who declare his statements to be untru
Nordhoff was threatened with violen'
., and was furnished police protectlo
40 The provisional government cited IA
3 to appear before the executive and {
AZ visory councils and give his author
for certain statements. Nordhoh cC
suited Minister Blount, who ordered b
81 ,,ar, M Sttaut;ou m the demands